Author: Lori Balkum

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Monthly Chess at the Lake Travis Community Library

Join us twice 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.  Coaching during games to facilitate learning new skills while practicing and playing.

Every 2nd Thursday of each month – 5pm to 6:45pm
Every last Saturday of each month – 10:30am – 12:30pm.

No cost to participate.

For more information please contact Rico Moreno  (ezrico4chess@icloud.com), 512-949-8670.

Weekly Thursday afternoon chess lessons available.

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Waco July 13th Swiss

Rated 4SS in 3 sections; G/45, d5. This event takes place on July 13, 2024. Limited to 60 players!

Location
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
1624 Wooded Acres Dr
Waco, TX 76710
(free parking on site!)

The church is behind the Target shopping center. Enter through main doors and turn right. The tournament room is at the end the of hallway.

Sections

  • Championship
  • U1600
  • U1000

Rounds and Times
Four Rounds at a time control of G/45;d5

  • Registration & Check-in: 9:00 to 9:20 AM
  • Round One: 9:30 AM
  • Round Two: 11:15 AM
  • Round Three: 1:30 PM (after lunch)
  • Round Four: 3:15 PM
  • $20 – Cash only (exact change appreciated). Paid when you arrive to tournament. 
  • Cash Prizes– Based on the number of entries

Registration Link and tournament info

  • Onsite Registration is 9:00 – 9:20 AM.  If you show up onsite without preregistering, there’s a chance the tournament will already be full.
  • Pre-registered not checked in by 9:20am will not be paired in round 1, unless you notify us (via email or text) that you are on the way.
  • (For parents registering children, you may enter the parent email and phone number, but please enter the player’s name.)

Details

  • Please bring a clock if you have one! We will provide chess sets.
  • US Chess Membership is required. Please be responsible for your membership prior to the event to help the organizers and prevent delays.
  • Notation is required.  Notation sheets will be available if needed, but please bring a pencil or pen.

Questions

For questions or problems registering, please email or text:
Dan Shafer (daniel_m_shafer@baylor.edu)
Deborah Shafer (dshaferchess@yahoo.com)
Or visit our site (wacochess.org)

Read our 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: 60 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: 1600 + USCF rated
SECTION B: Under 1600 USCF rated
SECTION C: Scholastic
**Players rated 1500 – 1599 may play Section A or B**
**Only players under the age of 18 may play Section C**
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● June 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.

Section A: 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

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

Section C: G/30, 15
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:15 AM
●  Lunch break: 12:15 PM
●  3rd round: 1:15 PM
●  4th round: 2:30 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-june/ by June 8th at 11:59 pm.
●  $65 on or after June 9th (same link)  via PayPal or cash (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
First 5 players above 1900 USCF to register get a minimum guaranteed prize of $75 if they finish all their games.

PRIZES:
●  Section A : $400, $150, $100
●  Section B: $150, $100, $50
●  Section C: trophies, Medals, and Chess Books

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. 

View our ONLINE TLA!

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Advance Entry List for the Saturday Scholastic at the 2024 ACC Summer Open

All registrations appear automatically. Please allow one to two days for USCF information to be verified, at which point the rating will be entered. (You may see ratings within sections that seem illogical. Please understand that only after the August 2024 rating supplement is finalized and published will players receive their final section adjustments. Rating changes made late July will not affect pairings or section placement.)

It is better to register early and change your section later, than to wait to register! Please see the tournament description for your options if your player’s rating hits 1000+.

If your name has a , your registration is complete.
If your name has a , the registrar has a question about your registration. Please contact the registrar if you have not already been contacted.
If there is no symbol in front of your name, your USCF verification is in process.

Jump to: K-6 U600, 6-12 U1000

Return to the Summer Open Scholastic tournament page.

