MAR 29th- 2026 Spring Tournament by Azeri Chess Academy

March 29, 2026

Register  Entry List

MAR 29 - 2026 SPRING TOURNAMENT (2026 HOUSTON CIRCUIT EVENT) by AZERI CHESS ACADEMY

USCF REGULAR/DUAL RATED – UNRATEDS ARE WELCOME BUT YOU MUST BE AN ACTIVE USCF MEMBER. Ratings based on Last month's USCF classical list.

WHEN MAR 29th at 10 AM

WHERE Houston Chess Studio, 250 Patton St. Suite H, Houston TX 77009

FORMAT  6 Round Swiss G/30,d10

ROUNDS 10 AM, 11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 2:45 PM, 4:05 PM, 5:25 PM

AWARDS 6:45pm OR ASAP

EQUIPMENT & NOTATION RULES Chess sets, clocks, scoresheets, and pens will be provided by the organizer [so no need to bring anything – come and play!]. Notation is mandatory unless any player has less than 5 minutes remaining on their clock. Players may keep a yellow scoresheet copy and a pen.

ENTRY FEE

  • $60 – Until February 28, 2026, or for the first 10 players, whichever comes first.
  • $80 – Until March 14, 2026, or for the next 20 players, whichever comes first.
  • $100 – Until March 29, 2026 at 12:00 AM (midnight), or until all spots are filled.

PRIZES

Prize distribution is based on the final number of players in the tournament – MORE PLAYERS, MORE PRIZES!:

< 10 players
1st: $300 + plaque
Total prize fund: $300

10–15 players
1st: $400 + plaque
2nd: $100
Total prize fund: $500

16–20 players
1st: $500 + plaque
2nd: $250
Total prize fund: $750

21–25 players
1st: $500 + plaque
2nd: $250
3rd: $150
Total prize fund: $900

26–30 players
1st: $500 + plaque
2nd: $250
3rd: $150
Best U1600: $150
Best U1200: $150
Total prize fund: $1,200

31–35 players
1st: $500 + plaque
2nd: $250
3rd: $150
Best U1600: $150
Best U1200: $150
Best U800: $150
Total prize fund: $1,350

36–40 players
1st: $550 + plaque
2nd: $350
3rd: $150
Best U1600: $150
Best U1400: $150
Best U1200: $150
Best U1000: $150
Best U800: $150
Total prize fund: $1,800

41–45 players
1st: $590 + plaque
2nd: $350
3rd: $210
Best U1600: $200
Best U1400: $200
Best U1200: $150
Best U1000: $150
Best U800: $150
Total prize fund: $2,000

46–50 players
1st: $590 + plaque
2nd: $410
3rd: $300
Best U1600: $200
Best U1400: $200
Best U1200: $200
Best U1000: $200
Best U800: $200
Total prize fund: $2,300

> 50 players
1st: $590 + plaque
2nd: $410
3rd: $300
Best U1600: $300
Best U1400: $300
Best U1200: $300
Best U1000: $300
Best U800: $300
Total prize fund: $2,800

  • If rating prizes are offered, unrated players are eligible only for prizes in the lowest rating group. This does not affect their eligibility for the overall (main) prizes.
  • Prizes are equally shared in case of a tie.
  • Payments will be sent via Zelle/PayPal before April 5, 2026. Prize-winners must contact the organizer immediately after the final round to confirm their preferred payment method. Additionally, the prize winners are required to participate in the prize ceremony following the tournament. Failure to complete these actions will result in disqualification from receiving the prize.

 

CANCELLATION   

  • A 50% refund will be granted if a player requests cancellation by March 25, 2026, at 12:00 AM (midnight).
  • No refunds will be issued after this deadline.

BYES 

  • Up to two (2) half-point byes is allowed and must be declared during registration.
  • No additional byes are permitted except for 0-point byes.
  • A 1-point bye is awarded to a player who is left without an opponent when the number of players is odd in a given round.

THE HOUSTON CHESS STUDIO  Houston’s only venue dedicated solely to chess, provides a quality chess playing experience for players of all levels, and their parents and spectators. Centrally and conveniently located at 250 Patton St., Suite H, Houston TX 77009.  Just inside North Loop 610 and just 2 blocks off North I-45.  There are 3 restaurants in the same strip center as The Studio: The Red Hot Noodle (Asian), Subway, and Patron Pizza.  Several others are within walking distance.  Always Plenty of FREE parking.

SCANNING  All players are subject to electronic device scanning (“wanding”). No electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, etc.) are allowed unless explicitly permitted by the arbiter for medical reasons. A designated storage box will be provided for electronic devices.

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO RECORDING By registering, players consent to being photographed and recorded by the Tournament Director and their associates for promotional purposes.

UPCOMING EVENTS  https://www.kingregistration.com/affiliate/poisonpawns

QUESTIONS?  Contact Ulvi at https://azerichessacademy.com/contact-us/?reason=tournament or call 956 530 5386