Texas Chess Association

Texas Scholastic Championship info

2012-01-17T10:59:00.002-05:00

The biggest TCA event of the year takes place Feb 18-19 in Dallas! More information, including links to online registration, is available at the tournament website. Discounted hotel rates are available until Jan 27, so make your reservations soon!

GM Timur Gareev wins Austin Club Championshiop

2012-01-12T14:54:00.001-05:00

GM Timur Gareev (2743!) topped a field of 142 players at the Austin Chess Club Championship last weekend. Gareev scored a perfect 5-0, good for first place and $600.
NM Arvind Jayaraman finished in second place ($300) with 4.5 points. Alexander Quach won the U1800 section ($400) with 4.5 points and Jeff Little won the U1500 section ($250) with 5 points.

Crosstables are online at the Austin Chess Club website. Thanks to Lori Balkum for running a fabulous tournament!


Round 5: GM Gareev faces NM Alex Chua

Texas Grade & Collegiate Championships

2011-10-14T10:43:00.001-05:00

The Texas State Grade and Collegiate Chess Championships will take place at the Hilton Hobby Airport Hotel in Houston, October 29-30. Please visit the website for registration and more information about the event. The deadline for the early registration discount is Oct 19, so register soon!

National K-12 Championships

2011-10-06T15:01:00.000-05:00

The National K-12 Chess Championships, also known as the National Grades, will be held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, November 18-20, 2011. In this event, players compete only in their respective grades. Winners, including ties, are declared National Grade Champions.

For more information and registration, please visit http://www.uschess.org/tournaments/2011/k12/. The deadline for the early rate is fast approaching, so sign up today and join us in Dallas!

Koltanowski Conference on Chess & Education

2011-09-06T11:38:00.000-05:00

Nov 18-19 in Dallas:
http://www.utdallas.edu/chess/education-camp/second-koltanowski-conference.html

Texas State Grade & Collegiate Championships

2011-08-22T10:06:00.002-05:00

2011 Texas State Grade & Collegiate Championships
Hilton Houston Hobby Airport
October 28-30, 2011

More info coming soon...

National Chess Festival in Houston

2011-07-10T20:18:00.004-05:00

Later this month, the Hilton Hobby Airport Hotel in Houston will be the site of a Chess Festival that includes two National events: The U.S. Junior Open (July 22-24), open to all players under the age of 21 as of 1/1/2011, and the U.S. Senior Open (July 18-23), open to players age 50 and over as of 7/18/2011. For those who are not eligible for these two events, we will also have the Not-A-Senior-Not-A-Junior Open (July 22-24)! In addition to these three main events, there will be Blitz and Bughouse side events as well as a tournament for the Parents and Friends of the U.S. Junior participants.

The U.S. Junior Open has four sections: U21, U15, U11, and U8 (age as of 1/1/2011). The U21 will have cash prizes and plaques, and the winner gets an automatic spot in the 2012 U.S. Junior Championship, if still eligible by age. The other three sections have trophy prizes. All sections have Class prizes (age and rating) and all participants receive commemorative medals. In addition to the individual awards, the event will have team prizes and players are eligible to enter school or club teams! Top four scores, minimum of three, count towards team scores in each section. Winners of all four divisions, including ties, are considered National Champions. On line registration is available at http://www.active.com/more-sports/houston-tx/us-junior-open-chess-championships-2011

The U.S. Senior Open has 6-Day and 3-Day Schedules. It has a guaranteed prize fund of $5,000 with the overall winner taking home $1,250! The top three finishers get Commemorative Clocks and six class (age) winners will receive plaques. The event is open to all players age 50 or over, and the top finisher born on or before January 1, 1951 is the official USCF entrant in the World Senior Chess Championship. That player also receives a $500 USCF stipend towards that event. On line registration for this event is available at http://www.active.com/more-sports/houston-tx/us-senior-chess-championship-2011

The Not-A-Senior-Not-A-Junior Open offers a Prize Fund of 70% of entries collected. This event has four USCF rated sections: Open (also FIDE rated), U2000, U1600/Unrated, and U1200. More details and on-line registration is available at http://www.cajunchess.com/tourns/uptourns.shtml

The names of all National Champions in the Junior Open and the Senior Open will be included in the USCF 2011 Yearbook. Grandmasters receive free entry for any of these events, if eligible. On-site registration will be available but to take advantage of the early rates, you must register as soon as possible, so REGISTER TODAY!

IM Zivanic and NM Guadalupe win State Championship

2011-06-01T14:02:00.003-05:00

IM Marko Zivanic and Francisco Guadalupe II drew their third-round game, both ending with five wins and two draws and in a tie for the Texas State Championship. Marko was the top seed among the 31 players in the Championship while Francisco entered as the twelfth(!) seed. In sole possession of third place was NM Artur Safin who drew both games with the Co-Champions. Thirteen masters were in attendance in this event open to players with over 2000 FIDE or USCF rating.

In the Amateur Championship, Yuri Nunez won his first six games and entered the last round with a full-point lead over Andy Shao, Bovey Liu, Alexander Jiang and Claudia Munoz. In that last game, Shao beat Nunez while Bovey beat Jiang. That allowed Shao and Bovey to tie Nunez for the Championship. Claudia tried very hard to join the group but was held to a draw by the much higher rated William Molina. Claudia fell to a fourth place tie with Akshay Bangale, Austin Jiang, and Atulya Vaidya.

Look for many of the games to be published in an upcoming edition of the Texas Knights magazine.

2011 Texas State Champions: NM Francisco Guadalupe II and IM Marko Zivanic

2011 Texas State Championship

2011-03-25T09:41:00.002-05:00

May 27 or 28 - 30, 2011 Texas State and Amateur Championships GPP: 20

7SS, Sheraton Dallas North Hotel, 4801 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Dallas, Texas, 75244. $$ 8,350 b/175, full entries, 2 Sections and scholastic side events: Championship (This section is FIDE rated but uses USCF rules. Must be rated 2000 or above by either USCF or Fide to play in this section. Defending Amateur Champion may also play in this section. Foreign unrateds may play in this section.) G/90 with 30 sec. increment: $$ 1,000-500-250, 2200-2399 $700, U2200 $800. Amateur: U2000 & unrated. Rds. 1-7 30/90 SD/1, rd. 1 of three day is G/120 (deduct 5 min. for delay). $$ 800-400-200. B $$ 600-300-150, C 500-250-125, U1400 $500-250-125, U1200 $400, U1000 $300 Unrated $200. Both: TCA membership required. Other states accepted.EF: $88 if received by 5/19, else $99. $80 Junior(U19) if received by 5/19 else $90 (juniors count as 90% toward base), Senior(over 65)/Handicapped/ additional family participant $52 if receive by 5/19 else $65 (Senior/Handicap/ Additional family participant counts 60% toward base). Add $5 for CC phone entries; pre-reg requires pre-payment. After 5/25/11 all registration and changes on site only; all changes including withdrawals, $10 after 5/25/11. 4 day: Reg. Friday 5/27, 6:15 pm-7:15. Rds. Fri.: 7:45, Sat: 2:30 pm - 8:00, Sun.: 11:00 am - 5:15 pm, Mon.: 9 am - 2:45 pm. 3 day: Reg. Sat. 5/28, 9-9:30 am, Rd. 1 at 10 am then merge with 4 day. Foreign Unrated must play in Championship section. Registrations that do not indicate 4 or 3 day schedule will be put in the 3 day. HR: $84/84/84/84, 972-661-3600 reserve by 5/13 and ask for Dallas Chess Club rate. Free Parking. Up to two 1/2 pt byes available if requested before end of rd. 2, but byes for both rd. 6 AND 7 not permitted. K-12 Scholastic on Saturday, 5/28. 5-SS, Rds. 1-3 G/30, rds. 4-5 G/45, EF: $29 by 5/19, $43 after; Pre-reg. requires pre-payment. After 5/25/11 all registration and changes on site only; all changes $10 after 5/25/11. No refunds after 5/25/11, $10 handling fee for refunds before 5/25/11. Entries do not count toward base in Championship and Amateur. Registration 8:15-8:45 am, Rd. 1 at 9:30 am, rest ASAP with small lunch break. Sections: K-12 Championship and K-12 U750. Prizes: Trophies to top 12 individuals, five teams in each section. K-12 U750 also top three unrateds. Medals to those who do not win a trophy. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. Info: Barb Swafford, 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com www.dallaschess.com NS. NC. W. FIDE. WCL JGP.

USCF Voter Registration Instructions

2011-03-23T14:31:00.005-05:00

Effective with the 2011 USCF executive board election, voting members will have to be registered by March 31, 2011 to be eligible to vote. Only registered voting members will be sent a ballot.

Check your status as a voting member

Register as a voting member

Region VI Scholastic Championships & UIL Puzzle Solving Competition

2011-02-23T12:58:00.005-05:00

Two scholastic events in Austin on March 5th:

Region VI Scholastic Championship
UIL Chess Puzzle solving competition (flyer)

Scholastic Championship - 2 weeks away!

2011-01-27T11:24:00.006-05:00

The biggest TCA event of the year takes place Feb 12-13 in Houston. Everything you need to know is on the event website.

Huge turnout for Austin Club Championship

2011-01-13T15:57:00.023-05:00

The Austin Chess Club held its first annual Club Championship Jan 7-9th. 135 players competed, including 16 titled players (1 GM, 1 IM, 3 FMs, 11 NMs). That's a fantastic turnout for a club event, on par with recent State Championships and Southwest Opens.

IM Goran Vojinovic scored 4.5/5 to win clear first and $600. GM Valentin Yotov and FM Alex Chua tied for 2nd place ($250 each). Duy Nguyen won the Reserve section ($300) with 4.5/5 and Mike Webb won the Booster section with 5/5. The Austin Chess Club website has more details including crosstables.

