Tag: open

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91st Annual Southwest Open

Event website: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/91SWO
view the advance entry list:  https://www.kingregistration.com/entrylist/91SWO

Register online today. 

Overview:
International (FIDE norm) section: 9SS G/90 with 30 sec inc. Begins Thursday evening, August 28, 2025. (Specific details regarding USCF vs FIDE rules listed on event website.)
Remaining sections: 7SS G/60 with 30 sec inc.  4 sections, divided by rating. Begins Friday afternoon, August 29, 2025.

Venue:
Wyndham Garden McAllen, 1921 S 10th St, McAllen, TX 78503
956-994-0505
*For room rates mention banquet rates.

International Section: 
Place Prizes: $3000 first, $1500 second, $500 third. 120 Enhanced Grand Prix Points.
Special Collegiate Prizes: $400 top college, $250 second, $150 third
Top college student earns title 2025-26 Southwest Collegiate Champion, plaque, and name engraved on trophy
Top female college student earns title 2025-26 Southwest Collegiate Women’s Champion and plaque
Collegiate team titles and collegiate women’s team titles also awarded
Armageddon playoff for tied college individual or women’s champion
College prizes stack with main prizes

All Other Sections: 
Prizes: Points-based prizes as follows: $1000 for seven points, $750 for 6.5 points, $500 for six points, $200 for 5.5 points and $50 for five points.

All Players:
Birthday bonus: $25 for players with at least an even score whose birthday occurs during the tournament.
The four highest scores from all sections combined (except last two rounds of International) will be used for team awards. The top five teams receive four plaques each.

Forfeit Rule:
Players who fail to appear within 30 minutes of round start forfeit the game unless the Chief TD otherwise provides for good cause.

Schedule:
Available on the EVENT WEBSITE.

Entry fees: 
International Section:  $150 by June 30, $200 by July 30, $225 by August 15, $250 by August 22, $300 thereafter
**GMs and foreign IMs free entry in International section
All Other Sections: $75 by June 30, $100 by July 30, $115 by August 15, $125 by August 22, $150 thereafter

Play-up fee: $100 for International, $50 for other sections (waived if within 50 points)
Seniors (65+): $10 discount (use code: STILLGOTIT)
Onsite Registration: $25 additional fee (closes an hour before round one)

Register online today. 

Side Events:

Texas Blitz Championship: The Blitz Championship will be six rounds with a G/5 time control. There will be two sections: Championship and U1600. This is rated. The entry fee is $25.

Texas Bullet Championship: The Bullet Championship will be nine double rounds (eighteen games total) with a G/1 time control. This is not rated. The entry fee is $15.

Texas Freestyle Championship: Freestyle, also known as Chess 960 or Fischer Random, is a chess variant where the starting position is randomized. The Freestyle Championship will be five rounds with a G/10 time control. This is not rated. The entry fee is $20.

Texas Puzzles Championship: TBD

General: The highest-ranking player(s) in each of the above tournaments (or the championship section thereof, if subdivided) will be declared state champions. Players are not required to compete in the main event. 70% of entry fees will be returned as prizes. Sections may be further subdivided or merged if appropriate due to turnout. The other rules for the main event apply unless the organizers otherwise provide.

TCA Annual Membership Meeting: This is a business meeting where members will hear reports from officers and vote on important business affecting the Association. All TCA members who are Texas residents and at least 16 years of age are voting members. Everyone is welcome to attend. An agenda will be posted on the TCA website at least two weeks in advance.

Questions: Contact David Ortiz, 832-908-5462 at admin@texaschess.org

Event website: 
https://new.uschess.org/91st-southwest-open

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MLK Day Open

Rated 5SS in three sections, each with 2 schedules, offered by the Atlantic Chess Association over MLK weekend 2025. Read the description and register online:  https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5458

Location
Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria
7611 Katy Freeway
Houston, Texas 77024

Sections

  • Premier (FIDE rated)
  • U1900
  • U1500 

All sections are USCF-rated. The top section is also FIDE-rated and follows FIDE pairing rules.
To play in the Premier section,  your rating must have reached 1800 after any tournament within the past calendar year.

Schedule
FIVE Rounds at a time control of G/90 + 30. 

