2025 AGCA Winter Open
Description:
There is going to be one Open Section which will follow a Swiss format. Players above 1400 USCF are going to be allowed to play in the tournament.
This tournament is FIDE and USCF rated.
Top 3 Finisher Prizes:
$1200, $800, $400
For 3rd Austin Chess Tour 10 Finalists:
The top 1 finisher among the people qualified through the 3rd ACT Grand-Prix Tournaments will earn the right to participate in the next IM Norm tournament organized by Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy.
Eligibility Information can be found here
Tournament Capacity: 40 players
Organizers:
Chief: GM Alex Mista
Deputy: GM Andrey Stukopin
Email: info@austin-chess.com
Chief Arbiter: FA Sarah Brauner
When: December 26-30, 2025
Playing Venue:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste.100
Austin, TX 78729
Hotels Nearby:
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Austin Northwest/Research Blvd,
13087 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78750 (1.1 miles away)
SpringHill Suites by Marriot Austin North
13309 North US Highway 183, Austin, TX 78750 (1.5 miles away, our recommended hotel)
Entry Fees:
GM, WGM, IM, WIM, FM, WFM Titled Players - Free
$100 Early Bird Registration - on or before November 30th, 2025
$150 - on or after December 1st
Note: All 3rd ACT Grand-Prix Winners (top 7 qualified players from the Open Qualifiers and top 3 qualified players from the Junior Qualifiers) will have their entry fee reimbursed to them given that they complete all their games. The list can be found here.
Time control:
G/90 minutes; increment 30 seconds - 90 minutes for the entire game plus 30 second increment from move 1. There is only one time control, no additional time at move 40. Players must keep accurate scoresheets for the entire game.
Schedule:
|
Round |
Day |
Date |
Time |
|
1 |
Friday |
Dec 26 |
6:00 pm |
|
2 |
Saturday |
Dec 27 |
10:00 am |
|
3 |
Saturday |
Dec 27 |
4:00 pm |
|
4 |
Sunday |
Dec 28 |
10:00 am |
|
5 |
Sunday |
Dec 28 |
4:00 pm |
|
6 |
Monday |
Dec 29 |
10:00 am |
|
7 |
Monday |
Dec 29 |
4:00 pm |
|
8 |
Tuesday |
Dec 30 |
9:00 am |
|
9 |
Tuesday |
Dec 30 |
3:00 pm |
Regulations
- All players are expected to play all 9 rounds. 1 bye request is allowed for any round.
- Current FIDE Laws of Chess apply.
- All games will use the equipment provided. Players shall sign scoresheets after each game.
- Electronic Device Policy: players are strictly forbidden from having electronic devices with them during the game, even if they are turned off. Players found with any device during the game may lose the current game. Turn in cell phones at the arbiters’ desk before each round. No electronics are allowed in the playing hall unless they are checked in with the arbiter.
- Default/forfeit time: 60 minutes unless the arbiter decides otherwise. White’s clock will be started at the start of the round even if the players are not present.
- The organizers request that all players arrive on time for each round.
Open 1400+
| # | First | Last | USCF ID | USCF Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jay | Choi | 31876704 | 1806 |
| 2 | Grace | Peng | 30665735 | 1460 |
| 3 | Akhil | Gopu | 32029095 | 1440 |