Here's the round 4 game between the top two seeds:

[Event "Austin Chess Club Championship"]
[Date "2011.01.09"]
[Round "4"]
[White "Goran Voljinovic"]
[Black "Valentin Yotov"]
[WhiteElo "2591"]
[BlackElo "2625"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "D11"]

1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. c4 c6 4. e3 Bg4 5. h3 Bh5 6. Qb3 Qb6 7. Ne5 e6 8. g4 Bg6 9. Nxg6 hxg6 10. Bg2 Nbd7 11. Nc3 g5 12. Bd2 Be7 13. O-O-O Qc7 14. e4 e5 15. exd5 exd4 16. dxc6 bxc6 17. Ne2 Rb8 18. Qa4 Qb6 19. b3 O-O 20. Qa5 Qxa5 21. Bxa5 c5 22. Bc7 Rbc8 23. Bh2 Ne8 24. Rhe1 Bf6 25. Nc3 Nb6 26. Nb5 a6 27. Na7 Rd8 28. Nc6 Rd7 29. Ne5 Rd8 30. Nd3 Nd7 31. Bc6 Nb8 32. Bxe8 Rfxe8 33. Rxe8+ Rxe8 34. Bxb8 Rxb8 35. Nxc5 1-0

Round 5: FM Alex Chua - IM Goran Vojinovic

GM Valentin Yotov

Emily Nguyen (1642), 2010 US Junior Under-8 Champion

2011 Texas Team Championship

2010-12-14T11:32:00.007-05:00

More info at dallaschess.com

21-23 or 22-23 Jan 2011. Texas Team Championship, 5SS, G/90 with 30 sec. increment. University of Texas at Dallas, Galaxy Rooms At Student Union, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080. Open to 4-player teams with average rating U2200 based on Dec. 2010 rating list. One alternate allowed/optional, must be lowest rated. Incomplete teams not allowed. EF: $120/team if rec’d by Jan 7th, $140 at site. TCA memb. req. ($11 reg. $8.50 jr. U19, $1 jr. tmt), o.s.a. $$($1550 b/16 teams): 1st - $600+trophy, 2nd - $300, 1st U1900 - $300+trophy, 2nd U1900 - $150. Board prizes: Top scorer on boards 1-4:- $50+plaque. 3 day Reg.: 1/21 6:15pm – 7:00 pm. Rds.: 7:20, 2:30 – 7, 9:00- 2:45. 2 day Reg: 1/22 8 – 8:35 am, 2 day round 1 is at 9 am then merge with 3 day. Fide rated but uses USCF rules. Park on metered parking by Student Union or by UTD bookstore. Or get visitors pass at guard shack on University Drive and park on visitor’s parking. Due to construction, check website for parking updates. Recommended Hotel: Hawthorn Suites Richardson, 250 Municipal Dr., Richardson, TX 75080. 972-669-1000. HR: $79 for 1 bedroom with pullout couch, $99 for 1 bedroom plus another king bedroom plus pullout couch. Mention UTD rate to get hotel rate. Any problems booking your room, please ask for Lynn Koutney. Free hot breakfast with hotel room. ENT: Dallas Chess
Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. 214.632.9000 INFO: Barb Swafford, info@dallaschess.com www.dallaschess.com www.swchess.com. FIDE, NS, NC

TCA Region IX Scholastic Championship

2010-12-04T14:00:00.001-05:00

Jan 15, 2011 - TCA Region IX Scholastic Championship

Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 E. Ambler Ave., Abilene, TX EF: $15 by 1/08; $20 after 1/08 or on site. January Rating Supplement will be used. Current USCF membership required (may be obtained on site). On Site Registration: Saturday, 9:30-10 am. Schedule: 5 Rounds, 10, 11, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30. Time control: G/30. Trophies to top 2 individuals in the open section. Prizes for top individuals in ES, MS, and HS. Checks payable to Abilene Chess Club. Mail entries to Abilene Chess Club, c/o John H. Williams, 907 Ruswood Circle, Abilene, TX 79601. For tournament info, contact John H. Williams at John@TriteButTrue.com (325-672-4097). Refunds will be given only up to 1/8/2011. USCF membership is required. Proof of membership is required. Otherwise, players must join or renew their memberships.

2011 Laredo Open

2010-11-18T14:17:00.009-05:00

Start making your plans for the 2011 Laredo Open ($5600 guaranteed prize fund)

The large, guaranteed prize fund is sure to attract a big, strong turnout. As of today (Nov 18) the pre-registration list already has 2 GMs and 2 IMs!

Huge turnout expected for Texas K-12 and Collegiate Championships this weekend!

2010-11-12T10:36:00.007-05:00

The Texas Grades and Collegiate Chess Championships are being held in Brownsville this weekend!

The Texas Grades (K-12) Championships start tomorrow at Veterans Memorial High School while the Texas Collegiate Championships will take place at the University of Texas at Brownsville. Over 600 students are already registered for these two events.

2011 Texas Scholastic Championships

2010-10-31T15:04:00.006-05:00

Start making your plans for the 2011 Texas Scholastic Championships in Houston!

Feb 12-13, 2011 - Texas Scholastic Championships

A State Championship Event! 7SS. Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar Street, Houston TX 77010. HR: $111-$111-$111-$111, 713-739-8000, Mention Dallas Chess Club to get Hotel Chess Rate. Reserve by 1/27/11 or rate may go up. One night deposit may be required by Hotel. Four championships in one great location: TX Primary Scholastic Championships; TX Elementary Scholastic Championships; TX Middle School Scholastic Championships; TX High School Scholastic Championships. EF: $41 by 2/03; $69 after 2/03 or on site. February Rating Supplement will be used. Current USCF membership required (may be obtained on site). On Site Registration: Friday, 7-9pm, Saturday, 7-7:45am. Saturday registrants may receive a 1st Rd. 1/2-pt. bye. One 1/2-pt. bye (for any round) allowed if requested by the end of Rd. 2. Sections: K-1 Championship, Primary (K-3) Championship, Primary JV (K-3 w/Ratings Under 700), Elementary (K-5/6) Championship, Elementary JV (K-5/6 Under 800), Elementary Novice (K-5/6 Under 500), Middle School (6-8/9) Championship, MS JV (6-8/9 Under 900), MS Novice (6-8/9 Under 600), High School (9-12) Championship, HS JV (9-12 Under 1000). See Article IX, Section 1E, TCA Bylaws for each section's eligibility requirement, www.texaschess.org/2007/03/bylaws.html. Also www.swchess.com also has eligibility rules. Four-year scholarship to The University of Texas at Dallas to winner of High School Championship section. Winner must meet UTD entrance requirement and follow team rules. UTD is sole judge as to who wins the scholarship. Trophies for top 20 individuals and top 15 teams in each section plus participation medals for all, and plus Score Awards for players scoring 4 or more points that do not win an individual trophy. Schedule: Round times vary depending on the Championship; Time control also varies. For round times and time control, see: www.swchess.com. Side Events: Blitz Tourney: K-6 and K-12, Friday 8pm. EF: $20. Trophies to top 15 Individual in each section. Bughouse Tourney: K-6 and K-12, Saturday, 8:35pm. EF: $30 Team (On site registration only). trophies to top 10 teams in each section. All registrations (except Bughouse) available on line: see www.swchess.com and you can download flyers and entry forms. Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club. Mail entries to Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. For tournament info, visit our website or contact Barbara Swafford, info@dallaschess.com or 214-632-9000. Refunds will be given only up to 2/10 with a $10 surcharge for withdrawing, after 2/10 there will be no refunds. There will be no substitution of team members. There will be a $10 change fee for changes after 2/10. There will be a $5 surcharge per player for phone registrations USCF membership is required. Proof of membership is required or player must join/renew their memberships. No registration/changes/or withdrawals after 2/10/11. After that date you must make changes at site (Hilton Americas). NS, NC, W.

2011 Southwest Collegiate Championships

2010-10-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

Feb. 12-13, 2011 - Southwest Collegiate Championships

5-SS, G/90 with 30 sec inc. 7SS. Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar Street, Houston TX 77010. HR: $111-$111-$111-$111, 713-739-8000, Mention Dallas Chess Club to get Hotel Chess Rate. Reserve by 1/27/11 or rate may go up. One night deposit may be required by Hotel. Top 4 count for team score. USCF membership required. Fide rated but uses USCF rules. Fide pairing rules may be used. Monroi devices may be provided and their use is mandatory. EF: $49 by 2/03/11, $69 thereafter. Don't mail after 2/03, entry may not be received. Online/Credit Card registration link at www.swchess.com Note that active.com charges a small fee. Reg.: Fri 7-9 pm, Sat 7-7:45am. Saturday registrants may receive a 1st rd. 1/2 pt. bye. One 1/2 pt. bye allowed if requested by end of rd. 2. Rds.: Sat 9-1:30-6, Sun 9-1:45. $$ $500-$250-$125, 1st U2000 $150, 1st U1600 $150, 1st U1200 $150, Unrated eligible for U1200 prize. Plaques to top 10 Individuals, Plaques to top 5 Teams. Ent: Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. (Make Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club. One check can be sent for multiple players.) Entries must include name, USCF ID or new/pending (include a copy of the receipt), rating, USCF expiration date & school. All incomplete registrations will be charged the late EF, additionally there will be a $5 per player surcharge on registration received without payment, these players could possibly not be paired for round 1 and not be paired until payment is received. Refunds will be given only up to 2/10 with a $10 surcharge for withdrawing, after 2/10 there will be no refunds. There will be no substitution of team members. There will be a $10 change fee for changes after 2/10. There will be a $5 surcharge per player for phone registrations. USCF membership is required. Proof of membership is required or player must join/renew their memberships. No registration/ changes/or withdrawals after 2/10/11. After that date you must make changes at site (Hilton Americas). February Supplement will be used. Tournament Info: Barbara Swafford, 214.632.9000 please do not call after 2/10, info@dallaschess.com. Website: www.swchess.com. NS. NC. W. FIDE

Texas K-12 Championships - more info

2010-10-25T18:17:00.009-05:00

Here's more info on the upcoming K-12 & Collegiate Championships, being held in Brownsville Nov 13-14.

US Class Championships - this weekend in Houston

2010-09-28T09:33:00.006-05:00

One last reminder - the US Class Championships are this weekend in Houston. The field in the Masters Division will be the strongest ever, with at least 4 GMs and 6 IMs competing:

GM Timur Gareyev
GM Axel Bachmann
GM Ioan Chirila
GM Maurizo Flores
IM Marko Zivanic
IM Puchen Wang
IM Salvijus Bercys
IM Julio Sadorra
IM Daniel Fernandez
IM Max Cornejo

US Class Championships in Houston in 2 weeks

2010-09-15T16:07:00.004-05:00

The 2010 U.S. Class Chess Championships will be held at the beautiful facilities of the Hilton Houston Hobby Airport Hotel during the weekend of October 1-3. This event awards National Class titles and is open to players of all skill levels, including previously unrated players. Class Champions will be listed in the USCF Chess Life Yearbook.