  • 3 Day Schedule: All games G/90+30
  • 2 Day Schedule: Rounds 1 and 2 are G/60;d5
  • Default/Forfeit Time: 1 hour
  • See the event website for all round times.
  • Limit two irrevocable half-point byes. Byes must be committed 1 hr before Round 2.

Prizes
$7500 in cash prizes based on 150 entries.

  • Premier (min rating 1800*): $1200-800-600-400-200, Class Prizes U2100 $250-150, Top Upset $200 (Total $$3800)
  • U1900: $800-600-400-200-100, Class Prizes U1700 $200-100 (Total $$2400) Unr limit $200
  • U1500: $600-300-200-100 (Total $$1200) Unr limit $200
  • Top Female Player (In any section): $100

Entry Fee

**Free entry to GM/IM/WGM/WIM if committed by December 22, 2024 (No deduction from prizes!)**
$120 by 12/22/24
$135 by 1/05/2025
$155 by 01/15/2025
$180 on or after 1/16/2025 (on-site registration closes 1 hour before Round 1).

Withdrawals are subject to a $15 processing fee

Registration link: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5458

Other Notes
This tournament is USCF-rated. Your USCF membership should not expire before 1/31/2025.

Boards and pieces will be provided, but please bring your chess clock. Each player should have a chess clock to play. If you do not have one, chess clocks will be available for purchase onsite.

No electronic boards or notation devices permitted.

Hotel reservations with chess rate available. $89/night + taxes. Use this link OR Call (713) 680 2222. Last Day to get the chess rate is January 3rd 2025

Side Event: Blitz Tournaments on Saturday 01/18/25 at approx. 9 PM. Blitz details and registration: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5459

Questions
Please contact director@atlanticchessassociation.com if you have any questions.

Please share our event flyer.

Main Event: ONLINE TLA!
Blitz Tournament: ONLINE TLA!

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Open Section at the 2025 Region VI Chess Championships

USCF rated chess tournament for all adults and scholastic players rated 1200 and up who do not reside in TCA’s Region VI.  (Players who reside and attend school in Region VI should register for the scholastic championships.)

Final Results are available!

View the advance entry list online.

Day-of reminders:
Read our player reminders (you are responsible for all this info!)
+Playing locations (campus map):
+Open Section – Bldg 2, room 346
+Your 1st round starts promptly at 9:15!
+Pairings will probably be online. (Paper copies in your room as well.)
+Food will be offered for purchase (see description of offerings below).  You may also bring lunch and snacks.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.
+If you have kids playing – make sure they have someone to help them if you’re still occupied with your game.
+No Check in necessary. If you have paid, you will play!
+Watch for a player reminder email.  Check your junk folder!

Basics

This is a Swiss-system tournament, so everyone plays all day—there is no “elimination.” Players must know how to play the game of chess! We follow USCF rules including: touch-move, mandatory clocks (bring your own if at all possible), and mandatory notation. If registrations exceed 40, we will split into two sections.

Location

NYOS Charter School
12333 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78753

Open section chess play will take place in a classroom.
Review a map of campus.

Eligibility

All adults
Youth (high school or younger) who do NOT reside in TCA’s Region VI and have reached 1200 at some point in their ratings history.
Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate scholastic section of the 2025 Region VI Scholastic Chess Championships. This is a rated tournament. You must have a USCF ID and your membership (can be purchased/renewed at check out or online with the USCF in advance of registration) . You can verify your USCF membership ID and expiration by visiting the USCF’s Member Services Area. Anyone can become a USCF member. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your USCF membership cannot expire before February 28, 2025.  USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out.

Schedule

No check-in necessary for preregistrations. We will make every attempt to contact you in advance if we see a problem with your registration. Verify your entry ONLINE!
9:00 a.m. Open section begins. Open has 4 rounds, all rounds are are G/45, +5.
No changes for round 1 (bye or section) allowed after online registration closes. Requests for byes, withdrawals, player info edits and school information may be made onsite and go into effect as of round 2. Onsite registrations possible, but only only at the discretion of the open section TD, if space permits. Register online!

Approximate Round Times

Open Section:
rd 1 – 9:15am, rd2 – 11:15am, lunch break, rd3 – 1:45pm, rd4 – 3:45pm

Notes

There will be some “down time” between rounds since many games will finish early. We will provide an area (outside the tournament room) for casual “skittles” chess and/or other indoor activities.

