The US Open, one of the few single section tournaments left in the nation, is coming to Dallas this August!

The U.S. Open Championship is an open national chess championship that has been held in the United States annually since 1900. Through 1938, the tournaments were organized by the Western Chess Association and its successor, the American Chess Federation (1934–1938). The United States Chess Federation (USCF) has run the tournament since 1939.

In the early years of the US Open, the number of entrants was small, and play was conducted as round robins with preliminaries, Championship Finals, and Consolation Finals. Starting in 1947, the Swiss system has been used to accommodate a large number of players. Through 1965, the tournaments had 12 or 13 rounds and lasted nearly two weeks. The 2008 tournament is one monster-size open section with 9 rounds held over 9 days.

Often held in faraway cities in New Jersey, Illinios, Arizona, Floria, or even Hawaii, to have this tournament held in state is a treat we hope many local players will take advantage of. The US Open was last held our state back in 1984, in Ft Worth, TX. And Austin's very own Joe Bradford won the US Open back in 1978. Maybe Texas will see another champion?! Joe, are you up for the challenge?

For more information or to register for the 2009 US Open, click here. Many of Austin's finest will be in attendance. Won't you join them?