This year’s event is shaping up as one of the strongest U.S. Class ever. So far, the Masters Division includes:

GM Timur Gareyev
GM Axel Bachmann
GM Ioan Chirila
IM Marko Zivanic
IM Puchen Wang
IM Salvijus Bercys
IM Julio Sadorra
IM Daniel Fernandez

In addition to the main event, we will have a scholastic event on Saturday, Oct 2. Students in grades K through 12 will be competing for trophies in four divisions: K-3, K-6, K-9 and K-12. In addition to trophies for the top 10 individuals in each division, all participants of the scholastic event will receive commemorative medals.

The venue offers free parking and a great rate ($89). Several of the top games will be transmitted live at www.monroi.com. For additional information and registration, please visit the tournament web page.

USCF delegates needed

2010-09-14T10:28:00.000-05:00

TCA recently adopted a new process and guidelines for selecting USCF delegates. If you meet the criteria below and would like to be appointed, please email TCA president Clemente Rendon at crendon44@hotmail.com.

Delegates must be over the age of 18, must have a valid USCF and TCA membership, must be a Texas resident, and must commit to attending the USCF business meeting in August. Preference will be given to past delegates who communicate with us by Sept 20, 2010. Preference will then also be given to new nominees who, if previously appointed as a delegate, canceled at least 90 days before the event.

After September 20th, TCA will accept nominations on a first-come first-serve basis. The TCA secretary will confirm with all appointed delegates by May 1, 2011 to ensure they are planning to attend. If they cancel then they will need to formally resign and we will appoint the first alternate, etc.

Southwest Open results

2010-09-07T20:54:00.003-05:00

GM Alejandro Ramirez and IM Max Cornejo tied for first place at the 76th annual Southwest Open, held Labor Day weekend in Corpus Christi. Check back here in a few days for photos and a more detailed writeup. For now, you can view the final standings.

Texas K-12 & Collegiate Championships

2010-09-01T15:05:00.003-05:00

Nov. 13-14, 14th Annual Texas K-12 Championships

6SS, Rds 1-3 G/45, Rds 4-6 G/60, Veterans Memorial HS, 4550 US Military Hwy 281, Brownsville, TX 78521. The K-12 is open to TX residents or players attending Texas schools. 13 separate tournaments, one per grade. Trophies to top 10 indiv. & top 5 teams (top three players added for team scores, minimum of two, no more than two teams per school per grade). EF$35 if p/m by 11/5, $45 after 11/5 or on site. Onsite registration, Sat 11/13 7:30-8:30am may require ½-pt bye for 1st Rd. Rds. Sat 9:30-12:00-2:00-4:00; Sun 10:00-1:00. One ½-pt bye available any round if requested before end of rd 2. Entries: Make checks payable to Texas Chess Association, mail to: 305 Willow Pointe Dr., League City, TX 77573. Info: flguadalupe@aol.com, (713) 530-7820. NS, NC, W

Nov. 13-14, 14th Annual Texas Collegiate Championships

5SS, G/90, 30 sec inc., Salon Casia, EDBC, Univ of Texas at Brownsville, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX 78520. Open to any college players; however, only Texas Colleges can be Texas Collegiate Champions. Plaques to top 10 individuals & top 5 teams (top three players added for team scores, minimum of two, no more than two teams per school). EF$35 if p/m by 11/5, $45 after 11/5 or on site. Onsite registration, Sat 11/13 7:30-8:30am may require ½-pt bye for 1st Rd. Rds. Sat 9-1:30-6:00; Sun 9:00-1:30. One ½-pt bye available any round if requested before end of rd 2. FIDE Rated, FIDE rules. Entries: Make checks payable to Texas Chess Association, mail to: 305 Willow Pointe Dr., League City, TX 77573. Info: flguadalupe@aol.com, (713) 530-7820. NS, NC, W

TCA business meeting

2010-08-30T20:48:00.006-05:00

TCA's annual business meeting will be held Sunday, Sept 5 at the Southwest Open tournament site. The meeting is open to the public. Agenda below:

1. Reading of the minutes of previous meeting by the Secretary.
2. Financial report by the Treasurer.
3. President's Report
4. Election results & installment of new officers
5. Old Business

Selection of Delegates to the annual USCF membership
TCA Funding for Chess in Education
TCA Membership Structure

6. New Business

Advanced Motions
Floor Motions
Meeting Adjournment

Southwest Open - another strong field

2010-08-25T13:53:00.007-05:00

We're less than two weeks away from the 76th annual Southwest Open and several strong players have already confirmed their participation, including GM Alejandro Ramirez, fresh off his win at the US Open.

GM Alejandro Ramirez 2647
GM Ioan Cristian Chirila 2561
IM Marko Zivanic 2583
IM Puchen Wang 2550
IM Salvijus Bercys 2507
IM Julio Sadorra 2451

2010 Texas Girls Championship

2010-08-25T13:32:00.007-05:00

Corpus Christi, the site of the upcoming Southwest Open, will play host to another TCA event in October - the Texas Girls Scholastic Championship.

NM Deepyaman Datta wins US Junior Open

2010-07-27T14:31:00.010-05:00

Congratulations to NM Deepyaman Datta, winner of the 2010 US Junior Open, held last weekend in Houston.

A record-setting 243 players from 10 states competed in the event. For games and pictures, read the detailed report on the USCF website.

The event crosstable is also online.

US Junior Open - advance entry deadline

2010-07-08T15:51:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that the advance entry deadline for the 2010 US Junior Open is tomorrow (July 9)!

Tournament website
USCF press release

GM Zviad Izoria wins State Championship

2010-06-02T10:56:00.007-05:00

GM Zviad Izoria won the 65th annual Texas State Championship, finishing one-point ahead of second-place finisher Alex Chua. In the Amateur section, Mario Marshall notched an impressive 6.5/7 score to win first place by a full point.

GM Zviad Izoria - 2010 Texas State Champion

Mario Marshall - 2010 Texas Amateur Champion

Texas Action Championship

2010-04-29T09:27:00.001-05:00

Jeffrey De Jesus from Houston won the 2010 Texas Action Championship (San Antonio, Apr. 24) with 4.5 out of 5. Tied for 2nd+U2100 with 4 were Selby Anderson, Ernesto Malazarte, Matthew Liu and Ju Hyung Ahn. Andrew Istafanous was top U1900 with 3.5, and Louis Rimpel won U1700 with 2.5. Tied for U1700+U1300 were David Pacheco and Ross Leone with 2. Martin Gordon directed a field of 34 players. Prizes totaled $750, or 75% of the amount based on 40 full entries.

Texas beats Oklahoma 38-22

2010-04-29T09:12:00.004-05:00

That's not a football score! It's the result of the 8th Red River Shootout, a team match between chess players from Texas and Oklahoma. Congrats to the Texas team for posting the largest margin of victory in the history of the event. Read the detailed recap at Texas Chess Reporter.

Texas Knights in PDF format

2010-04-21T10:12:00.004-05:00

The last 20 issues (2007-current) of Texas Knights are now online in PDF format. A special thanks to Selby Anderson for his excellent work on the magazine.

Red River Shootout VIII

2010-03-30T09:53:00.007-05:00

No, I'm not talking about the UT-OU football game. :) The 8th annual Red River Shootout pits chess players from Texas and Oklahoma against each other in a team format. This year's match is scheduled for April 18th in Davis, Oklahoma. The 2009 match featured 54 players competed on 27 boards, with the Texas team emerging victorious. James Hollingsworth is looking for players to represent the 2010 Texas team. Email him at texaschessteam@yahoo.com if you're interested.

State Championship - more info

2010-03-22T20:53:00.006-05:00

Official site
Online registration

76th Annual Southwest Open

2010-03-08T17:50:00.006-05:00

Just received this TLA for the 76th annual Southwest Open. This year the tournament is being held in Corpus Christi for the first time since 1945!

A Heritage Event!
September 3 or 4 - 6 76th Annual Southwest Open
7SS, Best Western, 300 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401.$$ 8350 (based on 175 entries) GTD, 3 Sections and scholastic side events: Open (This section is FIDE rated but uses USCF rules.) Rds. 1-3 G/90 with 30 sec. increment, rds. 4-7 G/120 with 30 sec. increment: $$ 1,000-500-250, U2400 $300. U2200 $800-400. Reserve: Under 2000 & unrated. Rds. 1-7 30/90 SD/1, rd. 1 of three day is G/120 (deduct 5 min. for delay). $$ 800-400-200. B $$ 600-300-150, C 500-250-125, Unrated $100. Unrateds only eligible for unrated prize. Novice: Open to Under 1400. Rds. 1-7 30/90 SD/1, rd. 1 of three day is G/120 (deduct 5 min. for delay). $500-250-125, U1200 $400, U1000 $300. ALL: TCA membership required. Other states accepted. . EF: $79 if received by 8/26, $89 at site. $68 Junior(U19) if received by 8/26 else $78, Senior (over 65)/Handicapped/ additional family participant $48 if receive by 8/26 else $60. Re-entry $50 not available in Open section. Add $5 for CC phone entries; pre-reg requires pre-payment. After 8/28/10 all registration and changes on site only; all changes including withdrawals, $10 after 8/28/10. 4 day: Reg. Friday 9/3, 6:15 pm-7:15. Rds. Fri.: 7:45, Sat: 2:30 pm & 8:00 , Sun.: 12:30 pm & 6:15, Mon.: 9 am & 2:45 pm. 3 day: Reg. Sat. 9/4 9-9:30 am, Rd. 1 at 10 am then merge with 4 day. Foreign Unrated must play in Championship section. Registrations that do not indicate 4 or 3 day schedule will be put in the 3 day. HR: $90/$90/$90/$90. 361-883-5111 reserve by 8/14?? and ask for Chess rate. Free Parking. Up to two 1/2 pt byes available if requested before end of rd. 2, but byes for both rd. 6 AND 7 not permitted. TCA Meeting at 10 am on 9/5

Send all entries and make checks payable to “Postal Center Plus” to the following:

SWOPEN,
7917 McPherson Rd, Suite #205-500
Laredo, TX 78045
76th SW open @ Corpus Christi

USCF Number: ___________ Rating: ____ Exp Date: _____

Last Name: _________________ First Name:__________ MI: __

Address: _______________________ City: _______ Zip: ___

E-mail:_________________________________________

Section Circle all that applies): Open Reserve Novice 3-day 4-day

Saturday Scholastics: (Open) (under 750)

School: _______________Grade: _______ DOB: __________

Request Bye Rounds ____ (½ pt. for first bye only)

I am a USCF member: yes / no I am TCA member: Yes / no

Total Enclosed: ________

K-12 Scholastic on Saturday, 9/4. 5-SS, Rds. 1-3 G/30, rds. 4-5 G/45, EF: $15 by 8/26, $25 after; Pre-reg. requires pre-payment. After 8/28/09 all registration and changes on site only; all changes $10 after 8/28/10. No refunds after 8/28/10, $10 handling fee for refunds before 8/28/10. Entries do not count toward base in Championship and Amateur. Registration 8:00-8:40 am, Rd. 1 at 9:30 am, rest ASAP with small lunch break. Sections: K-12 Championship and K-12 U750. Prizes: Trophies to top 10 individuals, three teams in each section. K-12 U750 also top three unrateds. Medals to plus scores who do not win a trophy. Ent: Checks to “Postal Center Plus” and mail to the following: SWOPEN, 7917 McPherson Rd, Suite #205-500 Laredo, TX 78045. Info: vis@consultant.com, (956)717-8384. NS. NC. W. FIDE. WCL JGP.