Concessions available for purchase.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

Awards

Cash prizes (to winners in both sections, in the case of multiple sections), based on number of entries. Special trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring Family & Child teams  (Uncles, Aunts, Adult siblings, Parents, or Grandparents paired with at least one scholastic aged player.). 

Registration Information

Entry fee pricing is staggered and based on date of entry/payment. Register online today!

*Early entry $35 thru  Saturday, 11/30/2024
* Regular entry $40 thru Friday, 01/31/2025
* Late entry $45 thru Thursday, 02/20/2025.  Online entry closes at NOON.
**If space permits, onsite registration will be permitted, $50. Cash or venmo only. First round play requires registration before 8:40am.

Withdrawals requested via email before noon on Thursday 02/20/2025 are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 service fee). No refunds for USCF memberships after purchased from the USCF. NO email/phone entries.

Ineligible entries will be withdrawn and refunded (minus a service fee).  PLEASE READ THE FULL TOURNAMENT DESCRIPTION.  Email the registrar if you have questions about eligibility. **If you live in the Austin or San Antonio areas and are a youth  – you DO NOT qualify to play in the this open event!**

Please request byes when you register if possible. First bye receives 1/2-point. Further byes receive 0-points. Email the registrar to make changes to your requested byes. Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 8:45am, Saturday morning. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

Email Lori Balkum, registrar (registrar@AustinChessTournaments.com) with other questions. No phone calls, please. Emails will be returned promptly.

Organized by Rocks & Rooks. Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer (ggaiffe@att.net).

View the ONLINE TLA!

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Open and K-12 Elite Sections at the Paragon Prep 2024 November Scholastic Tournament

The Open and K-12 Sections held in conjunction with the Rocks & Rooks scholastic chess tournament on November 23, 2024. USCF rated chess tournament for adults and more advanced scholastic players. Open plays 4SS at G/45,+5 and K-12 Elite plays 5SS at G/40,+5.

Final Results are available!
The tournament has been rated by the USCF.

Verify your entry on the advance entry list.

Day-of reminders:
+We play in the ELEMENTARY BUILDING on Great Northern.  This is the building BEHIND the big black middle school building!
+Read our player reminders (you are responsible for all this info!)
+Pairings will be online.
+K-12 Elite games will be played in Room 113.  Open Section games will be played in Room 140B. (building map).
+Announcements at 8:45. We start promptly at 9am!
+Zaika’s Indian Kitchen will be offering a lunch menu, and light snacks and drinks will also be available – all for purchase.
+Watch for a player reminder email on Thursday – check your junk folder!

Basics

This is a Swiss-system tournament, so everyone plays all day—there is no “elimination.” Players must know how to play the game of chess! We follow USCF rules including: touch-move, mandatory clocks (bring your own if at all possible), and mandatory notation. If registrations are high, we reserve the right to split the open section into two sections.

Location

Paragon Prep
7944 Great Northern Boulevard
Austin, TX 78757

Eligibility

Open Section:
All adults
Any youth who have reached at least 1300 by the November 2024 USCF supplement.
K-12 Elite:
Any youth rated between 950 and 1399 on the November 2024 USCF Supplement

Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate ‘under’  section of the Paragon Prep November 2024 Scholastic Chess Tournament. 

This is a rated tournament. You must have a USCF ID and your membership (can be purchased/renewed at check out or online with the USCF in advance of registration) . You can verify your USCF membership ID and expiration by visiting the USCF’s Member Services Area. Anyone can become a USCF member. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your USCF membership cannot expire before November 30, 2024.  USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out.

Schedule

No check-in necessary for preregistrations. We will make every attempt to contact you in advance if we see a problem with your registration. Verify your entry ONLINE!
8:45 a.m. K-12 Elite begins
9:15 a.m. Open  sections begin. Open has 4 rounds of G/45,+5; K-12 Elite has 5 rounds of G/40, +5.

No changes for round 1 (bye or section) allowed after online registration closes. Requests for byes, withdrawals, player info edits be made onsite with your chief TD and go into effect as of round 2.

Approximate Round Times

Open and K-12 Elite Sections*:
Open (4 rounds):
rd 1 – 9:15am, rd 2 – 11:10am, rd 3 – 1:25pm, rd 4 – 3:30pm
K-12 Elite (5 rounds):
rd 1 – 8:45am, rd 2 – 10:35am, rd 3 – 12:25pm, rd 4 – 2:15pm, rd 5 – 4:00pm

(Sections will play in separate rooms.)

