HG - Lone Star USCF & FIDE Championship
Tournament Details

Entries Limited to 120 players. Registration will close once capacity is reached.

Entry Fees — USCF Sections (U800, U1400):
Early Bird (through Friday, 09/25/2026): $85.00
Regular (through Wednesday, 10/07/2026): $105.00
Late (after 10/07/2026): $130.00

Entry Fees — FIDE Sections (U1800, Championship):
Early Bird (through Friday, 09/25/2026): $105.00
Regular (through Wednesday, 10/07/2026): $130.00
Late (after 10/07/2026): $150.00

ENTRIES CLOSE 10/22/2026 @ 11:59 PM! NO ONSITE ENTRY AVAILABLE!

Free entry for GMs, IMs, WGMs and WIMs. Titled players must notify the organizers by 10/07/2026 to claim free entry.

Dates: Friday, October 23rd (evening) through Sunday, October 25th, 2026
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria | 5353 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
Directions: The hotel is in the Uptown/Galleria area, just off I-610 and next to the Galleria mall. Look for the tournament signs in the lobby directing you to the playing rooms.

Sections:
USCF Sections: U800, U1400 — 5 Rounds Swiss, G/60;d30. USCF rated.
FIDE Sections: U1800, Championship (1800+) — 5 Rounds Swiss, G/90+30. FIDE and USCF rated.

Section Placement: Section eligibility is based on USCF ratings only, using the October 2026 USCF regular rating supplement.

If a player has a FIDE rating but no USCF rating, section eligibility will be determined by converting the FIDE rating as follows:
If FIDE rating ≤ 2000: USCF = −1073 + 1.5667 × FIDE
If FIDE rating > 2000: USCF = 20 + 1.02 × FIDE

The Chief TD reserves the right to place any player in a higher section at his discretion. Playing up is not permitted. Sections may be merged depending on entries.

Schedules — choose one at registration:

3-Day Schedule
Friday: Round 1 — 6:30 PM
Saturday: Round 2 — 1:00 PM · Round 3 — 6:00 PM
Sunday: Round 4 — 10:00 AM · Round 5 — 3:00 PM

2-Day Schedule
Saturday: Round 1 — 9:00 AM (G/60;d10) · Round 2 — 1:00 PM · Round 3 — 6:00 PM
Sunday: Round 4 — 10:00 AM · Round 5 — 3:00 PM

Both schedules merge at Round 2. Note for FIDE-section players choosing the 2-Day schedule: Round 1 is played at a shortened time control and is USCF rated only. It will not be submitted for FIDE rating.

Awards (Only for USCF-Only Sections): Following the conclusion of Round 5 on Sunday.

Prizes:
USCF Sections (U800, U1400): Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each section.

Cash prize fund of $1,540, based on 60 entries across the two FIDE sections. Per US Chess rules, 50% of the advertised fund is guaranteed. If fewer than 60 players enter the FIDE sections, prizes will be reduced proportionally, but not below 50% of the amounts listed.

Championship: 1st $640 · 2nd $320 · 3rd $160
U1800: 1st $240 · 2nd $120 · 3rd $60

Cash prizes in the FIDE sections will be pooled and divided equally among tied players.

Memberships Required: A current USCF membership valid through 10/25/2026 is required for all players. Players in the FIDE sections must also have a FIDE ID. For non-US GMs, IMs, WGMs and WIMs, a USCF ID is sufficient, even if expired. Register or renew USCF membership at the USCF Website.

Byes: Half-point byes are available for Rounds 1, 2 and 3 only, and must be requested at least one hour before that round begins. Limit one half-point bye per player. Byes for Rounds 4 and 5 are zero-point.

Late Arrival / Default Time: The default time is one hour in all sections. A player who is not at the board within one hour of the round start forfeits the game.

Withdrawals: Players who must withdraw are required to notify a TD. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit and will affect future eligibility.

Cancellation Policy: The full amount less the platform fee will be refunded for cancellations through 10/16/2026. Cancellations after 10/16/2026 will have a $25 processing fee. No refunds after 10/21/2026.

Tiebreak Policy (USCF Sections): In the case of a tie for a trophy, the following tie breaking methods will be used in the order listed.

1. Modified Median Tiebreak

2. Solkoff Tiebreak

3. Cumulative Tiebreak

4. Cumulative of Opposition Tiebreak

Electronic Devices: Players may not possess any electronic device, including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and wireless earbuds, anywhere in the playing venue during play. A secure drop-off will be provided at the TD table where devices may be left before each round. Possession of a device during play results in loss of the game.

Playing Area and Playing Venue:
The playing area is the two rooms in which games are being played.
The playing venue is the two playing rooms together with the hallway leading to the restrooms, up to and including the restrooms.
Players with a game in progress may not go past the restrooms. Leaving the playing venue during a game without the permission of the Chief TD may result in forfeit. Boundaries will be posted and announced before Round 1.

Parking: Discounted parking rates are available for tournament attendees for day use, valet, and overnight parkings at the hotel.

Food: Discounted pre-order meal rates, to-go items and snacks are available and can be pre-ordered at the hotel restaurant. Pre-order details will be posted before the event. Additional dining is available within walking distance in the Galleria area. Because the restaurant is outside the playing venue, meals must be obtained between rounds. Players' own food is also welcome.

Stay: Discounted hotel rates are available for the chess tournament room block. Guest rooms are $110.00 + tax for Standard King or Two Queen rooms, including complimentary wifi in each room. Book on or before 10/10/2026 using SRP code 907.
Book a room: https://group.doubletree.com/6szl9b

Supplies: Bring your own Chess Boards, and Clocks! They will not be provided. Clocks must be digital and capable of both delay and increment.

Behavior Expectations: Players are expected to demonstrate respect towards TDs, hotel staff, and fellow players at all times. Disruptive behavior during games, bullying, or any form of aggression will not be tolerated. Parents are expected to take care of small kids in-between rounds.

Tournament Staff:
Chief TD / Chief Arbiter: Ulvi
Assistant TD: Jawaghar
Organizers: Healthy Gurukul Chess Academy — Jawaghar, Sumathi

Questions? Email healthygurukul@gmail.com or call 774-232-0244.