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
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All players use Game/90 minutes + 30 second increment from move one.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Register online via the official event page.
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Entry fees: Championship $98 early / $108 regular / $118 late; U1800 $82/$92/$102; U1400 $72/$82/$92.
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Byes: Up to two half-point byes may be requested in advance.
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Re-entry permitted at half the late fee.
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Unrated players may enter U1400 but are limited in prize eligibility.
👥 Organizer
Organised by Texas Chess Center – Bellaire.
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Email: info@texaschesscenter.com
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Phone: 469-498-7296
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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
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Nearest major airport: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — approximately 20–25 minutes by car to Bellaire Blvd.
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Driving from downtown Houston: Take I-10 West to Bissonnet/Westpark exit, then follow Bellaire Blvd west to 4007.
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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!
Venue on the Map
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