Notes

There will be some “down time” between rounds since many games will finish early. We will provide an area (outside the tournament room) for casual “skittles” chess and/or other indoor activities.

Zaika’s Indian Kitchen will be offering a luncheon menu (11:00am – 2:30pm) at the event: Chicken and Rice Marsala, Vegetable Plate, Samosas, Chai, Mango Lassi, and a Vegan Plate. Prices range from $2 to $10.   Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

Proper handwashing and adherence to COVID 19 exposure guidelines mandatory!

Awards

Open section:
Cash prizes based on number of entries. Special trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring Family & Child teams  (Uncles, Aunts, Siblings, Parents, or Grandparents paired with at least one scholastic aged player.). 
K-12 Elite:
Trophies to top finishers. Medals to positive scores not receiving a trophy. Trophies top teams.  

Registration Information

Entry fee pricing is staggered and based on date of entry/payment.

(Youth pricing good for either K-12 Elite or Open.)
*youth – $40/adult – $30 thru Wednesday, 10/30/2024
*youth – $45/adult – $35 thru Saturday, 11/16/2024.
*Late entry youth-$50 / adult – $40 begins Sunday, 11/17/2024 and ENDS at 5pm on Thursday 10/21/24, at which time online entry closes.
*If space permits, onsite registration on Saturday, 11/23/24 will be permitted, $60 youth – $50 adult. Cash or venmo only. First round play requires registration and payment before 8:40am.

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday 11/20/24 are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 service fee). No exceptions. No refunds for USCF memberships after purchased from the USCF. NO email/phone entries.

Please request byes when you register if possible. First bye receives 1/2-point. Further byes receive 0-points. Email the registrar to make changes to your requested byes. Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 9am Friday 11/22/2024. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

Email Lori Balkum, registrar (registrar@AustinChessTournaments.com) with other questions. No phone calls, please. Emails will be returned promptly.

Organized by Rocks & Rooks. Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer (ggaiffe@att.net).

View the ONLINE TLA!

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Open Section at the 2024 Fall NYOS Scholastic Chess Tournament

USCF rated chess tournament on September 7, 2024 for adults and more advanced scholastic players. 4SS of G/45 +5.  Thank you for playing! Final Results have been posted and rated by the USCF.  Prize checks will be mailed later this week.

Verify your entry on the advance entry list.

Basics

This is a Swiss-system tournament, so everyone plays all day—there is no “elimination.” Players must know how to play the game of chess! We follow USCF rules including: touch-move, mandatory clocks (bring your own if at all possible), and mandatory notation. If registrations exceed 32, we reserve the right to split into two sections.

Location

NYOS Charter School
12333 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78753

Eligibility

All adults
Any youth who have reached at least 1300 by the September 2024 USCF supplement.
Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate scholastic section of the 2024 Fall NYOS Scholastic Chess Tournament.

This is a rated tournament. You must have a USCF ID and your membership (can be purchased/renewed at check out or online with the USCF in advance of registration) . You can verify your USCF membership ID and expiration by visiting the USCF’s Member Services Area. Anyone can become a USCF member. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your USCF membership cannot expire before September 30, 2024.  USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out.

Schedule

No check-in necessary for preregistrations. We will make every attempt to contact you in advance if we see a problem with your registration. Verify your entry ONLINE!
9:00 a.m. Open section begins. Open has 4 rounds, all rounds are are G/45, +5.

No changes for round 1 (bye or section) allowed after online registration closes. Requests for byes, withdrawals, player info edits be made onsite with your chief TD and go into effect as of round 2.

Approximate Round Times

Open Section:
rd 1 – 9:00am, rd2 – 11:00am, rd3 – 1:00pm, rd4 – 3:00pm

Notes

There will be some “down time” between rounds since many games will finish early. We will provide an area (outside the tournament room) for casual “skittles” chess and/or other indoor activities.

Concessions TBA.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

Proper handwashing and adherence to COVID 19 exposure guidelines mandatory!