K-6 U600

NameUSCF IDRatingByes
Jiang, George 30880253446
Kim, Siwoo 31796240105
Zehtabi, Nima 31550587325
Rawcliffe, Parley 31819990418
Rawcliffe, Carden 31830943579
Jaiswal, Amish 31781511286
Menon, Nik 317504740 – UNR
Shen, Matt Hu30799777 263
Chintakunta, Adhrith 303438592001
Chintakunta, Aniruddha 303438753301
Borkar, Spruha 30213862436
Actor, Luke 31946607
Section count: 12

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K-12 U1000

NameUSCF IDRatingByes
Ganesan, Tejus 30660921709
Uzdyaev, Gleb 30883658856
Palsule, Om Ninad31348373675
Chui, Jeffrey 30882595648
Raina, Advika 30497120820
Shi, Samuel Ruiqian30702234898
Yu, Benjamin 16935600786
Jonnalagadda, Arjun 30719678874
Pirani, Nuraiz 30857208768
Bhargav, Ryan 31339682605
Katooru , Praneel 31034004709
Vemulapalli, Jaishnavi 30058090228
Chakraborty, Aahan 30456077873
Liu, Xinzhe 17186715767
Shen, Mark Hu30799716447
Sanner, Lucas Tyrone31293157493
Manchanda, Annika 31464691
Section count: 17

Back to top

Total scholastic tournament registrants: 29

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Local student Makes a Podium Finish in the 2024 World School Championship

We are thrilled to announce that Advik Manchanda has medaled at the 2024 World School Chess Championship held In Lima, Peru, April 30-May 10, 2024. In the Under 09 Open category, he secured the Silver Medal, claiming 2nd position among 136 players from around the world. This achievement is a testament to Advik’s dedication, skill, and perseverance in the game of chess.

 Across 9 intense games, Advik scored an impressive 7.5 points, showcasing his strategic prowess and determination on the board. Advik has now earned the direct title of Candidate Master (CM), further solidifying his position as a rising star in the world of chess.

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2024 AGCA Invitational – Spring Edition

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an in-person 2024 AGCA Invitational Norm Tournament on May 24-28, 2024.

Organized by GM Alex Mista (Chief) and GM Andrey Stukopin (Deputy).  Chief Arbiter is IA Diana Tsypina.

Game Pairings/Results:
IM Norm tournament
GM Norm tournament

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
7801 North Lamar Blvd
Suite A123
Austin, TX 78752

SCHEDULE (G/90,+30)
two 10 player round robin sections (1 for IM norm seekers, 1 for GM norm seekers)
●  1st round: Friday, May 24, 2024, 6:00 PM
●  2nd round: Saturday, May 25, 2024, 10:00 AM
●  3rd round: Saturday, May 25, 2024, 4:00 PM
●  4th round: Sunday, May 26, 2024, 10:00 AM
●  5th round: Sunday, May 26, 2024, 4:00 PM
●  6th round: Monday, May 27, 2024, 10:00 AM
●  7th round: Monday, May 27, 2024, 4:00 PM
●  8th round: Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 9:00 AM
●  9th round: Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 3:00 PM
NOTE: All players are expected to play all 9 rounds.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

REGULATIONS
–Current FIDE Laws of Chess apply. This tournament is FIDE and US Chess rated.
-All games will use the equipment provided. –Players shall sign scoresheets after each game.
–Electronic Device Policy: players are strictly forbidden from having electronic devices with them during the game, even if they are turned off. Players found with any device during the game may lose the current game. Turn in cell phones at the arbiters’ desk before each round. No electronics are allowed in the playing hall unless they are checked in with the arbiter.
–Default/forfeit time: 60 minutes unless the arbiter decides otherwise. White’s clock will be started at the start of the round even if the players are not present.
-The organizers request that all players arrive on time for each round.

ENTRY FEES:
● $850 (norm seekers)
●  $650 (foreign federation norm seekers)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

REGISTRATION
To see a list of pre-registered players and to register, please visit : https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/norm_tournament/

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

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Saturday Scholastic at the 2024 ACC Summer Open

August 17th Scholastic chess tournament, two sections (K-6 U600, K-12 U1000). G/30, 5 second delay. Trophies and medals awarded. Limited to the first 45 players (combined section count). We will open a waiting list if registrations exceed capacity.

Registration now!

Verify your entry on the Advance Entry (Pre-registration) list .

Basics

USCF rated chess tournament on August 17th in two RATED scholastic sections:  K-6 U600 and K-12 U1000. Please note: grade level is base on the grade you are entering in the fall 2024. View the Advance Entry List online.

