Category: Past Events

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ACC USCF rated G/90 Standard Swiss

This slow swiss takes place over 4 weeks, with games on October 21, 28, November 4 and 11. One round per week for four weeks, not four separate events! G/90 with 30 sec. increment per move. 4 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $20.00 all. Contact ACC to register late.

USCF membership must not expire before November 30, 2023.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. The event has the potential to run late. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. One round may last upwards of 4 hours.

Last chance registration happens onsite 3:00-3:45pm on October 21st. No pre-registration for round 1 is necessary. Email pre-registration is accepted; however, online payment is preferred! If you email to register, you must show up and pay no later than 3:45pm! First round begins at 4pm. Please be on time! Participants who wish to enter the tournament late may email Austin Chess Club. Late entry must be made (emailed) before 10am on Saturday, October 28th to secure a round 2 pairing. Email for entry into later rounds.

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/.

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ACC USCF G/24 Quick-Rated Swiss

A one-day tournament on November 25th offering G/24 with 5 sec. delay per move. 4 Round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $15.00 all. USCF membership required.  Online registration and payment suggested.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. We suggest that scholastic players have reached a rating of 400 before participating.  USCF membership must not expire before November 30, 2023. Please renew with the USCF (https://new.uschess.org/) before coming to the event.

We would like to start on-time. Please arrive early. Entries must be received and paid in full by 3:45pm.  Online entry preferred.

Cost is $15/player. We would like the first round to begin at 4:00pm sharp. Doors open at 3:00pm, so please arrive early. Follow the signs to our meeting areas.

Please bring a set and a board and some patience as we get used to our new surroundings. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again and meeting new people!

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/. Please read the website thoroughly before emailing with questions.

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ACC USCF G/24 Quick-Rated Swiss

A one-day tournament on November 18th offering G/24 with 5 sec. delay per move. 4 Round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $15.00 all. USCF membership required.  Online registration and payment suggested.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. We suggest that scholastic players have reached a rating of 400 before participating.  USCF membership must not expire before November 30, 2023. Please renew with the USCF (https://new.uschess.org/) before coming to the event.

We would like to start on-time. Please arrive early. Entries must be received and paid in full by 3:45pm.  Online entry preferred.

Cost is $15/player. We would like the first round to begin at 4:00pm sharp. Doors open at 3:00pm, so please arrive early. Follow the signs to our meeting areas.

Please bring a set and a board and some patience as we get used to our new surroundings. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again and meeting new people!

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/. Please read the website thoroughly before emailing with questions.

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Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy In-Person USCF Rated Tournament

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Tournament on November  18, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 52 players! *First 5 players above 1900 USCF to register get a minimum guaranteed prize of $50 if they finish all their games.

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
7801 North Lamar Blvd
Suite A123
Austin, TX 78752
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
G/40, d5 SS
SECTION A: 1,400+ USCF rated
SECTION B: Under 1,400 USCF rated and/or unrated.
*Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down*
**If there are not enough players in a given section, we reserve the right to merge them**
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● November 2023 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.

4-Round Swiss System Schedule (G/40, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:30 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:00 PM
●  3rd round: 2:00 PM.
●  4th round: 3:30 PM.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
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:
●  Online: $50 at https://austin-chess.com by November 17th, 2023 at 11:59 pm.
●  On-site: $60 on November 18th via PayPal or cash (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration: https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/uscf-rated/

PRIZES:
●  1400+ section : $400, $150, $100 + medals
●  U1400: $150, $100, $50 + medals

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 for a $35 refund. We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations. 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director and sign a withdrawal form in the lobby prior to leaving the premises. 

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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Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy December 9th Scholastic

**The November 25th Scholastic tournament has moved to December 9th!**

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on December 9, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 52 players! 

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
7801 North Lamar Blvd
Suite A123
Austin, TX 78752
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
SECTION A: 1000 – 1400 USCF rating
SECTION B: 600 – 1000 USCF rating
SECTION C: Under 600 USCF rating and/or unrated.
*Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down*
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● December 2023 official USCF ratings will be used.

4-Round Swiss System Schedule (G/30,d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:00 AM
●  Lunch break: 12:00 PM
●  3rd round: 12:30 PM.
●  4th round: 1:30 PM.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
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. Please leave your phone at home, in your car, or turned off (vibrate/silent not acceptable) on top of your table. 