Awards

Cash prizes (to winners in both sections, in the case of multiple sections), based on number of entries. Special trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring Family & Child teams  (Uncles, Aunts, Adult siblings, Parents, or Grandparents paired with at least one scholastic aged player.). 

Registration Information

Entry fee pricing is staggered and based on date of entry/payment. 

*youth – $35/adult – $25 thru Saturday, 8/17/2024.
*youth – $45/adult – $35 thru Saturday, 8/31/2024.
*Late entry youth-$50 / adult – $40 begins Sunday, 9/1/2024 and ENDS at midnight on Wednesday 9/4/24, at which time online entry closes.
*If space permits, onsite registration on Saturday, 9/7/24 will be permitted, $50 regardless of age. Cash or venmo only. First round play requires registration and payment before 8:45am.

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday 9/4/24 are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 service fee). No exceptions. No refunds for USCF memberships after purchased from the USCF. NO email/phone entries.

Please request byes when you register if possible. First bye receives 1/2-point. Further byes receive 0-points. Email the registrar to make changes to your requested byes. Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 9am Friday 9/6/2024. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

Email Lori Balkum, registrar (registrar@AustinChessTournaments.com) with other questions. No phone calls, please. Emails will be returned promptly.

Organized by Rocks & Rooks. Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer (ggaiffe@att.net).

View the ONLINE TLA!

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Austin Chess Tour: Open Qualifier #5: In-Person USCF Rated Tournament 

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on December 14, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 80 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
4SS, time controls determined by section
SECTION A:  1800 + USCF rated
SECTION B:  1400 – 1800 USCF rated
SECTION C:  1000 – 1400USCF rated
SECTION D:  U1000 USCF rated
**Players rated 1700 to 1799 may play Section A or B**
**Players rated 1300 to 1399 may play Section B or C**
**Players rated 900 to 999 may play Section C or D**
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● December 2024 official USCF ratings will be used.
● Unofficial USCF ratings will be used if unrated or to play in a
higher section.
● Players must reveal foreign, FIDE, and other over-the-board
ratings. These ratings will be adjusted, if necessary, and may be
used if they are higher than USCF ratings.

Sections A & B (all rounds G/60, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 12:15 AM
●  Lunch break: 2:30 PM
●  3rd round: 3:30 PM
●  4th round: 5:45 PM

Sections C & D (all rounds G/45, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:45 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:30 PM
●  3rd round: 2:30 PM
●  4th round: 4:15 PM

●  Closing ceremony for any section takes place after the last game finishes for that section.
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

PLAYERS MAY NOT POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $50  by December 8th at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 on or after December 9th (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration:  https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/open-qualifier-5/

PRIZES:
●  Section A : $400, $200, $100
●  Section B: $200, $100, $50
●  Section C: $100, $75, $50
●  Section D: Chess books
Medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each section.

OPEN QUALIFIER POINTS:
The top 10 places in Section A will earn points according to the following table
1st Place: 25 OQ Points
2nd Place: 18 OQ Points
3rd Place: 15 OQ Points
4th Place: 12 OQ Points
5th Place: 10 OQ Points
6th Place: 8 OQ Points
7th Place: 6 OQ Points
8th Place: 4 OQ Points
9th Place: 2 OQ Points
10th Place: 1 OQ Points

For more information about the point system, visit https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after paying the entry fee, please email us at info@austin-chess.com no later than 24 hours in advance.  We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations.  NO refunds will be issued if we are notified of cancellation within 24 hours of the start of the event.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director. 
NO refunds will be issued after the tournament begins. 

NO-SHOW POLICY: There are NO refunds or credit for players who do not show up for their scheduled tournament matches.

Please contact us at info@austin-chess.com for any additional questions or concerns. 

Posted on by

Austin Chess Tour: Open Qualifier #4: In-Person USCF Rated Tournament 

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on November 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 80 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
4SS, time controls determined by section
SECTION A:  1800 + USCF rated
SECTION B:  1400 – 1800 USCF rated
SECTION C:  1000 – 1400USCF rated
SECTION D:  U1000 USCF rated
**Players rated 1700 to 1799 may play Section A or B**
**Players rated 1300 to 1399 may play Section B or C**
**Players rated 900 to 999 may play Section C or D**
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● November 2024 official USCF ratings will be used.
● Unofficial USCF ratings will be used if unrated or to play in a
higher section.
● Players must reveal foreign, FIDE, and other over-the-board
ratings. These ratings will be adjusted, if necessary, and may be
used if they are higher than USCF ratings.