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 if available, and notation. Please review the Parent/Coach Responsibilities before registering

Location

Austin Southpark Hotel
specific room TBD
4140 Governors Row
Austin, TX 78744

This event is held in a different room from the weekend long Summer Open.

Eligibility

All players in this event must be in 12th grade (or lower) as of the fall 2024.

All players must be rated UNDER 1000 in the August Supplement (new scholastic players ok).  “Under” sections are only for students meeting the rating criteria. All players who are new to tournaments are eligible for their age appropriate ‘under’ section. (Look up your player’s rating here.)

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 August 31, 2024. USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out. All players must be FULL USCF members (JTP ID’s need to be renewed to full membership).

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!

Onsite registrations accepted by 10:30am if space available, but must start play in round 2.
9:40 a.m Announcements begin in the scholastic playing room.
Players should be present; parents ok.
10:00am Rd 1 begins (NO spectators). Both scholastic sections have 5 rds, G/30, d5.
9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Info desk open for event issues. No changes for round 1 (bye or section) allowed after online registration closes. Requests for byes, withdrawals, and player information edits go in effect immediately if made via email before the close of online registration. Changes requested onsite go into effect as of round 2.

Approximate Round Times

Both Scholastic Sections:
rd 1 – 10:00am, rd 2 – 11:30am, lunch break, rd 3 – 1:30 pm, rd 4 – 2:45 pm, rd 5 – 4:00 pm

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. Parents and/or coaches, please provide age-appropriate activities during the time between rounds. The organizers cannot baby-sit. No child should be left unattended!

Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.
No concessions will be served on-site by the organizer.  However, there is a small store with sandwiches, coffee, etc.  You may bring food into the hotel to eat in lobby areas.

Awards

Trophies & Medals to Top Contenders!

Trophies to the top individuals in each scholastic section. Number of trophies will depend on number of entries. Chess medals will go to all players that finish the tournament with a positive score (3.0 & 3.5 points) who do not win a trophy.

Registration Information

Register now!

  • $35 if received by Friday, 05/31/2024, 11:59pm CST
  • $40 if received by Sunday, 07/07/2024, 11:59pm CST
  • $45 thru the Wednesday before the tournament (8/14/24), 11:59pm CST
  • $50 thru the Thursday before the tournament (8/15/24), 11:59pm CST  OR onsite, IF space available. Any registrations made after Friday 8/16/2024 8:00pm receive a 1st round bye.

Withdrawal with refund available if requested by 7pm on Friday one week before the event (8/09/2024).  After that time, no refunds. NO EXCEPTIONS. Any refunds will incur a $10 processing and transaction fee. No refunds for USCF memberships after purchased from the USCF. NO email/phone entries.

If you register for this event and your August Supplement rating is above 999, you have two choices.  You can be withdrawn from this event and your entry fee refunded based on the refund schedule above OR you may transfer your FULL entry fee to the Summer Open weekend long event. Contact the registrar for a coupon code.

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 8am Friday 8/16/2024. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

Players who qualify for this tournament may participate in BOTH the Summer Open and play all rounds in the Saturday Scholastic by requesting a bye in the Summer Open 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).

Read our ONLINE TLA!

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Labor Day Tournament 2024

Description: This is a USCF rated swiss chess tournament open to all chess players. There will be 4 rounds with 3 sections all held on September 7th. 1/2 point bye available for any round if notified before Round 2 is paired. No last round byes.

LIMIT 40 PEOPLE FOR THIS EVENT.

Location:
Complete Chess
6391 De Zavala Rd, Ste 113
San Antonio, TX

Sections and Prizes:
*50% guaranteed in prizes based on 30 entries. 50% guaranteed payout.
One prize per person

Three sections prizes.
(Championship) 1400+
• $300-$150-$100

(Reserve) U1400
• $150-$100-$50

(Novice) U1000
• $150-$100-$50

**Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down**

Round times and Time Controls:
• All rounds G/40;d5
• Registration at 9:00-9:45 am if not done online.
• Rounds 1: 10:00am
• Rounds 2: 11:30am
• Lunch Break: 1:00pm
• Rounds 3: 2:00pm
• Rounds 4: 3:30pm

Entry fee: $50 if received before online before the tournament, $60 for on-site registration and may have to take 1st round bye. Masters play for free as well as first 3 experts (2000 USCF). Contact services.completechess@gmail.com

**No refunds after August 31st. All refunds will be charged a $7 processing and transaction fee. 

Questions:
Contact Complete Chess (completechess@gmail.com) if you have questions about this event.