ENTRY FEES:
●  Online: $35 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/school_tournament/ by December 8, 2023 at 11:59 pm.
●  On-site: $50  via PayPal or cash (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

PRIZES:
●  Trophies for 1st place (in each section)
● Medals for 2nd and 3rd place (in each section)

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 for a $35 refund. We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations. 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director and sign a withdrawal form in the lobby prior to leaving the premises. 

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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2023 Austin-San Antonio Shootout

The Austin-San Antonio Shootout is a one-day USCF rated team match held on 11/12/2023 between some of the best players in each city, for fun, glory, and a trophy! Each team will field 20 players plus 2 alternates. The team with the most points at the end of the day wins.

Players in Bexar and surrounding counties play for San Antonio.  Players living in Travis and surrounding counties play for Austin.

Final Results
Results By Round

 

Location
LBJ Museum
131 N Guadalupe St
San Marcos, Tx 78666
The museum will be open for players!

Date
Sunday, November 12, 2023

Sections
One large section open to 20 players (and 2 alternates) for each city.  Players are assigned their boards by rating.

Schedule
No onsite registrations – teams are set in advance

This is a match.  You play one game as white and one as black, both against the same opponent.
Round 1: 10:00am
Lunch
Round 2: follows after lunch (players may begin their games any time before 3pm as long as both parties agree

ABSOLUTELY NO BYES!

Time Control
G/90, +30

Cost
Free
HOWEVER,  this is a firm commitment.  No withdrawals after Friday, 11/09/2023

For questions and to register

Austin Team:
Sarah Brauner (txchessmom@gmail.com)

San Antonio Team:
Don Flournoy (dwflournoy@hotmail.com) or Jesse Lozano (completechessfoundation@gmail.com)

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Waco November Swiss

Rated 4SS in 3 sections; G/45, d5. This event takes place on November 4, 2023. Limited space!

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

  • Open
  • 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 and pens will be available if needed.

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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2023 Winter Open (San Antonio Area)

Come join us for some chess!  This is a USCF regular-rated chess tournament on December 9th  and open all chess players.  We will play 4 rounds on Saturday of G/45, +10. $200 in guarnanteed prizes.

Location:
Dover Clubhouse
9418 Dover Ridge
San Antonio, TX 78250

Sections:
● Open

Time Control:
● All rounds are G/45, +10

Schedule:
● Saturday December 9, 2023
● Registration: 9:45am
● Round 1: 10:30am
● Round 2: 12:30pm
● Round 3: 3:30pm
● Round 4: 5:30pm

May request 1/2 point bye before 12/8, no last round bye; No Re-entry

Entry and Registration:
● $25
● Online registration available
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/winter23
● Phone: 210.332.3439 (text is best)
● PayPal: officialSATXchess210@gmail.com (F&F; G&S w/fee)
● Advance entry (address): Aaron Reyes, Treasurer, 206 National Blvd., Universal City, TX 78148

Please remember that your USCF membership must be current.

Prizes/Awards:
● Open section: 1ST- $75, 2ND- $50, 3RD- $25, U1400- $50

Misc Details:
●Venue has kitchen, may bring own food and beverages!
●Bring own set and clocks (there may not be enough on hand)

Please email the organizer (Angel Reyes, officialSATXchess210@gmail.com) for all other information!o.

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Austin Chess Club Winter Open 2024

Thank you to everyone who played! View the FINAL RESULTS!  The tournament has been the event has been rated by the USCF, and has been submitted to FIDE.

USCF rated swiss chess tournament on January 26-28, 2024.   We offer 4 sections and a guaranteed prize fund of $5000 and 30 Grand Prix Points. There will be 5 rounds in total with two schedules. The Championship section is FIDE rated.

Player reminder email will be sent on Thursday.

Onsite notes:
The hotel has provided info on food that will be available onsite. Check your round times and bring food and drink as necessary.  Only water is allowed at the board!

LIMIT 80 players in any single section.

View the Advance Entry List.