Sections A & B (all rounds G/60, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 12:15 AM
●  Lunch break: 2:30 PM
●  3rd round: 3:30 PM
●  4th round: 5:45 PM

Sections C & D (all rounds G/45, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:45 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:30 PM
●  3rd round: 2:30 PM
●  4th round: 4:15 PM

●  Closing ceremony for any section takes place after the last game finishes for that section.
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

PLAYERS MAY NOT POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $50  by November 24th at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 on or after November 25th (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration:  https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/open-qualifier-4/

PRIZES:
●  Section A : $400, $200, $100
●  Section B: $200, $100, $50
●  Section C: $100, $75, $50
●  Section D: Chess books
Medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each section.

OPEN QUALIFIER POINTS:
The top 10 places in Section A will earn points according to the following table
1st Place: 25 OQ Points
2nd Place: 18 OQ Points
3rd Place: 15 OQ Points
4th Place: 12 OQ Points
5th Place: 10 OQ Points
6th Place: 8 OQ Points
7th Place: 6 OQ Points
8th Place: 4 OQ Points
9th Place: 2 OQ Points
10th Place: 1 OQ Points

For more information about the point system, visit https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after paying the entry fee, please email us at info@austin-chess.com no later than 24 hours in advance.  We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations.  NO refunds will be issued if we are notified of cancellation within 24 hours of the start of the event.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director. 
NO refunds will be issued after the tournament begins. 

NO-SHOW POLICY: There are NO refunds or credit for players who do not show up for their scheduled tournament matches.

Please contact us at info@austin-chess.com for any additional questions or concerns. 

Posted on by

Open and K-12 Elite Sections at the 2024 National Chess Week Scholastic Tournament

The Open and K-12 Sections held in conjunction with the Rocks & Rooks scholastic chess tournament on October 5, 2024, all in celebration of National Chess Week. USCF rated chess tournament for adults and more advanced scholastic players. 5SS of G/40 +5!

Verify your entry on the advance entry list.

Thank you for playing! Final Results are online!  The tournament has been rated by the USCF.

Day-of reminders:
+We play in the ELEMENTARY BUILDING on Great Northern.  This is tbe building behind the big black middle school building!
+Read our player reminders (you are responsible for all this info!)
+Pairings will be online.
+Games will be played in room 123 (building map).
+We start promptly at 9am!
+NO CONCESSIONS will be offered (bring all of your food and drinks!)
+Watch for a player reminder email – check your junk folder!

Basics

This is a Swiss-system tournament, so everyone plays all day—there is no “elimination.” Players must know how to play the game of chess! We follow USCF rules including: touch-move, mandatory clocks (bring your own if at all possible), and mandatory notation. If registrations exceed 32, we reserve the right to split into two sections.

Location

Paragon Prep
7944 Great Northern Boulevard
Austin, TX 78757

Eligibility

Open Section:
All adults
Any youth who have reached at least 1300 by the October 2024 USCF supplement.
K-12 Elite:
Any youth rated between 950 and 1399 on the October 2024 USCF Supplement

Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate ‘under’ scholastic section of the 2024 National Chess Week Scholastic Chess Tournament. 

This is a rated tournament. You must have a USCF ID and your membership (can be purchased/renewed at check out or online with the USCF in advance of registration) . You can verify your USCF membership ID and expiration by visiting the USCF’s Member Services Area. Anyone can become a USCF member. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your USCF membership cannot expire before October 31, 2024.  USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out.

Schedule

No check-in necessary for preregistrations. We will make every attempt to contact you in advance if we see a problem with your registration. Verify your entry ONLINE!
9:00 a.m. Open and K-12 Elite sections begin.Both sections have 5 rounds, all rounds are G/40, +5.

No changes for round 1 (bye or section) allowed after online registration closes. Requests for byes, withdrawals, player info edits be made onsite with your chief TD and go into effect as of round 2.

Approximate Round Times

Open and K-12 Elite Sections:
rd 1 – 9:00am, rd 2 – 10:50am, rd 3 – 12:40pm, rd 4 – 2:25pm, rd 5 – 4:05pm

Notes

There will be some “down time” between rounds since many games will finish early. We will provide an area (outside the tournament room) for casual “skittles” chess and/or other indoor activities.