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Memorial Madness

Description: This is a USCF rated swiss chess tournament open to all chess players. There will be 4 rounds with 3 sections all held on May 18th. 1/2 point bye available for any round if notified before Round 2 is paired. No last round byes.

LIMIT 40 PEOPLE FOR THIS EVENT.

Location:
Complete Chess
6391 De Zavala Rd, Ste 113
San Antonio, TX

Sections and Prizes:
*50% guaranteed in prizes based on 30 entries. 50% guaranteed payout.
One prize per person

Three sections prizes.
(Championship) 1400+
• $300-$150-$100

(Reserve) U1400
• $150-$100-$50

(Novice) U1000
• $150-$100-$50

**Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down**

Round times and Time Controls:
• All rounds G/40;d5
• Registration at 9:00-9:45 am if not done online.
• Rounds 1: 10:00am
• Rounds 2: 11:30am
• Lunch Break: 1:00pm
• Rounds 3: 2:00pm
• Rounds 4: 3:30pm

Entry fee: $50 if received before online before the tournament, $60 for on-site registration and may have to take 1st round bye. Masters play for free as well as first 3 experts (2000 USCF). Contact services.completechess@gmail.com

**No refunds after May 11th. All refunds will be charged a $7 processing and transaction fee. 

Questions:
Contact Complete Chess (completechess@gmail.com) if you have questions about this event.

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San Antonio City Championship 2024

Description: This is a USCF rated swiss chess tournament open to all chess players. There will be 5 rounds in total with 2 schedules offered. The two-day schedule will be on June 8-9th, while the three-day schedule will be the 7th, 8th, and 9th. 1/2 point bye available for any round if notified before Round 2 is paired. No last round byes.

LIMIT 150 PEOPLE FOR THIS EVENT.

Location:
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 
San Antonio River Walk
303 Blum St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Round times (Two day schedule):
• Registration at 9:00-9:45 am if not done online.
• Rounds 1, 2, & 3 starts promptly on June 8th at 10:00am, 2:00pm, and 6:30pm.
• Rounds 4 & 5 starts promptly on June 9th at 10:00am and 2:30pm.

Time controls (Two day schedule):
• Rounds 1 & 2: G/60;d5
• Rounds 3, 4, & 5: G/90+30 sec.

Round times (Three day schedule): ($30 re-entry Available)
• Registration at 5:00-5:45 pm if not done online.
• Rounds 1 starts promptly on June 7th at 6:00pm.
• Rounds 2, & 3 starts promptly on June 8th at 2:00pm, and 6:30pm.
• Rounds 4 & 5 starts promptly on June 9th at 10:00am and 2:30pm.

Time controls (Three day schedule):
• All Rounds: G/90+30 sec

Entry fee:
Masters play for free if signed up before June 1st. The first 3 GM’s get a free hotel day!

$50 if received before May 1st, $60 June 1st, $70 until the day of the event, and $80 on-site registration and may have to take 1st round bye. (King & Adult members play for free. Knights get $10 off. Must register online. Entry fee deducted from winnings)

Sections and Prizes:
$4600 in prizes 50% guaranteed
One prize per person

Three Sections with class prizes.
(Championship 1800+) *U1800 players must pay an extra $60 to compete in this section*
• 1st -$800 2nd-$400 3rd-$200
• Expert(2000-2199): 1st -$250 2nd-$150
• Class A(1800-1999): 1st -$250 2nd-$150

(Reserve U1800) *U1200 players must pay an extra $60 to compete in this section*
• 1st -$600 2nd-$300 3rd-$200
• Class C(1400-1599): 1st -$200 2nd-$100
• Top Class D/Unrated(U1400): 1st -$200 2nd-$100

(Novice U1200)
• 1st -$400 2nd-$200 3rd-$100

Cancellation Policy: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after paying the entry fee, please email us at CompleteChess@gmail.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.

Direct link to event: https://completechesseducation.com/event/san-antonio-city-championship-2024/

Questions:
Contact Complete Chess (completechess@gmail.com) if you have questions about this event.