2010 US Class Championships

2010-03-08T10:51:00.005-05:00

Another big national is returning to Texas this year!

October 1-3
5SS, G/120 (2-Day Option, Rd 1, G/60), $10,750 b/200 full paid entries, 70% Guaranteed. Junior entries, all Class E, and Unrated Section count as 2/3. Free entry for GMs. Free entry for IMs, deducted from winnings. Hilton Hobby Airport, 8181 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061, www.houstonhobbyairport.hilton.com . Free parking! $89 HR! 713-645-3000, Group Code: USCC. 8 Sections, Rated players may play up one class only. MASTER (2200/up), FIDE Rated, $1,200-550-300 (U2400: 400-200-100), EXPERT (2000-2199), $800-400-200, CLASS A (1800-1999), $800-400-200, CLASS B (1600-1799), $800-400-200, CLASS C (1400-1599), $800-400-200, CLASS D (1200-1399), $800-400-200, CLASS E (U1200), $300-200-100, Unrated, $300-100. National Class Champion title and plaques to each Class winner. Tie-breaks: MSCO. EF: $75 postmarked or on line by 9/24, $85 after. Special EF: $45 by 9/24 ($55 after) for all players in Class E, Unrated Section, and Juniors U18 in Class C or D. No checks on site. 3-Day Schedule: Registration Fri (10/1) 5-7pm. Rds. Fri 8pm, Sat 1pm & 6:30pm, Sun 9:30am & 2:30pm. 2-Day Schedule: Registration Sat (10/2) 8-9am. Rds. Sat 10am, 1pm (merges with 3-Day Schedule) & 6:30pm, Sun 9:30am & 2:30pm. Byes for all rounds, must commit before end of Rd 2. SIDE EVENTS: 5-min BLITZ, Sat after Rd 3, 2 sections, entries will be split in Upper and Lower, $10 EF on site, 75% returned in prizes; SCHOLASTIC TOURNAMENT, 5SS, G/30, One day only, Sat 10/2, $20 by 9/24, $25 after. Sections: K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12. Prizes: Trophies to top 10 in each division. All scholastic players in this side event will receive a commemorative medal. ENTRIES: Mail to USCF, ATTN: 2010 US Class, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Enter online: https://secure.uschess.org/webstore/tournaments.php . Tournament website link at uschess.org. Info: flguadalupe@aol.com, (713) 530-7820. WCL JGP.

2010 US Junior Open

2010-03-07T23:59:00.002-05:00

July 23-25, 2010
6SS, G/120. Hilton Hobby Airport, 8181 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061, www.houstonhobbyairport.hilton.com . Free parking! $89 HR valid until 7/19, Reserve early! 713-645-3000, Group Code: USJO. 4 Sections based on age: Under 21, Under 15, Under 11 and Under 8. July Rating Supplement. Ages for entry and prizes as of 1/1/2010. U21: $500+entry to 2011 US Junior Closed - $250-$125-$75-$50. Individual plaques to top three overall, plaques for best player age 18, 17, 16, 15, Under 15. U15: Individual trophies to top five overall, trophies for best player age 14, 13, 12, 11, Under 11. U11: Individual trophies to top five overall, trophies to best player age 9, 8, 7, Under 7. U8: Individual trophies to top five overall, best player 6 & Under; honorable mention trophies for all others U8. Commemorative medals for all participants. Teams: Trophies to top three school teams and top club team in each of the four sections. Top four scores, minimum of three, count towards team score in each section. Byes: One half-point bye, any round except Rd 6, if requested before Rd 1. EF: $35 postmarked or on line by 7/9, $50 after 7/9; no checks on site. Schedule: Onsite registration, Fri 8:30 – 11:00am. Opening Ceremony, Fri 12:30pm. Rounds, Fri 1pm & 6pm; Sat 9:30am & 2:15pm; Sun 9am & 1:30pm. Awards Ceremony 6:00pm (approx). Side Events: Blitz, U21 & U11. Sat 6:30pm, EF: $15 by 7/9, $20 on site. Bughouse: One section, Sat ASAP after Blitz, EF: $25 per team, on site only. Parents and Friends Tournament (not rated): 3SS, G/30, Sat, Rds 10:30, 2:30 & 4:00pm. EF: $10, on site only. Prizes: Trophies to top three plus one USCF Premium membership for each five participants. ENTRIES: Mail to USCF, ATTN: 2010 US Junior Open, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Enter online: https://secure.uschess.org/webstore/tournaments.php . Tournament website link at uschess.org. Info: flguadalupe@aol.com, (713) 530-7820. WCL JGP.

2010 Texas State Championship

2010-03-05T01:09:00.007-05:00

Here's the official TLA for the 2010 Texas State Championship. I'll add links to the official site and online registration once they're available.

May 28-31 or 29-31 Texas State and Amateur Championship 7SS, Crowne Plaza Dallas Near the Galleria,14315 Midway Road, Addison, TX 75001 http://www.cpgalleria-nr.crowneplaza.com 972-980-8877 or 800-972-2518 $$8350 b/175 full entries 75% Guaranteed, 2 Sections and scholastic side events: Championship (Open to players with USCF or Fide ratings of 2000 or greater and last year's Amateur Champion. This section is Fide rated but uses USCF rules.) Rds 1-3 G/90 + 30 sec increment, Rds 4-7 G/120 + 30 sec increment: $$1000-500-250, U2400 $500, X $700-300. Amateur: U2000 & unrated. Rds 1-7 30/90 SD/1, Rd 1 of 3 day is G/120 (deduct 5 min. for delay). $$800-400-200. B $$600-300-150, C $500-250-125, U1400 $500-250-125, U1200 $400, U1000 $300 Unrated $200. Both: TCA membership required. Other States Accepted. EF: $74 if received by 5/21, $85 at site. $65 Junior(U19) if received by 5/21 else $77 (juniors count as 90% toward base), Senior(over 65)/Handicapped/additional family participant $45 if receive by 5/21 else $60 (Senior /Handicap/ Additional family particpant counts 60% toward base). Add $5 for CC phone entries; pre-reg requires pre-paymt. After 5/26 all registration and changes on site only; all changes including withdrawals, $10 after 5/26. 4 day: reg Friday 5/28, 6:15pm-7:15. Rds Fri: 7:45, Sat: 2:30pm-8:00, Sun: 10am-4:00, Mon: 9am-2:30. 3 day: Reg Sat 5/29 9-9:30 am, Rd 1 at 10 am then merge with 4 day. Foreign Unrated must play in Championship section. Registrations that do not indicate 4 or 3 day schedule will be put in the 3 day. HR: $84/84/84/84. 800-972-2518 reserve by 5/11 and ask for Dallas Chess Tournament rate. free parking. Up to two ½ pt byes available if requested before rd 2, but byes for both rd 6 AND 7 is not permitted. K-12 Scholastic on Saturday, 5/29. 5-SS, Rds 1-3 G/30, Rds 4-5 G/45, EF: $28 by 5/21, $40 after; CC phone entries add $5. Pre-reg. requires pre-paymt. After 5/26 all registration and changes on site only; all changes $10 after 5/26. No refunds after 5/27, $10 handling fee for refunds before 5/27. Entries do not count toward base in Championship and Amateur. Registration 8:15-8:45 am, Rd 1 at 9:30 am, rest ASAP with small lunch break. Sections: K-12 Championship and K-12 U750. Prizes: Trophies to Top 12 individuals, 5 teams in each section. K-12 U750 also top 3 unrateds. Medals to plus scores who do not win a trophy. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. Info: Barb Swafford, 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com www.dallaschess.com NS. NC. W. FIDE

TCA on Facebook!

2010-02-25T11:14:00.006-05:00

Dear Texas Chess Players,

TCA now has a fan page on Facebook! We hope this will facilitate communication and interaction with Texas Chess Players.

* Any Facebook member can become a fan of the Texas Chess Association

* Any fan can quickly and easily add content to the page’s wall including links to tournament results, photos, events, news and links to tournament results

* We are considering moving more of our published content on-line. This fan-page will allow us to do so and reach a new audience.

To become a fan, visit our Facebook page and click on 'become a fan’.

Thank you in advance for your consideration,

Clemente Rendon
TCA President

Scholastic Championship Results

2010-02-24T23:59:00.000-05:00

Results from the State Scholastic Championship, held last weekend in Dallas:

Collegiate
High School
Middle School
Elementary
Primary / K-1

South Houston Open - this weekend!

2010-02-08T23:44:00.006-05:00

Sorry for the late notice, but there's a big event in Houston this weekend, with $5,000 in guaranteed prizes. Several strong players have already pre-registered, including:

GM Alejandro Ramirez, 2616
GM Axel Bachmann, 2602
IM John Bartholomew, 2499
IM-Elect Max Cornejo, 2473
IM Alfonso Almeida, 2448
FM Darwin Yang, 2377
FM CJ Arvind, 2317
FM Chris Land, 2248

The Cajun Chess website has more information. Online registration is available.

State Scholastic Championship - 2 weeks away!

2010-02-07T15:35:00.009-05:00

The biggest scholastic event of the year is just two weeks away. If you haven't registered yet, there's still time. Early registration discounts are available until Feb 11th.

Visit the swchess.com website for more information.

Team Championship results

2010-01-11T12:40:00.022-05:00

2010 Texas Team Champions: Matthew Michaelides, Bob Shao,
Alex Chua, Jeffrey De Jesus

18 teams (77 players) participated in the 2010 Texas Team Championship in Austin over the weekend. This is probably the largest turnout ever for this event, and certainly the largest in the USCF's online database, which goes back to 1992.