No concessions currently scheduled.  Please bring your lunch and snacks.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

Proper handwashing and adherence to COVID 19 exposure guidelines mandatory!

Awards

Open section:
Cash prizes based on number of entries. Special trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring Family & Child teams  (Uncles, Aunts, Siblings, Parents, or Grandparents paired with at least one scholastic aged player.). 
K-12 Elite:
Trophies to top finishers. Medals to positive scores not receiving a trophy. Trophies top teams.  

Registration Information

Entry fee pricing is staggered and based on date of entry/payment. 

*youth – $35/adult – $25 thru Saturday, 8/31/2024.
*youth – $40/adult – $30 thru Saturday, 9/14/2024
*youth – $45/adult – $35 thru Saturday, 9/28/2024.
*Late entry youth-$50 / adult – $40 begins Sunday, 9/29/2024 and ENDS at 5pm on Thursday 10/3/24, at which time online entry closes.
*If space permits, onsite registration on Saturday, 10/5/24 will be permitted, $60 youth – $50 adult. Cash or venmo only. First round play requires registration and payment before 8:45am. **No space for onsite entries**

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday 10/2/24 are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 service fee). No exceptions. No refunds for USCF memberships after purchased from the USCF. NO email/phone entries.

Please request byes when you register if possible. First bye receives 1/2-point. Further byes receive 0-points. Email the registrar to make changes to your requested byes. Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 9am Friday 10/4/2024. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

Email Lori Balkum, registrar (registrar@AustinChessTournaments.com) with other questions. No phone calls, please. Emails will be returned promptly.

Organized by Rocks & Rooks. Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer (ggaiffe@att.net).

View the ONLINE TLA!

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Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy Open USCF Rated Tournament 

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on June 15, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 70 players!

NEW LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail
Suite 100
Austin, TX 78729-7934
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
4SS, time control varies by section
SECTION A: 1800 + USCF rated
SECTION B: Under 1800 USCF rated
SECTION C: Under 1400 USCF rated
SECTION D: U800 Scholastic USCF rated

**Players between 1700 and 1799 can play Section A or B**
**Players between 1300 and 1399 can play Section B or C**
**Only Players Under 18 Years of Age can play Section D**

*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL SECTIONS*

RATING INFORMATION:
● July 2024 official USCF ratings will be used.
● Unofficial USCF ratings will be used if unrated or to play in a
higher section.
● Players must reveal foreign, FIDE, and other over-the-board
ratings. These ratings will be adjusted, if necessary, and may be
used if they are higher than USCF ratings.

TIME CONTROL & SCHEDULE:
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

Sections A & B: G/60, d5
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 12:15 PM
●  Lunch break: 2:30 PM
●  3rd round: 3:30 PM
●  4th round: 5:45 PM

Sections C & D: G/45, d5
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:45 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:30 PM
●  3rd round: 2:30 PM
●  4th round: 4:15 PM

The Closing ceremony for each will take place after the final round of that section.

PLAYERS MAY NOT POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $50 online at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/uscf-rated-july/ by July 21st at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 on or after July 22nd (same link)  via PayPal or cash (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

PRIZES:
●  Section A : $400, $200, $100
●  Section B: $200, $100, $50
●  Section C: $100, $75, $50
●  Section D:  Chess Books
Medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in all sections.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after paying the entry fee, please email us at info@austin-chess.com no later than 24 hours in advance.  We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations.  NO refunds will be issued if we are notified of cancellation within 24 hours of the start of the event.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director. 
NO refunds will be issued after the tournament begins. 

NO-SHOW POLICY: There are NO refunds or credit for players who do not show up for their scheduled tournament matches.

Please contact us at info@austin-chess.com for any additional questions or concerns. 

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Monthly Chess at the Lake Travis Community Library

Join us once a month for some chess! All ages welcome, but you should already know the very basics.

Location
Lake Travis Community Library
1938 Lohmans Crossing
Austin, TX 78734

Open play for anyone who knows how to play and wants to practice and improve their skills.

Every last Saturday of each month – 10:30am – 12:30pm.

No cost to participate.

For more information please contact Morgan McMillian, mmcmillian@laketravislibrary.org @ 512-608-9143.