Menlo Park Chess Club

Casual, Blitz, Bughouse, Ladder Chess Evening
2024-05-02 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-05-09 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-05-16 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma Street, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, United States
Our regular weekly club meeting occurs Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm in the Oak Room of the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center. Casual, blitz, bughouse and ladder chess games are in the offing and we will also play another impromptu blitz tournament beginning at 7pm (free, no prizes), given there appears to be an appetite for same.

Casual, Blitz, Lecture, Ladder Chess Evening
2024-05-23 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-06-27 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-07-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-07-18 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-10 18:00 - 21:00
Our regular weekly club meeting occurs Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm in the Oak Room of the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center. Casual, blitz, bughouse and ladder chess games as well as a possible lecture are in the offing and we will also play another impromptu blitz tournament beginning at 7pm (free, no prizes), given there appears to be an appetite for same.

A4c Variant Tournament #2
2024-05-30 19:00 - 21:00
Background: This will be our second foray into A4c Chess and it’s long overdue, given how well our first such event was received. One of the strongest blitz players in our club came up with this variant and, after hearing it described, we couldn’t resist holding an informal tournament to give it a try. It involves a good deal of fast chess plus a game within a game (a metagame) centered around how best to manage one’s fixed time allotment over several games.

Concept: Players will play best of 3 games against the same opponent in each round with 10 minutes on their clocks, with no increment or delay. When a game ends, players pause the clock but do not reset the time. They reset the pieces then restart the clock for the next game with the times remaining from the prior game(s). If a player runs out of time they lose the match. If a player wins the majority of the points possible in the 3 games, they win the match (so if a player wins two games and still has time remaining on their clock they win the match). One player gets two games with the white pieces (first and third games) and the other gets preferred clock side for all games.

Oddities: Clock location does not change so one player always keeps it on their preferred side. Typically the players start the game by drawing for colors then whomever wins the draw chooses White or Clockside, but given we’ll be holding a Swiss system tournament the player assigned White in any round gets two whites and the player assigned Black gets to choose clockside. (We could also allow the player who is assigned White by the pairing software to choose color preference or clockside to further complicate the metagame).

Comments: I like the metagame aspect of this format because it incentivizes players to manage their clock across multiple games with tactical decisions (whether it is burning down an opponent’s time when they are ahead on time or resigning quickly to preserve more time for subsequent games). It also allows a stronger slower player to manage their time differently and take more time to win the majority of games (though this is risky if they go into a third game after budgeting time poorly).

Format: As mentioned above, we will play best of 3 games at Gs/10 over three or possibly four rounds (no increment or delay), depending upon when we get started, and we may split players into groups of 4-8 by rating if the tournament doesn’t start very near 7pm (leaving time for just three rounds), so please arrive a little earlier if at all possible.

June Double-Round Quick-Rated Quads, Round 1
2024-06-06 07:00 - 20:30
The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold US Chess quick-rated double-round quads and/or 6- or 8-person 3-round Swiss sections over three consecutive weeks beginning Thursday, June 6th, using the G/15;d5 time control and playing two games against each opponent during the same evening, one as white and one as black. Players will be grouped into quads or small Swiss sections based upon rating to keep things as even as possible. No byes will be available for this event so if you are unable to play all three weeks (June 6th, 13th, 20th) please do not register. These quads are suitable for experienced players as well as newer US Chess members seeking to establish an over-the-board rating. Details follow:

Format: Double-round quads and/or small Swiss tournaments over three weeks, two games per evening against the same opponent, one as white and one as black
Rounds: June 6th, 13th and 20th—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
Control: G/15;d5 (quick-rated game of 15 minutes per player plus a 5-second delay per move)
Entry Fee: $10 (PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12); entire entry fee goes to the prize fund.
Prizes: First place in each quad receives $25, second place receives $15, any ties will split the cash prize(s)—Swiss sections will offer three prizes
Byes: No byes are available for this event
Register: Please sign up in advance using the ‘Register’ button, above
Equipment: Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a digital clock if you own one)
Membership: All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
Rules: Our tournament chess rules summary is mandatory reading if you’re new to tournament play
Info: For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
Social: Join our Facebook group or email list to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

June Double-Round Quick-Rated Quads, Round 2
2024-06-13 19:00 - 20:30
The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold US Chess quick-rated double-round quads and/or 6- or 8-person 3-round Swiss sections over three consecutive weeks beginning Thursday, June 6th, using the G/15;d5 time control and playing two games against each opponent during the same evening, one as white and one as black. Players will be grouped into quads or small Swiss sections based upon rating to keep things as even as possible. No byes will be available for this event so if you are unable to play all three weeks (June 6th, 13th, 20th) please do not register. These quads are suitable for experienced players as well as newer US Chess members seeking to establish an over-the-board rating. Details follow:

