2026 Texas Armed Forces Open

November 15, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton, 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Houston, TX

$700 Prize Fund

Format & Time Controls

Open: US Chess rated, 4SS, G/45;d10

Open to active-duty, veteran, and retired US Armed Forces members. Current US Chess membership required.

Prizes (based on 30 entries): 1st $275, 2nd $200, 3rd $125; U1600 $100

Plaques for first, second, and third place Texas residents.

Schedule and Registration

Schedule
Round #	Schedule
Online Registration	Until Saturday, 11/14, 10:00 P.M.
On-site Registration Closes	Sunday, 11/15, 8:00 A.M. (later registrations may be assigned a Round 1 bye)
Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4	Sunday, November 15 @ 8:30 A.M. Sunday, November 15 @ 10:45 A.M. Sunday, November 15 @ 1:15 P.M. Sunday, November 15 @ 3:30 P.M.

 

ENTRY FEES

OPEN, $45

Withdrawals before November 14th (noon) are subject to a  $5 processing fee deduction or can receive a credit toward a future Cypress Chess tournament, valid for one year.

Withdrawals on or after November 14th (noon) will not receive a refund but will receive a credit toward a future Cypress Chess tournament, valid for one year.

Tournament Rules and Information:

Forfeit Rule: Players who fail to appear within 30 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 back room to re-enter, request a bye, withdraw, etc.

Byes: One 1/2-point bye is available if requested before round 2 begins.

Chess sets are not provided

Chess clocks are not provided

A CHESS STORE WILL BE ON LOCATION SELLING CHESS-RELATED ITEMS.

Plaque winners determined by US Chess tiebreaks (MSCO). 

Notation is required on the provided score sheets, and submit a complete and legible copy at the conclusion of the game

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 and clocks).
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 will add you to our email and text message distribution list, which is used to announce and promote future events and to 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, 2026, 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.

Prizes (based on 30 entries): 1st $275, 2nd $200, 3rd $125; U1600 $100

Plaques for first, second, and third place Texas residents.

Other Events:

Blitz Saturday, 11/14/2026 ~ 9:30 PM, 5 Swiss Double Rounds, G/3+2. USCF rated.

Entry fee: $30. Registration closes 15 minutes before round 1. Regular rating will be used if you don’t have a Blitz rating. 2 sections Championship 1600+ and Reserve U1600.

Prizes (based on 20 entries): Championship: 1st $150, 2nd $75, Top U2000 $50; Reserve: 1st $125, 2nd $75.

2026 Houston Open 13-15 November

2026 Houston Open Scholastic 14 November

Online Registration

https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2026TAFO

Contact

Peter Craney peter.craney@cypresschess.net, 713-725-2877