First place ($500 + trophy) went to "Your Queen Wants to Mate Me", a Houston-based team captained by NM Alex Chua. They scored 4-0, a half-point ahead of Austin's "Barely Legall", led by FM Michael Langer. In the under-1900 section, "Austin Powers" took first with 3 points.

First place under-1900: George Qi, Austin Jiang, Alexander Jiang, Matthew Liu

The Team Championship has traditionally been a 4-round event, but with more than 16 teams in the field, a 5-round schedule would guarantee that two teams don't each finish with perfect scores. Also, in this year's event, the first and second place teams never faced each other.

Board prizes:
Board 1 - FM Michael Langer (4.0)
Board 2 - Seth Thompson (4.0)
Board 3 - Bob Shao (3.5)
Board 4 - Josh Newsham, Arindam Raina, Matthew Michaelides (3.5)

Thanks to TD Lori Balkum for an extremely well-run event!

Last call for Texas Team Championship

2010-01-04T16:18:00.015-05:00

There's still time to sign up for the 2010 Texas Team Championship, being held this weekend (Jan 9-10) in Austin. It looks like we'll have a great field, with 12 teams already registered, including players from Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. You don't need a team of masters and experts to compete! There are U1900 team prizes as well as individual board prizes.

Jan 5 update: 14 teams
Jan 6 update: 15 teams
Jan 7 update: 17 teams
Jan 9 update: 18 teams!

2010 Texas Team Championship

2009-11-10T13:32:00.007-05:00

The 2010 Texas Team Championship is just two months away, so now is the time to start forming your team! Last year's event was a big success with 14-teams competing, and we're expecting another strong turnout in 2010. Complete TLA below:

Jan 9-10, 2010: Texas Team Championship
Hosted by Austin Chess Club

Bridge Center of Austin (next to Taj Palace)
6700 Middle Fiskville Rd
Austin, Texas 78752

4-SS, G/90 + 30 sec. increment
Open to 4-player teams with average rating under 2200 based on
Dec 2009 rating list. One alternate allowed, must be lowest rated.
Entry Fee: $100 per team if received by Jan 7th, $125 at site.
TCA membership required. NS. NC. W.

$1325 b/16 teams: 1st: $500 + trophy, 2nd: $250,
1st U1900: $250 + trophy 2nd U1900 - $125.
Board 1-4 prizes $50 + plaque each.

Registration: Saturday 10:30-11:45am.
Rounds: Saturday 12:30, 6:00, Sunday 9:30, 3:00

Enter online or mail entry to:

AustinChessTournaments.com
P.O. Box 1386
Round Rock, TX, 78680
512-417-9008
registrar@AustinChessTournaments.com

"Kings of Brownsville"

2009-11-10T13:01:00.005-05:00

Higher Ground Entertainment is working on a documentary film about scholastic chess in Brownsvile, TX. The film will tell the story of Russell Elementary School, winner of a record-setting 7 consecutive State Championships from 1993-1999. You can learn more and view a trailer(*) at the film's website. If you'd like to support this project, donations are being accepted.

* The trailer is in Apple's Quicktime format, so if you're on a Windows PC, you may need to install a Quicktime plugin for your web browser.

Texas Grade & Collegiate Championships

2009-10-19T11:32:00.002-05:00

13th Annual Texas K-8 Grade Championships 6SS, Rds 1-3 G/45, Rds 4-6 G/60. George R Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX HR: $103-$103-$103-$103, Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar, Houston TX 77010 mention Texas Grade and Collegiate Championships to get rate. Reserve By 10/29 or rate may increase. The K-8 is Open to TX residents or players attending Texas schools. 9 separate tournaments, one per grade (K-8). Trophies to top 10 ind. & top 5 teams (top three players added for team scores, no more than 2 teams per school in each grade.) EF: $37 if postmarked by 11/13. $58 at site. Do not mail after 11/13 as your entry may not be received. Entries to Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley TX 76036. Entry must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), grade & school and school location. Incomplete entries will be charged at site entry fee. No refunds after 11/18. Email: info@dallaschess.com 214-632-9000. Do not call after 11/18 as we are traveling. Reg. Fri 11/20 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Reg. Sat.11/21 at 7:30 am-8:30 am. Sat. registration may require a ½ pt. 1st rd. bye. Sat. rds 9:30-12:00-2:05-4:10. Sun. rds 10-1:15. One ½ pt bye available, any round, if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye. Online registration (active.com charges a fee.) : http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1796640 Limited number of Team rooms available., www.swchess.com Side events: 4 rd G/30 open tournament on 11/20 at 7:30 pm. This G/30 tournament has three sections: Open, U1400 and U750. EF: $15, $$$60% of entry fees. Bughouse Open Tournament Sat. 8:35 pm. EF: $20/team. Trophy prizes. Parent/Child team tourney Sat. 6:35 pm. EF: $10/team. Trophy prizes. Registration for side event online or onsite only. NS, NC, W.

13th Annual Texas 9-12 Grade Championships 5SS, Grade 9-10 G/120. Grade 11-12 G/90 30 sec inc. Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar, Houston TX 77010. HR: $103-$103-$103-$103, mention Texas Grade and Collegiate Championships to get rate. Reserve By 10/29 or rate may increase. The 9-12 is Open to TX residents or players attending Texas schools. 3 separate tournaments, one per grade 9, one per grade 10 and one for grades 11-12 (combined). Trophies to top 10 ind. & top 5 teams (top three players added for team scores, no more than 2 teams per school in each grade.) Winner of 11-12th Grade Section wins a 4 year scholarship to The University of Texas at Dallas, worth up to $43,000. Scholarship winner must meet UTD entrance requirements and follow team rules. EF: $37 if postmarked by 11/13. $58 at site. Do not mail after 11/13 as your entry may not be received. Entries to Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley TX 76036. Entry must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), grade & school and school location. Incomplete entries will be charged at site entry fee. No refunds after 11/18. Email: info@dallaschess.com 214-632-9000. Do not call after 11/18 as we are traveling. Reg. Fri 11/20 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Reg. Sat.11/21 at 7:30 am-8:30 am. Sat. registration may require a ½ pt. 1st rd. bye. Sat. rds 9,1:30-6:00. Sun. rds 9-1:30. One ½ pt bye available, any round, if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye. Online registration (active.com charges a fee.) : http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1796640 Limited number of Team rooms available., www.swchess.com Side events: 4 rd G/30 open tournament on 11/20 at 7:30 pm. This G/30 tournament has three sections: Open, U1400 and U750. EF: $15, $$$60% of entry fees. Bughouse Open Tournament Sat. 8:35 pm. EF: $20/team. Trophy prizes. Parent/Child team tourney Sat. 6:35 pm. EF: $10/team. Trophy prizes. Registration for side event online or onsite only. NS, NC, W.

13th Annual Texas Collegiate Championships 5SS, G/90, 30 sec inc. Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar, Houston TX 77010. HR: $103-$103-$103-$103, mention Texas Grade and Collegiate Championships to get rate. Reserve By 10/29 or rate may increase. College section open to any college player. Only Texas Colleges can be Texas Collegiate Champs. Plaques to top 10 ind. & top 5 teams (top three players added for team scores, no more than 2 teams per school.) EF: $42 if postmarked by 11/13. $62 at site. Do not mail after 11/13 as your entry may not be received. Entries to Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley TX 76036. Entry must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), grade & school and school location. Incomplete entries will be charged at site entry fee. No refunds after 11/18. Email: info@dallaschess.com 214-632-9000. Do not call after 11/18 as we are traveling. Reg. Fri 11/20 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Reg. Sat.11/21 at 7:30 am-8:30 am. Sat. registration may require a ½ pt. 1st rd. bye. Sat. rds 9,1:30-6:00. Sun. rds 9-1:30. One ½ pt bye available, any round, if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye. Fide rated but uses USCF rules. Online registration (active.com charges a fee.) : http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1796645 Limited number of Team rooms available, www.swchess.com Side events: 4 rd G/30 open tournament on 11/20 at 7:30 pm. This G/30 tournament has three sections: Open, U1400 and U750. EF: $15, $$$60% of entry fees. Bughouse Open Tournament Sat. 8:35 pm. EF: $20/team. Trophy prizes. Registration for side event online or onsite only. NS, NC, W. FIDE

IM Gergely Antal wins Southwest Open

2009-09-08T14:39:00.008-05:00

Congratulations to IM Gergely Antal, winner of the 2009 Southwest Open. Antal scored 6/7, a half-point ahead of IM Davorin Kuljasevic. The $10,000 guaranteed prize fund attracted 160 players, and the Open section was the strongest ever seen at a Southwest Open, with 17 players rated over 2200, including 2 GMs and 6 IMs.

In the Reserve section, Phung Nguyen scored a perfect 7/7, a point and a half ahead of his nearest rivals - a performance worthy of the $1,000 first prize.

I'll post games from the event soon.

Watch Southwest Open games live!

2009-09-06T01:58:00.003-05:00

For those of you who didn't make it to Fort Worth this weekend for the 75th Southwest Open, you can still watch the games live at monroi.com (free registration required).

TCA Business Meeting

2009-08-24T15:41:00.007-05:00

TCA's annual business meeting will be held Sunday, Sept 6 at 10am in the Centreport Ballroom at the Southwest Open tournament site. The meeting is open to the public. If you're planning to attend, please read the motions that have been filed for consideration. You can also read the minutes from last year's meeting.

Time to register for the Southwest Open!

2009-08-07T12:57:00.003-05:00

Just 4 weeks until the start of the Southwest Open! In recent years this tournament has established itself as the strongest event held in Texas. Last year's field included 2 GMs, 5 IMs, 1 FM, and 11 NMs. And this year's lineup could be even stronger, thanks to a $10,000 guaranteed prize fund.

Come help us celebrate the 75th anniversary of the longest-running tournament in Texas.

IM Daniel Fernandez wins State Championship

2009-07-20T21:26:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to IM Daniel Fernandez, winner of the 2009 Texas State Championship, held Memorial Day weekend in San Antonio. Daniel scored 6-1, a half-point ahead of NM Kalin Nonchev. In the Amateur section Paul Haney scored 6.5-0.5, winning first place by a full point.

The Dallas Chess Club organizers did a great job running the event, but the 113-player turnout was disappointing. In fact, a search of the USCF tournament database reveals that this was a record low turnout for a Texas State Championship. (The database only goes back to 1992.) Unfortunately, this seems to be a trend, as we've now seen below-average turnouts for 5 consecutive years. (An average of 129 for 2005-2009 versus 153 for 1992-2004, or almost a 20% difference.)