Format: Double-round quads and/or small Swiss tournaments over three weeks, two games per evening against the same opponent, one as white and one as black
Rounds: June 6th, 13th and 20th—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
Control: G/15;d5 (quick-rated game of 15 minutes per player plus a 5-second delay per move)
Entry Fee: $10 (PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12); entire entry fee goes to the prize fund.
Prizes: First place in each quad receives $25, second place receives $15, any ties will split the cash prize(s)—Swiss sections will offer three prizes
Byes: No byes are available for this event
Equipment: Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a digital clock if you own one)
Membership: All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
Rules: Our tournament chess rules summary is mandatory reading if you’re new to tournament play
Info: For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
Social: Join our Facebook group or email list to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

June Double-Round Quick-Rated Quads, Round 3
2024-06-20 19:00 - 20:30

Casual, Blitz, Lecture, Ladder Chess Evening
2024-07-25 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-08-01 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-08-29 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-09-05 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-09-19 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-09-26 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-03 18:00 - 21:00
Our regular weekly club meeting occurs Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm in the Oak Room of the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center. Casual, blitz, bughouse and ladder chess games as well as a possible lecture are in the offing and we will also play another impromptu blitz tournament beginning at 7pm (free, no prizes), given there appears to be a strong appetite for same.

August Double-Round Quick-Rated Quads, Round 1
2024-08-08 19:00 - 20:30
The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold US Chess quick-rated double-round quads and/or 6- or 8-person 3-round Swiss sections over three consecutive weeks beginning Thursday, August 8th, using the G/15;d5 time control and playing two games against each opponent during the same evening, one as white and one as black. Players will be grouped into quads or small Swiss sections based upon rating to keep things as competitive as possible. No byes will be available for this event so if you are unable to play all three weeks (August 8th, 15th, 22nd) please do not register. These quads are suitable for experienced players as well as newer US Chess members seeking to establish an over-the-board rating. Details follow:

Format: Double-round quads and/or small Swiss tournaments over three weeks, two games per evening against the same opponent, one as white and one as black
Link: https://menloparkchess.club/event/august-double-round-quick-rated-quads-round-1/
Rounds: August 8th, 15th and 22nd—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
Control: G/15;d5 (quick-rated game of 15 minutes per player plus a 5-second delay per move)
Entry Fee: $15 (PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12); entire entry fee goes to the prize fund.
Prizes: First place in each quad receives $40, second place receives $20, any ties will split the cash prize(s)—Swiss sections will offer three prizes
Byes: No byes are available for this event
Register: Please sign up in advance using the ‘Register’ button above
Equipment: Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a digital clock if you own one)
Membership: All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
Rules: Our tournament chess rules summary is mandatory reading if you’re new to tournament play
Info: For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
Social: Join our Facebook group or email list to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

August Double-Round Quick-Rated Quads, Round 2
2024-08-15 19:00 - 20:30
The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold US Chess quick-rated double-round quads and/or 6- or 8-person 3-round Swiss sections over three consecutive weeks beginning Thursday, August 8th, using the G/15;d5 time control and playing two games against each opponent during the same evening, one as white and one as black. Players will be grouped into quads or small Swiss sections based upon rating to keep things as competitive as possible. No byes will be available for this event so if you are unable to play all three weeks (August 8th, 15th, 22nd) please do not register. These quads are suitable for experienced players as well as newer US Chess members seeking to establish an over-the-board rating. Details follow:

Format: Double-round quads and/or small Swiss tournaments over three weeks, two games per evening against the same opponent, one as white and one as black
Rounds: August 8th, 15th and 22nd—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
Control: G/15;d5 (quick-rated game of 15 minutes per player plus a 5-second delay per move)
Entry Fee: $15 (PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12); entire entry fee goes to the prize fund.
Prizes: First place in each quad receives $40, second place receives $20, any ties will split the cash prize(s)—Swiss sections will offer three prizes
Byes: No byes are available for this event
Register: Registration closes after start of first round
Equipment: Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a digital clock if you own one)
Membership: All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
Rules: Our tournament chess rules summary is mandatory reading if you’re new to tournament play
Info: For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
Social: Join our Facebook group or email list to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

