CHESS this Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Last Sunday's USCF-rated club tournament at Carl's Jr. Restaurant was quite a success (despite several players being quite brain-fried at the end of the day)! 10 players competed, with 4 in a Quad and 6 in the one other group. The time control was game in 40 minutes with a ten-second delay ("G/40;d.10").

The 3-round Quad contest resulted in Irakli and Tony with 2 wins each, sharing top honors and the cash prize of $100, with runner-ups Ben C. and Chris S. each winning one match. Every match was well contested, and there was only one blunder of major consequence (of course I won't name who made that boo-boo). Tony managed to win his last two matches to tie for first, as Irakli had come very close to winning all three of his matches.

The 4-round group of 6 players resulted in another tie for the top two places: Matthew and Daniel C. each won 3 matches, with Daniel needing a win against Matthew in his last match to tie and split the $120 total cash prize for 1st and 2nd Places. 3rd Place was also up for grabs, and Benoit garnered it with 2 wins, for which Will with one win was also competing against Benoit in his last match. Kevin and Jackson had exciting contests, with each getting a draw, and a win for 1 1/2 pts. each, as Jackson extricated himself out of a 1-more-move checkmate loss by finding key forcing moves that led or would lead to a checkmate to win the last match!

It was also very nice to see several observers there, including Chris's friend Mckenzie, along with Sam, Mark, Evan, and Max H. Later, at Starbucks, Max won bragging rights by solving the day's rather difficult chess puzzle!

We will have our club's regular Wednesday afternoon session at our usual Starbucks venue this Wednesday, March 27, 2024. All ages and skill levels are most welcome, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). We'll also meet next Sunday (Easter!), same time (from 3:00 p.m. on, as usual come and go anytime), same place. So then, see you soon!

--- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746