Part of the problem is that many Texas players now prefer to play in the Chicago Open, which is held the same weekend and offers a much larger ($100,000 guaranteed) prize fund. This year, 14 Texas players opted to play in Chicago, including 12-time Texas State champion IM Joe Bradford, FM Michael Langer, and FM Darwin Yang.

Another problem is that many schools hold their graduation ceremonies over Memorial Day weekend. And many of our top players are UTD students who return home (out of state) when the Spring semester ends. One possible solution, proposed by Luis Salinas, would be to swap the dates of the Southwest Open and State Championship.

What do you think? If you have ideas for how to attract more players to the State Championship, please send them to texaschess@gmail.com

State Championship this weekend

2009-05-22T10:43:00.002-05:00

The 64th Texas State Championship takes place this weekend in San Antonio. Good luck to all the participants!

TCA Scholastic Meeting

2009-03-15T21:46:00.008-05:00

A recent issue of Texas Knights magazine published the wrong time and location for the upcoming TCA Scholastic meeting.

The meeting is Saturday March 21, 7:30pm at the McAllen Convention Center.

2009 Texas State & Amateur Championship

2009-02-24T11:57:00.005-05:00

Start making your plans for Memorial Day weekend (May 22-25) in San Antonio! More details on the the State Championship page on the Dallas Chess Club's website.

Texas State and Amateur Championship 7SS, Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk, 889 East Market Street, San Antonio TX 78205 $$8350 b/175, full entries 75% Guaranteed, 2 Sections and scholastic side events: Championship (Open to players with USCF or Fide ratings of 2000 or greater and last year's Amateur Champion. This section is Fide rated but uses USCF rules.) Rds 1-3 G/90 with 30 sec increment, rds 4-7 G/120 with 30 sec increment: $$1000-500-250, U2400 $500, X $700-300. Amateur: U2000 & unrated. Rds 1-7 30/90 Sd/1, rd 1 of 3 day is G/120 (deduct 5 min. for delay). $$800-400-200. B $$600-300-150, C 500-250-125, U1400 $500-250-125, U1200 $400, U1000 $300 Unrated $200. Both: TCA membership required. Other States Accepted. EF: $74 if received by 5/15, $85 at site. $65 Junior(U19) if received by 5/15 else $77 (juniors count as 90% toward base), Senior (over 65)/Handicapped/ additional family participant $45 if receive by 5/15 else $60 (Senior /Handicap/ Additional family participant counts 60% toward base). Add $5 for CC phone entries; pre-reg requires pre-paymt. After 5/20/09 all registration and changes on site only; all changes including withdrawals, $10 after 5/20/09. 4 day: Reg Friday 5/22, 6:15pm-7:15. Rds Fri: 7:45, Sat: 2:30pm-8:00, Sun: 10am-4:00, Mon: 9am-2:30. 3 day: Reg Sat 5/23 9-9:30 am, Rd 1 at 10 am then merge with 4 day. Foreign Unrated must play in Championship section. Registrations that do not indicate 4 or 3 day schedule will be put in the 3 day. HR: $105/105/105/105. 800-228-9290 reserve by 5/1 (or rate may go up) and ask for SA Chess Tournament rate. Note that this hotel has no free parking. Up to two ½ pt byes available if requested before rd 2, but byes for both rd 6 AND 7 is not permitted. K-12 Scholastic on Saturday, 5/23. 5-SS, Rds 1-3 G/30, rds 4-5 G/45, EF: $28 by 5/15, $40 after; CC phone entries add $5. Pre-reg. requires pre-paymt. After 5/20/09 all registration and changes on site only; all changes $10 after 5/20/09. No refunds after 5/21/09, $10 handling fee for refunds before 5/21/09. Entries do not count toward base in Championship and Amateur. Registration 8:15-8:45 am, Rd 1 at 9:30 am, rest ASAP with small lunch break. Sections: K-12 Championship and K-12 U750. Prizes: Trophies to Top 12 individuals, 5 teams in each section. K-12 U750 also top 3 unrateds. Medals to plus scores who do not win a trophy. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. Info: Barb Swafford, 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com www.dallaschess.com NS. NC. W. FIDE

Two-way tie for first at Texas Team Championship

2009-02-16T12:22:00.002-05:00

This year's Texas Team Championship produced a strong turnout, with 14 teams representing 6 Texas cities. Two teams from San Antonio and Austin shared the first prize after battling to a draw in a tense, final-round match. See the San Antonio Chess Club website for a detailed recap.

TCA Tournament History

2009-01-31T11:57:00.002-05:00

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2009 Houston Absolute Championship

2009-01-10T10:26:00.003-05:00

The Houston Chess Club is hosting the 2009 Houston Absolute Championship on March 14-15. This would make a great warm up event for those of you who are playing in the Texas Scholastic Championship the following weekend.

2009 Texas Team Championship

2008-12-19T14:22:00.003-05:00

Jan 31 - Feb 1, 2009: Texas Team Championship. 4-SS, 30/90. SD/60. John E. Hornbeak Bldg. 3rd floor, 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX. Open to four-player teams avg. U2200 based on Dec. 2008 rating list. One alternate allowed, must be lowest rated. EF: $100/team if rec'd by 1/29, $125 site. TCA memb. required ($10 reg., $7.50 jr. U19, $1 jr. tmt.), o.s.a. $$($1,000 b/12 teams): $450 + T, $250, U1900 team $200 + T, $100. Reg. 11 a.m.-noon, Rds. 12:30-6, 9:30-3. Ent: SACC, POB 501, Helotes, TX 78023; 210-695-2324; schachlied@yahoo.com. NS. NC. W.

The San Antonio Chess Club website has a list of players seeking teams.

Fall Tournament Calendar

2008-09-27T20:31:00.003-05:00

Plenty of great events around Texas this fall:

SPICE Cup

2008-09-24T21:09:00.003-05:00

The SPICE Cup is underway in Lubbock. It's a 10-player round-robin event, with an all-GM field and an average FIDE rating of 2605 (category 15). Games start at 2pm daily and are being broadcast live on the Internet Chess Club and Monroi.com. The event is sponsored by Texas Tech University and the Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence (SPICE).

Southwest Open wrapup

2008-09-18T20:45:00.006-05:00

GM Alejandro Ramirez, IM Salvijus Bercys, IM Puchen Wang, and IM Jacek Stopa each scored 5.5/7 to tie for first place at the Southwest Open, held Labor Day weekend in Fort Worth.

In the Reserve section, Eric Lu scored an impressive 6.5/7 to win first place by a clear point. Eric's rating has risen by 140 points in his last two events, so it looks like Austin will have another expert soon.

Thanks to the 155 players who turned out and made it a great event, and a special thanks to the organizers: Susan Breeding, Francisco Guadalupe, and Luis Salinas.

Final round, board 1: IM Pachen Wang and IM Jacek Stopa

NM Tautvydas Vedrickas and NM Drew Sarkisian. Sarkisian
scored the upset to finish with 5/7, good for the U2200 prize.

Southwest Open underway

2008-08-30T08:54:00.002-05:00

The 74th annual Southwest Open is underway! I don't have the final headcount yet, but as of Wednesday 168 players had entered, including the addition of IM Salvijus Bercys (2479) and Tautvydas Vedrickas (2347). This is one of the strongest fields ever for a TCA event. Just take a look at the top 8 players:

GM Alejandro Ramirez  2600
IM Marko Zivanic      2544
IM Davorin Kuljasevic 2528
GM Babakuli Annakov   2510
IM Jacek Stopa        2507
IM Salvijus Bercys    2479
IM Puchan Wang        2440
Tautvydas Vedrickas   2347

TCA Business meeting announcement

2008-08-30T08:49:00.001-05:00

The TCA business meeting will be held 10am Sunday morning at the Southwest Open tournament site. You can read the minutes from the Spring 2008 meeting and some new bylaw amendments which are up for discussion on Sunday. (All of the business meeting minutes going back to 1991 are available on the Files page.)

The business meeting is open to the public.

3 more IMs enter Southwest Open

2008-08-23T17:10:00.002-05:00

Three more International Masters have registered for next weekend's Southwest Open! IM Marko Zivanic (2544), IM Davorin Kuljasevic (2528), and IM Jacek Stopa (2507). In case you've lost count, we're now at 2 GMs and 4 IMs. :)

134 players have entered so far, but registration is open for 6 more days so look for that number to keep rising.

GM Annakov to play in Southwest Open

2008-08-22T22:32:00.007-05:00

GM Babakuli Annakov (2510) will join GM Alejandro Ramirez and IM Puchen Wang in what is shaping up to be a strong tournament! Annakov will be looking for his third Southwest Open title, having won previously in 2001 and 2002. He's also a two-time Texas State Champion, winning in 2002 and 2003.

If you're thinking of playing, there's still plenty of time to register.

GM Ramirez, IM Wang to play in Southwest Open

2008-08-21T11:21:00.003-05:00

With 8 days to go until the 2008 Southwest Open, we have confirmation that GM Alejandro Ramirez (2600) will be playing in the tournament. Ramirez is the highest rated player in Texas, and a member of the elite UTD chess team. His teammate, IM Puchen Wang, will also play in the event.

Online registration is available, and today (8/21) is the last day of reduced entry fees, so don't wait. Also, as of this morning, the $85 hotel rate is still available (ask for the Southwest Open chess rate).

Reminder: TCA membership is required for this event. Not sure if your membership has expired? Just check the membership list.

3-way tie for first at U.S. Open

2008-08-16T15:34:00.002-05:00

GM Alexander Shabalov, IM Enrico Sevillano, and IM Rade Milovanovic tied for first at the U.S. Open in Dallas last weekend, each finishing with 8 out of 9 points. The final round saw plenty of fighting chess, with decisive results on 5 of the top six boards, including each of the three co-champions winning with Black. IM Doug Root, playing in his first tournament in eight years, finished half a point behind the leaders in 4th place.

The USCF website has a recap of the final round plus the final standings.

U.S. Open - Round 8 update

2008-08-10T08:23:00.004-05:00

With one round to go at the U.S. Open, 6 players share the lead with 7 points. Texas continues to be well represented with IM Joe Bradford, IM Rade Milovanovic, and NM Chaitanya Vaidya occupying 3 of the top 6 spots. Vaidya scored an impressive win last night against GM Yermolinsky in round 8 (a 265-point upset with the Black pieces)! Some of you may remember Vaidya as the winner of the 2007 National Collegiate Championship.

