2026 Houston Open Scholastic
November 14 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton, 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Houston, TX
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Format Open to all scholastic players. 5 round Swiss, G25;d5 4 Sections, all entries will be placed in four sections based on published November US Chess rating. Trophy to top 5 in each section Top two high, middle, and elementary school team trophies. (Team score is total of top four individual player scores from the same school across all sections.) Commemorative medal to each participant! |
Schedule Saturday 14 November 9:00 AM Announcements 9:15 AM - Round 1 Lunch after round 2 5:15 PM Awards
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ENTRY FEES
$30
Tournament Rules and Information:
Forfeit Rule: Players in all sections who fail to appear within 25 minutes of the round start forfeit the game unless the Chief TD otherwise provides for good cause.
Change requests: Contact the organizer or pairing chief in the backroom to request a bye, withdraw, etc.
Byes: Two 1/2-point byes are available if requested before round 2 begins.
Chess sets are not provided
Chess clocks are not provided
Maximum entries = 200
A CHESS STORE WILL BE ON LOCATION SELLING CHESS-RELATED ITEMS.
Trophy winners will be determined by US Chess tiebreaks (MSCO).
Food is not allowed in the playing hall. Drinks in closed-top containers and water are the only exceptions.
No electronic devices (except necessary medical equipment, chess clocks, and notation devices endorsed by US Chess.)
Withdrawals before November 12th are subject to a $10 processing fee deduction or can receive a credit toward a future Cypress Chess tournament, valid for one year.
Withdrawals on or after November 12th will not receive a refund but will receive a credit toward a future Cypress Chess tournament, valid for one year.
Players needing accommodations for disability or religious reasons should contact the organizer as soon as possible, preferably at least two weeks before the tournament.
Harassment of any type is never tolerated and may result in penalties up to expulsion from the tournament and Safe Play Reporting.
Spectators: Only players with games in progress and the tournament staff are allowed in the playing hall. When your game ends, you become a spectator! Spectators are not allowed in the tournament area during play!
Communication Policy
Registering for Cypress Chess events adds you to our email and text message distribution list, which we use to announce and promote future events and send details for current events (e.g., pairings and standings links). You will be able to opt out by following the instructions in any message received or by contacting us directly.
Hotel
(Take the JFK exit off of Beltway 8 in north Houston near IAH Airport)
SPECIAL HOTEL CHESS RATE: $99 & tax
NOTE: RESERVE BY November 1, to secure the group rate.
To make your reservation, you can click here: 2026 HCF Hotel
To make your reservation by phone, please call (855) 610-8733 and mention (Group code - CDTHOU)
Complimentary Hotel Self-Parking (2)
Free Shuttle Service from Bush Int'l (IAH) Airport to/from hotel - call (281)-848-4000 for pick-up service
Basic Internet in Each Room!
(2) Hotel Guests use room key for in/out access. Commuters have parking tickets validated at the hotel desk or the restaurant desk. Validation is good for 30 minutes. Problem at the exit gate? Press the call button and mention the Chess tournament to exit.
Online Registration
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2026HOS
Contact: Peter Craney peter.craney@cypresschess.net, 713-725-2877