Location

Austin Southpark Hotel
4140 Governors Row
Austin, TX 78744

Discounted group room rate at the Austin Southpark Hotel is only $109/night here: Hotel Booking Link

Please support the tournament by staying at the event hotel! Link valid thru 1/15/24.

Round Times

3-DAY
Round 1: Friday, 7:30pm (G/90, +30)
2-DAY
Round 1: Saturday, 9:00am (G/60, +10) (Championship players: *Games in this round will not be FIDE rated*)

ALL PLAYERS (G/90, +30):
Round 2: Saturday, 1pm
Round 3: Saturday, 7pm
Round 4: Sunday, 9:30am
Round 5: Sunday 3:30pm

*Reentry: from 3-day to 2-day schedule is available for all sections except Championship, for a $40 fee. For entry into round 1, contact us no later than 8:30am, the Saturday of the event.

*If a player is 15 minutes late for round 1 without notice, they will be withdrawn. In Reserve, Novice, and Club sections their games may be reassigned. Forfeit time for rounds 2-5 is 1 hour, but please contact us (Lori Balkum and Sarah Brauner (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) if you are running late for any round or wish to withdraw! (Phone number will be posted onsite and provided via email to players prior to round 1). This is showing common courtesy to your opponent!

Byes

Only ONE 1/2 point bye allowed.
*Deadline to request/remove half-point byes: Saturday 6pm, or before round 2 ends (whichever comes first for your section)
*Deadline to request zero-point byes/withdraw: before your section is paired for the affected round

Registration and Fees

  • $79 if received by Wednesday, 11/8/2023, 11:59pm CST
  • $89 if received by Saturday, 12/16/2023, 11:59pm CST
  • $109 thru the Wednesday before the tournament (1/24/24), 11:59 CST
  • $129 onsite, IF space available. Any registrations made onsite after 8:30am receive a 1st point bye.

Online registrations and online payment are requested. Please contact the registrar (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) to request help or accommodations.

Titled players (IM/GM) play for free if registered before January 20, 2024 (entry fees deducted from winnings). Must register online. Limit 5 free entries. Contact registrar (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) for coupon code.

Withdrawal with refund available if requested by 9pm on Saturday one week before the event (1/20/2024).  After that time, no refunds. NO EXCEPTIONS. Any refunds will incur a $10 processing and transaction fee. $25 up-charges (listed above) are NON-refundable.

Sections and Prizes

$5000 in prizes 100% guaranteed
One prize per person

Four Sections with class prizes.
Players are only eligible for the prizes listed within their section. Limit 80 players in any one section (exceptions granted for ratings 2200+).

(Championship 1800+) 
*This section will be FIDE rated and will use FIDE rules. USCF ratings used for pairings.
*Registering for the FIDE section permits the tournament organizers to request a FIDE ID on behalf of a player who does not yet have a FIDE ID.
*Players rated 1700-1799 may pay an extra $25 at registration (non-refundable) to compete in this section, but are only eligible for place prizes*
• 1st -$950 2nd-$475 3rd-$240
• Expert (2000-2199): 1st -$340 2nd-$170
• Class A (1800-1999): 1st -$275 2nd-$130

(Reserve 1400-1799)
*Players rated 1300-1399 may pay an extra $25 at registration (non-refundable) to compete in this section, but are only eligible for place prizes*
• 1st -$525 2nd-$260 3rd-$130
• Class C (1400-1599): 1st -$230 2nd-$115

(Novice 900-1399)
*Players rated 800-899 may pay an extra $25 at registration (non-refundable) to compete in this section, but are only eligible for place prizes*
• 1st -$320 2nd-$160 3rd-$80
• U1200: 1st -$120 2nd-$60

(Club U900)
• 1st -$240 2nd-$120 3rd-$60

**January 2024 Supplement (‘Regular’ OTB) ratings will be used for pairing and placement purposes.  If no regular rating is available, then other USCF ratings (quick, blitz, online) can and will be considered for section placement
**Requests to play down will not be honored.
**Requests to play up will only be honored if the conditions mentioned above are met and the appropriate fee has been paid.
**Unrated players will be placed at TD’s discretion and are only eligible for place prizes
*Unrated players must disclose foreign and online ratings before their section placement is considered complete.