[Event "U.S. Open"]
[Date "2008.08.09"]
[Round "8"]
[White "GM Alex Yermolinsky"]
[Black "Chaitanya Vaidya"]
[Result "0-1"]
[WhiteElo "2589"]
[BlackElo "2324"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c6 5. Bg5 Nbd7 6. cxd5 exd5 7. e3
Be7 8. Qc2 O-O 9. Bd3 Re8 10. h3 Nf8 11. Bf4 Ng6 12. Bg3 Bd6 13. Bxd6
Qxd6 14. O-O-O b6 15. g4 Qe7 16. Kb1 Bb7 17. Bf5 c5 18. h4 c4 19. h5
Nf8 20. g5 Ne4 21. g6 fxg6 22. hxg6 Nxc3+ 23. bxc3 h6 24. Rdg1 Bc8
25. Rh5 Nd7 26. Bxd7 Bxd7 27. Rxd5 Bc6 28. Re5 Qb7 29. Rxe8+ Rxe8
30. Nd2 Rf8 31. f3 Bxf3 32. Rf1 Qd5 33. e4 Qb5+ 34. Ka1 Be2 35. Rxf8+
Kxf8 36. Nb1 Qh5 37. e5 Bd3 38. Qg2 Qxg6 39. Qa8+ Qe8 40. Qxa7 Qc6
41. a4 Kg8 42. d5 Qxd5 43. Qxb6 Qxe5 44. a5 Qd5 45. a6 Be4 46. Kb2 Kh7
47. Kc1 Qd3 0-1

The final round is today at 3pm.

3 rounds to go at U.S. Open

2008-08-08T16:17:00.009-05:00

With three rounds to go at the U.S. Open, no less than seven players are tied for the lead with 5.5/6. Among those leaders are three Texans: IM Doug Root, IM Joe Bradford, and IM Kirill Kuderinov. Round 7 begins at 7pm tonight, and should feature several tough matchups on the top boards. You can watch the games live on the Monroi website or at the Internet Chess Club.

This has turned out to be one of the largest and strongest tournaments ever held in Texas, with a total of 379 players, including 11 IMs and 2 GMs (Alexander Shabalov and Alex Yermolinsky).

Schedule for the final 3 rounds:

Rd 7 - Fri July 8, 7 pm
Rd 8 - Sat July 9, 7pm
Rd 9 - Sun July10, 3 pm

Check back this weekend for more updates!

6:30pm update: Pairings are up and it's Bradford-Yermolinsky on board 1!

U.S. Open now at 322 advance entries

2008-07-30T23:30:00.004-05:00

Advance entries for the U.S. Open keep pouring in! The current total is 322 players, and there are some exciting new names on the list, including IM Enrico Sevillano (2546) and IM Doug Root (2570). This is Root's first tournament appearance in 8 years!

One down, two to go

2008-07-28T23:14:00.005-05:00

The first of the three big Texas summer tournaments is over, with IM Daniel Fernandez emerging as the winner of the U.S. Class Championships, held July 18-20 in Houston. The USCF website has pictures and an event recap. CajunChess has the final crosstables.

Next up is the 109th U.S. Open, in Dallas beginning August 2. Online registration is available. As of today, there are 268 advance entries, including IM Joe Bradford, IM Daniel Fernandez, and IM Rade Milovanovic.

Three major events in Texas this summer

2008-06-13T22:32:00.008-05:00

This is shaping up to be a great summer for chess in Texas, with three major events on the tournament calendar:

July 18-20: U.S. Class Championships (Houston)

August 2-10: 109th annual U.S. Open (Dallas). One of the most prestigous events in the U.S. returns to Texas for the first time since 1984. Last year's event drew 414 players, including GMs Nakamura, Shabalov, Gulko, Kudrin, and Rohde. This year's prize fund is $40,000 guaranteed!

August 29 - Sept 1: Southwest Open (Fort Worth). The 74th edition of TCA's oldest event.

Warren Harper wins State Championship

2008-06-12T23:02:00.019-05:00

Last year we reported on Warren Harper's victories at the 2007 Texas Scholastic Championships and the Denker Tournament of High School Champions. Recently Warren added the 2008 Texas State Championship to his resume, finishing in clear first with a 6/7 score. At 17 years old, Harper is one of the youngest State Champions ever (Igor Shtern was 16 in 1984, and GM Alejandro Ramirez was 17 in 2006). Harper clinched the title with a hard-fought final round draw against FM Michael Langer of Austin.

[Event "2008 Texas State Championship"]
[Date "2008.05.26"]
[Round "7"]
[White "Langer, Michael"]
[Black "Harper, Warren"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[WhiteElo "2319"]
[BlackElo "2330"]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. Nb5 Bxe3 7. fxe3 Qh4+ 8. g3 Qd8 9. Qg4 Kf8 10. Qf4 d6 11. N1c3 Nf6 12. O-O-O Bg4 13. Rd2 Ne5 14. Be2 Bxe2 15. Rxe2 Nh5 16. Qf1 g6 17. Nd5 c6 18. Nd4 Kg8 19. Nf4 Nf6 20. Qg2 Qe7 21. g4 Ned7 22. g5 Nxe4 23. h4 d5 24. Rf1 Ne5 25. Rg1 a5 26. Qh2 a4 27. Nd3 Nc4 28. h5 Re8 29. Ree1 Ne5 30. Qf4 c5 31. Nf3 Nxf3 32. Qxf3 c4 33. Nf2 a3 34. Nxe4 dxe4 35. Qf6 axb2+ 36. Kxb2 gxh5 37. Rd1 c3+ 38. Qxc3 Qe5 39. Qxe5 Rxe5 40. Rd7 Rb5+ 41. Kc3 Kg7 42. Kd4 Rb4+ 43. Kd5 b5 44. Rf1 Rf8 1/2-1/2

Harper entered the 7th round with a half-point lead over the field, thanks to his 6th-round win where he took advantage of NM Nick Schoonmaker's bad bishop.

[Event "2008 Texas State Championship"]
[Date "2008.05.26"]
[Round "6"]
[White "Harper, Warren"]
[Black "Schoonmaker, Nicholas"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "2330"]
[BlackElo "2213"]
1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nf3 d6 4. Nc3 a6 5. a4 b6 6. Bd3 e6 7. Bf4 Ne7 8. h4 h6 9. a5 b5 10. e5 d5 11. b4 Nbc6 12. Na2 Nf5 13. c3 h5 14. Nc1 Nb8 15. Nb3 Nd7 16. Bg5 f6 17. exf6 Bxf6 18. Qe2 Qe7 19. Bxf6 Qxf6 20. O-O-O O-O 21. Rde1 Re8 22. Bxf5 Qxf5 23. Ne5 Nxe5 24. Qxe5 Qxe5 25. Rxe5 c6 26. Kd2 Ra7 27. Rg5 Kh7 28. Nc5 Rf7 29. Nd3 Bd7 30. Ne5 Rg7 31. g4 hxg4 32. h5 Ree7 33. hxg6+ Kg8 34. Nxg4 Kf8 35. Nf6 Re8 36. Rh7 Rd8 37. Nh5 Rg8 38. Rf7+ 1-0

In the 107-player Amateur section, Jonathan Allen scored a perfect 7/7 to win first place by a full point. Here's his final-round game:

[Event "2008 Texas State Championship"]
[Date "2008.05.26"]
[Round "7"]
[White "Croson, David"]
[Black "Allen, Jonathan"]
[Result "0-1"]
[WhiteElo "1884"]
[BlackElo "1915"]
1. c4 c6 2. e4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Nf3 Bg4 7. Be2 dxc4 8. O-O e6 9. Qa4 Qa5 10. Qxa5 Nxa5 11. Ne5 Bxe2 12. Nxe2 Rc8 13. Bg5 Nd5 14. Bd2 Nc6 15. Rac1 Nxe5 16. dxe5 Bb4 17. Rfd1 Bxd2 18. Rxd2 Nb4 19. b3 Nd3 20. Rxd3 cxd3 21. Rxc8+ Kd7 22. Rc1 dxe2 23. f4 Rc8 24. Re1 Rc2 25. a3 Kc6 26. Kf2 Ra2 27. Rc1+ Kb6 28. b4 e1=Q+ 29. Kxe1 Rxg2 30. h4 Rg1+ 31. Kd2 Rxc1 32. Kxc1 Kb5 33. Kd2 Ka4 34. Kc3 Kxa3 35. Kc4 b6 36. Kb5 Kb3 37. h5 g5 38. fxg5 a5 39. bxa5 bxa5 40. Kxa5 Kc4 41. Kb6 Kd5 42. Kc7 Kxe5 43. Kd7 Kf5 44. Ke7 Kxg5 45. Kxf7 e5 46. h6 Kxh6 0-1

Special thanks go out to Francisco Guadalupe and Luis Salinas, who organized and directed the tournament.

Texas Knights puzzle correction

2008-03-13T22:20:00.007-05:00

Oops! The puzzle on the back cover of the March-April 2008 issue of Texas Knights is missing a white Bishop on g7. Here's the correct position. White to move, mate in 2.

To see the solution, place your mouse pointer at the end of this sentence, and then click and drag to the right. Qd5!

2008 Texas Scholastic Championship

2008-01-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

The 2008 Texas Scholastic Championship will be held in Houston on March 8-9. Last year's event drew 1,479 players, making it by far the biggest TCA event of the year and one of the largest in the country. Make your hotel reservations now, while space is still available! You can use the links below to register for the tournament:

High School Championship
Middle School Championship
Elementary Championship
Primary Championship

TCA will hold a Chess in Education workshop Mar. 8 from 1-5 p.m. at the tournament site. (Agenda and list of presenters). Fees: $15 advance, $20 at door. Send payment to TCA Treasurer Barb Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036-4719.

Texas Knights Magazine - Online!

2007-12-01T21:59:00.007-05:00

Several back issues of Texas Knights Magazine are now available for download.

2008
Jan - Feb
March - April
May-June
July-August
September-October
November-December

2007
Jan - Feb
March - April
May - June
July - August
September - October
November - December

To view the chessboard diagrams, you must install the DiagramTTFritz font. (If you're a ChessBase user, you may already have this font installed.) If you need help installing the font, read these instructions.

TCA members receive 6 issues of Texas Knights per year. If you aren't a member, sign up now!

