Avila Chess Club presents:

THANKSGIVING CLUB TOURNAMENT

DATE: Monday, November 23rd, 2026

LOCATION: Dorris Van Doren Library, 551 E. Redd Rd., El Paso, TX 79912

TWO SECTIONS:

1. USCF Open

• 4 rounds, G/15;inc/5
• Player check-in from 1:15-1:25pm. Players not checked-in by 1:25pm will not be paired for round 1.
• Round times: 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm, 3:45pm
• Free entry. Quick-rated only. Open to players all ages. Medals for top 3.

2. Non-Rated Scholastic

• 4 rounds, G/15
• Player check-in from 1:45-1:55pm. Players not checked-in by 1:55pm will not be paired for round 1.
• Round times: 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, 3:30pm
• Free entry. Scholastic players only, grades K-12. Medals for top 3.

Space is limited to 25 players total. 

Pre-registration is required to play in round 1. Pre-registration closes at 9am on Monday, November 23rd. On-site registrations may receive a zero-point bye for round 1.

One half-point bye is allowed. Additional byes will be zero-point. Round 1 byes must be requested before 9am on November 23rd. 

Boards and pieces will be provided. USCF players are expected to bring their own clocks, and to know how to set them and use them. A limited number of clocks will be provided. 

Notation is required in the Open section. Exemptions to notation must be requested in advance, and may be granted to players who are under 10 years old and meet one of the following criteria: 1) Rated under 600 USCF, or 2) New to US Chess (membership less than 6 months). Requests for exemptions for other reasons (medical, religious, etc.) must be submitted via email by 9am on November 23rd. Players granted an exemption will have two minutes subtracted from their clocks at the start of each round.

DGT boards and USCF-approved notation devices are permitted. Players who intend to use either must notify the TDs via email by 9am on November 23rd, and must arrive by 1pm to show the notation device to the TD. Players are responsible for setting up their own DGT boards.

Phone and tablet policy: Phones must be OFF and put away in the player's bag, or face-down on the tournament table, during all games. Players may NOT leave the playing room with a phone or tablet during a game - doing so will result in an immediate forfeit loss.

Spectator policy: Spectating is allowed from a distance of 3-4 feet from the players. Spectators must remain quiet and not attempt to communicate with players or with anyone else in the playing room. Spectators must leave the playing room if requested by the TD.

Awards immediately following round 4. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

- Avila Chess Club

email: avilachessclub[at]yahoo[dot]com