Houston Fall FIDE
Join three intense days of chess at the Houston Fall FIDE tournament in Houston, Texas. This event offers both 3-day and 2-day schedules, fully FIDE-rated top sections, and class-sections for U1800 and U1400—perfect for serious players and ambitious club competitors alike.
The venue is the spacious and convenient Texas Chess Center-Bellaire (4007 Bellaire Blvd, Suite HH, Houston, TX). With clean time controls, guaranteed prizes, and a streamlined format, this event delivers excellent value and strong competition in the fall chess calendar.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | Friday, November 14 – Sunday, November 16, 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Texas Chess Center – Bellaire, 4007 Bellaire Blvd, Suite HH, Houston, TX 77025, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 5-Round Swiss (G/90 + 30 sec increment) • 3-Day schedule OR 2-Day option (Sat & Sun) |
| 💵 Entry Fee | Championship: Early $98 (by Oct 14) • Regular $108 (by Nov 6) • Late $118; U1800: $82/$92/$102; U1400: $72/$82/$92 |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated (top section) & USCF-rated; dual-rated environment |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all players; U1400 section USCF-rated only |
| 🎯 Prize Fund | $1,500 guaranteed |
| 🔧 Additional | Re-entry available at half late fee; default time = 1 hour; top GMs/IMs special minimum prize offers |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Section | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Class Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | $600 | $300 | $100 | U2000 class $100 |
| U1800 | $200 | $100 | $50 | U1600 class $50 |
| U1400 | Trophies only for 1st–3rd | — | — | — |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
All players use Game/90 minutes + 30 second increment from move one.
3-Day schedule: Fri Round 1 at 7:00 PM; Sat Rounds 2 at 2:00 PM and Round 3 at 7:00 PM; Sun Rounds 4 at 10:00 AM and Round 5 at 3:00 PM.
2-Day schedule (for eligible sections): Sat Round 1 at 9:00 AM, Round 2 at 2:00 PM, Round 3 at 7:00 PM; Sun Round 4 at 10:00 AM and Round 5 at 3:00 PM.
Swiss pairings; sections may merge based on turnout; re-entry rules apply.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Championship | Open (FIDE-rated) |
| U1800 | Rated under 1800 (USCF) |
| U1400 | Rated under 1400 (USCF) or unrated |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov 14 | 7:00 PM | Round 1 (3-Day only) |
| Sat, Nov 15 | 2:00 PM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Nov 15 | 7:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Sun, Nov 16 | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| Sun, Nov 16 | 3:00 PM | Round 5 |
📝 Registration
Register online via the official event page.
Entry fees: Championship $98 early / $108 regular / $118 late; U1800 $82/$92/$102; U1400 $72/$82/$92.
Byes: Up to two half-point byes may be requested in advance.
Re-entry permitted at half the late fee.
Unrated players may enter U1400 but are limited in prize eligibility.
👥 Organizer
Organised by Texas Chess Center – Bellaire.
Email: info@texaschesscenter.com
Phone: 469-498-7296
Website: https://www.texaschesscenter.com
🏨 Venue
The event will be held at Texas Chess Center – Bellaire, located at 4007 Bellaire Blvd, Suite HH, Houston, TX 77025, USA. The location offers easy access, ample space, and a chess-focused environment.
🛎️ Accommodation
Players may seek nearby hotels in the Houston–Bellaire area. Check with the venue for recommended accommodations and any tournament-rate offers.
🚗 How to Get There
Nearest major airport: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — approximately 20–25 minutes by car to Bellaire Blvd.
Driving from downtown Houston: Take I-10 West to Bissonnet/Westpark exit, then follow Bellaire Blvd west to 4007.
Free or low-cost parking is available close to the venue; verify available lots in advance.
Wishing you sharp tactics, accurate calculation and strong results at the Houston Fall FIDE tournament!