Minutes from the Fall 2007 TCA Business Meeting

2007-11-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

TCA held a business meeting at the recent Southwest Open in Brownsville. The meeting minutes are now available online.

2008 Texas Scholastic Championships - early info

2007-09-26T22:37:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are already planning for next year's Texas Scholastic Chess Championships, the event will be held in Houston on March 7-9, 2008 at the Hilton Americas hotel. (800-774-1500 or 713-739-8000. HR $104.) I'll post more info as soon as it becomes available.

Five-way tie for first at Southwest Open

2007-09-11T08:51:00.002-05:00

The 73rd annual Southwest Open was held in Brownsville over Labor Day weekend. The remote location hurt attendance - only 76 players competed, roughly half as many as in previous years. What the event lacked in size, it made up for in strength, with 7 IMs in the field.

Five players tied for first with 5.5/7 - IM Salvijus Bercys, IM Axel Bachmann, IM Daniel Fernandez, Tautvydas Vedrickas, and IM Alfonso Almeida. In the Reserve section, Victor A. Flores won clear first with 6/7. See the crosstables for all the results. In the one-day scholastic event, Kristin Ramos and Jorge Hernandez both notch perfect 5-0 scores to win their respective sections.

Duplicate scoresheets were not provided to the players, and as a result, very few games scores were submitted. Please email your games to Texas Knights editor Selby Anderson at schachlied@yahoo.com.

Victor A. Flores, winner of the Reserve Section.

Nelly Estrada & Janeth Moreno ponder their next move.

TCA business meeting

2007-08-20T20:50:00.000-05:00

The Fall business meeting of the TCA will be held at the Southwest Open tournament site on Sunday, Sept 2 at 8:30am. If you plan to attend this meeting, please take the time to review the proposed amendments to the TCA Bylaws.

Southwest Open - make your hotel reservations

2007-08-13T21:49:00.001-05:00

The 73rd annual Southwest Open is less than three weeks away! If you're planning to attend, you must make your hotel reservations by August 17th to get the discounted $69 room rate. (Ask for the chess rate.)

http://www.holidayinnbrownsville.com/
1-800-325-7385

This is your chance to participate in the longest-running event in TCA history!

Warren Harper wins Denker Tournament!

2007-08-09T14:29:00.001-05:00

Back in March, we told you about Warren Harper's victory at the Texas Scholastic Championship. Warren continued his winning ways last week, taking clear first place at the 2007 Denker Tournament of High School Champions, and winning a four-year scholarship to Texas Tech University.

This result should push Warren's rating above 2300. Not bad for a
16-year old who played his first rated game 3 years ago!

For more coverage, visit the USCF website and Susan Polgar's blog.

test

2007-07-23T01:58:00.013-05:00

Games from the Canadian Open:

2007 Southwest Open information

2007-06-05T12:22:00.000-05:00

The 73rd annual Southwest Open will be held in Brownsville from Aug 31 - Sept 3. This is one of the strongest tournaments held in Texas each year - just take a look at the list of previous winners.

For more details, visit the official website.

State Championship Results

2007-05-30T12:21:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to GM Gilberto Hernandez, who scored 6 out of 7 to win clear first place at the 2007 Texas State Championship. This is the first Texas Championship title for Hernandez, adding his name to the prestigious list of past winners. The Championship Section games were broadcast live on the Monroi website - a nice touch that will hopefully be repeated at future events.

The Amateur Championship saw a three-way tie for first place with Leo Bonnell, Alexander Steger, and Arthur Safin all finishing at 6-1.

On Saturday, 105 players competed in a separate K-12 scholastic event. Alexander Jiang scored a perfect 5-0 to win the Open section, while Richard Ay and Nick Zarosky both notched 5-0 scores to tie for first in the U-750 section.

See the final crosstables for complete results.

Special thanks to Luis Salinas, Francisco Guadalupe, Rob Jones, and Barb Swafford, for their hard work in organizing and running the event.

Watch the State Championship online!

2007-05-26T21:53:00.001-05:00

The 2007 State Championship is underway in Houston with a field of 129 players, including GM Gilberto Hernandez. You can watch the games from the championship section live on the Monroi website!

Round 3 sees the two highest-rated players in the tournament facing each other in Morshedi-Hernandez.

TCA Membership List

2007-05-24T19:16:00.007-05:00

This page has moved to http://www.texaschess.org/p/tca-membership-list.html

Please update your bookmarks. Thanks!

Texas Knights Magazine - Online!

2007-05-22T16:46:00.000-05:00

The March-April 2007 issue of Texas Knights magazine is now available for download. This issue covers several recent events, including the Texas Team Championship, Texas Masters & Class Championships, New Year Open, and Ken Smith Memorial. Thanks to Selby Anderson for making this happen!

To view the chessboard diagrams, you must install the DiagramTTFritz font. (If you're a ChessBase user, you may already have this font installed.) If you need help installing the font, read these instructions.

TCA members receive 6 issues of Texas Knights per year. If you aren't a member, sign up now!

Texas Action Championship results

2007-05-03T12:43:00.000-05:00

Five players tied for first place at the 2007 Texas Action Championship in San Antonio. Congratulations to Selby Anderson, Arthur Macaspac, Anthony Guerra, Ju Ahn, and Gabriel Guerra who each finished with a 4-1 score.

Treasurer's Report

2007-04-24T10:25:00.000-05:00

TCA Treasurer Barbara Swafford has submitted the April 2007 Treasurer's Report.

Minutes from the Spring 2007 TCA Business Meeting

2007-04-23T12:03:00.000-05:00

TCA held a business meeting at the recent State Scholastic Championship in Houston. The meeting minutes are now available online.

Tournament Calendar

2007-04-03T08:48:00.010-05:00

2008

Date	Event Name	Location
June 28	St. Andrews Scholastic	Austin
July 12	San Benito Community Chess Tournament	San Benito
July 18-20	U.S. Class Championships	Houston
Aug 2-10	U.S. Open	Dallas
July 26	San Benito City Chess Championship	San Benito
Aug 29 - Sept 1	Southwest Open

2009

Date	Event Name	Location
Feb 14-15	TCA Region VIII Championships	Brownsville

2007 Texas State and Amateur Championship

2007-03-28T22:39:00.000-05:00

Update: See the Official Announcement on the dallaschess.com website.

May 25-28, 2007
7 Round Swiss, $8350 prize fund (b/175)
Hilton Americas Hotel
1600 Lamar, Houston, TX 77010

Championship Section

Open to players rated over 2000 (USCF or FIDE)
Rounds 1-3 G/90 with 30 sec increment
Rounds 4-7 G/120 with 30 sec increment
FIDE rated, but uses USCF rules
Prizes:

1st, 2nd, 3rd: $1000-500-250
Under 2400: $300
Under 2200: $800-400

Amateur Section:

Open to players rated under 2000 or unrated.
Rounds 1-7 : 30/90 SD/60. (Round 1 of 3 day schedule is G/120)
Prizes:

1st, 2nd, 3rd: $800-400-200

Under 1800: $600-300-150

Under 1600: $500-250-125
Under 1400: $500-250-125
Under 1200: $400
Under 1000: $300
Unrated: $200 (foreign unrated must play in Championship section)

Schedule:

4-day: Fri 7:45pm; Sat 2:30, 8:30; Sun 10:00am, 4:00; Mon 9:00am, 2:30
3-day: Round 1 Sat 10am, then merge with 4-day schedule
Up to two ½ point byes available if requested before round 2. Byes for both round 6 and 7 not permitted.

Entry Fees:

$69 if received by 5/17. $80 at site. Add $5 for CC phone entries.
$45 junior (under 19), senior (over 65), handicap. $55 if received after 5/17.
Mail entries (with payment) to:

Dallas Chess Club
c/o Susan Breeding
7909 La Guardia Dr
Plano, TX 75025

K-12 Scholastic Event (Saturday May 26):

5-round swiss (rounds 1-3 G/30, rounds 4-5 G/45)
Entry fee: $26 by 5/18, $39 after. CC phone entries add $5
Onsite registration 8:15-8:45am
Round 1 at 9:30am, rest ASAP with short lunch break
Sections: K-12 Championship and K-12 under 750
Prizes: Trophies to top 12 individuals, 5 teams in each section. Medals to plus scores who do not win a trophy.

Hotel Rates:

$85 (reserve by 5/11 and ask for chess rates)
800-774-1500 or 713-739-8000

For more information, contact Susan Breeding, 214-632-9000.

Missing page in current issue of Texas Knights

2007-03-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

In the March-April 2007 issue of Texas Knights, page 13 (in the Texas Masters article) is a duplicate of page 19. Please download this patch, which can be printed and pasted over page 13.

Welcome to the new TCA website!

2007-03-23T23:48:00.000-05:00

Dear TCA members and friends of Texas Chess:

Welcome to the revamped Texas Chess Association website! You will notice that the appearance of the site has changed dramatically. The new page layout will make the site simpler to navigate, and we are using a new publishing platform that will make it easier to add new content. You can expect to see much more frequent updates on the site, including tournament announcements, results, games, and back issues of Texas Knights magazine!

We have also moved the discussion forums to Google Groups®. This change, and the use of the new publishing platform, will allow TCA to eliminate the expense and complexity of maintaining its own web and database servers.

I hope you enjoy the new website and forums. Please feel free to send feedback – good or bad – to our TCA webmaster, Peter Kappler, at texaschess@gmail.com, or to me at msimpson@gmail.com.

Thanks, and enjoy the site!

Michael M. Simpson
TCA President

Texas Scholastic Championship draws 1,479 players

2007-03-22T16:09:00.000-05:00

1,479 players participated in the 2007 Texas Scholastic Chess Championships in Dallas on March 17-18. Congratulations to the individual winners in the championship sections!

High School -- NM Warren Harper (6.5/7.0)
Middle School -- Alex Balkum, Matthew Liu, Grant Powell, George Qi (6.0/7.0)
Elementary -- Fernando Mendez Jr. (6.5/7.0)
Primary -- Raymund Sun (7.0/7.0)

Warren Harper faces Francisco Guadalupe in the game
that ultimately decided the High School Championship.

Middle School Champions: Alex Balkum, Matthew Liu, George Qi.
(Not pictured - Grant Powell)

Texas clubs and vendors

2007-03-17T08:25:00.032-05:00

Public Clubs

Scholastic Regional Websites

Scholastic Clubs

University Clubs

Vendors
Looking for chess sets for your club or school?
TCA recommends the following vendors:

Send additions or updates to texaschess@gmail.com