Device Policy

Internet enabled devices must be turned off completely during play (not just on silent) and must remain in the player’s bag or face up on the playing tablets. Devices may not be removed from the playing hall during your game. Devices include phones, smartwatches, tables, etc. These may NOT be on the player’s person or leave the board during the games.  Penalties up to or including loss of game and removal from the tournament for violations of this policy. Link to 2024 updated formal device policy.

No notation devices will be approved for the FIDE section. Any notation devices in other sections must be reviewed and logged at chess control no later than 30 minutes prior to player’s first round to receive an approval card. Please review the US Chess Notation Device policy. 

Spectators, if allowed, must have devices turned completely off.

More Details

Bring your own board and increment capable clock if possible!
Only water (drinks) allowed at the chess board.  All food must remain outside the playing room.  The hotel has provided info on food that will be available onsite. Check your round times and bring food and drink as necessary.
We will provide an area for waiting parents and for players to review their chess games.  However, we will not babysit your kids.  No child should be left unattended.

Questions?

Contact Lori Balkum and Sarah Brauner (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) if you have questions about this event.

See our USCF Online TLA!

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C.J. presents Chess in the Hill Country – Llano 2023 Open Chess Tournament

Basics

An hour west of Austin the asphalt turns to lush hills and sparkling waters.  Llano is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country – only 72 miles northwest of Austin and 90 miles northwest of San Antonio! Once here, there is more to make you stop than our 4 traffic lights!  Come and spend the weekend in Llano! Let’s play some chess!

CJ Ares is sponsoring the club’s inaugural Llano Open Chess Tournament! The event will be organized by Rocks & Rooks. This is a USCF rated 5SS chess tournament on November 11-12, 2023 in two RATED scholastic sections: Open and Reserve U1200. The tournament offers a guaranteed prize fund of $1000!

View Advance Entry List.  

Thank you for playing! Visit our final standings page.  The event has been rated by the USCF.

This is a Swiss-system tournament, so everyone plays all day—there is no “elimination.” We follow USCF rules including: touch-move, mandatory clocks if available, and notation. Less experienced youth are encouraged to register for the 2023 Llano Scholastic Tournament. 

Location

Saturday
First Baptist Church of Llano
Fellowship Hall
907 Berry St
Llano, TX 78643

Sunday
Sandstone Street Bed & Breakfast
508 East Sandstone
Llano, TX 78643

Eligibility

This is a rated tournament intended for all adults and more advance  youth players.

You must have a current 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, 2023. USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out.

Schedule and Time Controls

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!

Saturday (at First Baptist Llano):
Onsite Registration 8-8:30am only IF space is available.
9 a.m. – Round 1 (G/60, +10)
1:00pm – Round 2 (G/90, +30)
6:30pm – Round 3 (G/90, +30)

 

Sunday (at the Sandstone Street B&B):
10:00 am – Round 4 (G/90, +30)
3:30 pm – Round 5 (G/90, +30)

Byes

*No changes for round 1 after 9am on Friday 11/10/2023.
*Requests for section changes, byes, withdrawals, etc. go in effect immediately if made via email before the close of online registration.
*Changes requested onsite go into effect as of round 2.
All 1/2 point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.
*Onsite registrations may receive a 1st round bye if you arrive too late.  Please arrive by 8:35am to register onsite and secure a 1st round pairing.

Registration Information

Entry fees are staggered and we’d like for you to register early! Online registration is closed. Please register onsite!
Veteran discount available (see below)! Contact the registrar!

  • $25 if received by Saturday, 10/28/2023, 11:59 p.m. CST.
  • $40 thru Thursday,11/9/2023, 12:00 noon CST.
  • $50 on-site

 

Active duty military or Veterans, who email the registrar before registering and provide their service branch and time frame served, will be given a 50% off coupon code for their entry.

Withdrawals requested via email before online registration closes are eligible for a refund (minus a $5 service fee to cover CC processing fees).

No refunds for USCF memberships after purchased from the USCF. NO email/phone entries.

Questions?

For registration questions – contact  Lori Balkum, registrar (registrar@AustinChessTournaments.com).  No phone calls, please. Emails will be returned promptly.

For questions about Llano and the chess venue – contact JoLeigh Ares, sponsor (joleighares@yahoo.com)

View our ONLINE TLA!