August Double-Round Quick-Rated Quads, Round 3
2024-08-22 19:00 - 20:30
The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold US Chess quick-rated double-round quads and/or 6- or 8-person 3-round Swiss sections over three consecutive weeks beginning Thursday, August 8th, using the G/15;d5 time control and playing two games against each opponent during the same evening, one as white and one as black. Players will be grouped into quads or small Swiss sections based upon rating to keep things as competitive as possible. No byes will be available for this event so if you are unable to play all three weeks (August 8th, 15th, 22nd) please do not register. These quads are suitable for experienced players as well as newer US Chess members seeking to establish an over-the-board rating. Details follow:

Format: Double-round quads and/or small Swiss tournaments over three weeks, two games per evening against the same opponent, one as white and one as black
Rounds: August 8th, 15th and 22nd—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
Control: G/15;d5 (quick-rated game of 15 minutes per player plus a 5-second delay per move)
Entry Fee: $15 (PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12); entire entry fee goes to the prize fund.
Prizes: First place in each quad receives $40, second place receives $20, any ties will split the cash prize(s)—Swiss sections will offer three prizes
Byes: No byes are available for this event
Register: Registrations close after the start of the first round
Equipment: Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a digital clock if you own one)
Membership: All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
Rules: Our tournament chess rules summary is mandatory reading if you’re new to tournament play
Info: For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
Social: Join our Facebook group or email list to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Club Blitz Championship Tournament #1: G/5+0
2024-10-17 19:00 - 21:00
The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold our first annual blitz chess championship beginning Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm, a seven-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the G/5+0 time control (no increment or delay) over one evening. Our blitz championship is aimed at players with some rated or blitz tournament experience and may not be suitable for beginners or for children under the age of 10, given this event could last until almost 9pm on a school night.
Note that the US Chess Rules for Blitz Chess are slightly different than those the club typically follows in our impromptu blitz events so please spend the ~10 minutes needed to read the rules summary linked here.
This tournament will be followed Thursday, October 24th, by another seven-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the G/3+2 time control, one which requires a separate registration and entry fee (see the Events page for a link). The individual who participates in both events over two weeks and has the highest combined score will be declared our Blitz Chess Champion and will receive an additional $100 prize. In the event of a tie there will be a G/3+0 playoff for both the prize and the title–first player to win a game is the victor.
Details for the G/5+0 event follow:

Format: Seven-round Swiss-system rated tournament in one section over one evening
Rounds: Round 1 begins promptly at 7:00pm and participants are strongly encouraged to check in by 6:45pm; subsequent rounds begin 1-2 minutes after previous round ends
Control: G/5+0 (blitz-rated game of 5 minutes for each player with no increment or delay
Entry Fee: $5 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)

Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
Prizes: Two prize groups based upon October US Chess regular, quick or blitz ratings (TD discretion for each player) with roughly 16 players per prize group, winner take all: Group 1, $100; Group 2, $60, based on 32 players
Byes: Zero-point byes are available for any round
Register: Please sign up in advance using the ‘Register’ button, above
Boards, sets and clocks will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
The US Chess Rules for Blitz Chess is short, required reading
Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Club Blitz Championship Tournament #2: G/3+2
2024-10-24 19:00 - 21:00
The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold the second of our blitz chess championship tournaments on Thursday, October 24th, at 7pm, a seven-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the G/3+2 time control over one evening. Our blitz championship is aimed at players with some rated or blitz tournament experience and may not be suitable for beginners or for children under the age of 10, given this event could last until almost 9pm on a school night.
This tournament was preceded by the seven-round G/5+0 event the previous week. The individual who participates in both events over two weeks and has the highest combined score will be declared our Blitz Chess Champion and will receive an additional $100 prize. In the event of a tie there will be a G/3+0 playoff for both the prize and the title–first player to win a game is the victor.
Note that the US Chess Rules for Blitz Chess are slightly different than those the club typically follows in our impromptu blitz events so please spend the ~10 minutes needed to read the rules summary linked here.
Details for the G/3+2 event follow:

Format: Seven-round Swiss-system rated tournament in one section over one evening
Rounds: Round 1 begins promptly at 7:00pm and participants are strongly encouraged to check in by 6:45pm; subsequent rounds begin 1-2 minutes after previous round ends
Control: G/3+2 (blitz-rated game of 3 minutes for each player with a 2-second increment added after each move)
Entry Fee: $5 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)

Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
Prizes: Two prize groups based upon October US Chess regular, quick or blitz ratings (TD discretion for each player) with roughly 16 players per prize group, winner take all: Group 1, $100; Group 2, $60, based on 32 players
Byes: Zero-point byes are available for any round
Register: Please sign up in advance using the ‘Register’ button, above
Boards, sets and clocks will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
The US Chess Rules for Blitz Chess is short, required reading
Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Third Menlo Park Chess Club Championship, Round 1
2024-11-07 19:00 - 21:00
The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold our third annual club championship beginning Thursday, November 7th, at 7pm, a five-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the dual-rated G/45;d5 time control over five weeks . Our championship is aimed at players with at least some tournament experience (one or two rated events, say) and may not be suitable for children under the age of 10, given games could last until almost 9pm on a school night. Additionally, if your child has trouble sitting still or remaining quiet for an hour or two then we would humbly request that you consider registering him or her in one of our other rated events and forego the club championship (we love our junior players but there are a few who struggle to remain quiet during even the shorter time controls). Details follow:

Format: Five-round Swiss-system tournament in one section, one game per evening
Rounds: November 7th, 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th (there is no round November 28th, Thanksgiving)—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
Control: G/45;d5 (dual-rated game of 45 minutes for each player plus a 5-second delay per move)
Entry Fee: $20 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)

Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
Prizes: Four prize groups based upon November US Chess regular ratings with roughly 8 players per prize group (Group 1: $120, $60, $40; Group 2: $100, $60, $40; Group 3: $80, $40, $20; Group 4: $80, $40, $20, with adjustments as needed based on tournament/group size)
Byes: One half-point bye is available for any round save the last, but the bye must be requested at least two days in advance of the day of play
Register: Please sign up in advance using the ‘Register’ button, above
Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Third Menlo Park Chess Club Championship, Round 2
2024-11-14 19:00 - 21:00
The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold our third annual club championship beginning Thursday, November 7th, at 7pm, a five-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the dual-rated G/45;d5 time control over five weeks . Our championship is aimed at players with at least some tournament experience (one or two rated events, say) and may not be suitable for children under the age of 10, given games could last until almost 9pm on a school night. Additionally, if your child has trouble sitting still or remaining quiet for an hour or two then we would humbly request that you consider registering him or her in one of our other rated events and forego the club championship (we love our junior players but there are a few who struggle to remain quiet during even the shorter time controls). Details follow:

Format: Five-round Swiss-system tournament in one section, one game per evening
Rounds: November 7th, 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th (there is no round November 28th, Thanksgiving)—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
Control: G/45;d5 (dual-rated game of 45 minutes for each player plus a 5-second delay per move)
Entry Fee: $20 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)

Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
Prizes: Four prize groups based upon November US Chess regular ratings with roughly 8 players per prize group (Group 1: $120, $60, $40; Group 2: $100, $60, $40; Group 3: $80, $40, $20; Group 4: $80, $40, $20, with adjustments as needed based on tournament/group size)
Byes: One half-point bye is available for any round save the last, but the bye must be requested at least two days in advance of the day of play
Register: Registrations most likely closed after round 1 was played but send email to info@menloparkchess.club to inquire about possible late registration
Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Third Menlo Park Chess Club Championship, Round 3
2024-11-21 19:00 - 21:00

Third Menlo Park Chess Club Championship, Round 4
2024-12-05 19:00 - 21:00
The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold our third annual club championship beginning Thursday, November 7th, at 7pm, a five-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the dual-rated G/45;d5 time control over five weeks . Our championship is aimed at players with at least some tournament experience (one or two rated events, say) and may not be suitable for children under the age of 10, given games could last until almost 9pm on a school night. Additionally, if your child has trouble sitting still or remaining quiet for an hour or two then we would humbly request that you consider registering him or her in one of our other rated events and forego the club championship (we love our junior players but there are a few who struggle to remain quiet during even the shorter time controls). Details follow:

Format: Five-round Swiss-system tournament in one section, one game per evening
Rounds: November 7th, 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th (there is no round November 28th, Thanksgiving)—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
Control: G/45;d5 (dual-rated game of 45 minutes for each player plus a 5-second delay per move)
Entry Fee: $20 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)

Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
Prizes: Four prize groups based upon November US Chess regular ratings with roughly 8 players per prize group (Group 1: $120, $60, $40; Group 2: $100, $60, $40; Group 3: $80, $40, $20; Group 4: $80, $40, $20, with adjustments as needed based on tournament/group size)
Byes: One half-point bye is available for any round save the last, but the bye must be requested at least two days in advance of the day of play
Register: Registrations are closed for this event
Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Third Menlo Park Chess Club Championship, Round 5
2024-12-12 19:00 - 21:00

No Chess Club Meeting: Enjoy the Holidays!
2024-12-19 18:00 - 21:00
We won’t meet on Thursday, December 19th, given it’s the Holiday Season and most people will be otherwise engaged. Please enjoy the Holidays, have a very Happy New Year and we’ll see you in 2025!
