81st Texas State & Amateur Championship (in Memory of Luis Salinas)
Please confirm all information with the tournament organizer before attending.
VenueSheraton North Houston
Address15700 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Houston, TX 77032
Format7-Round Swiss, 3- or 4-day schedule (Championship, Amateur); 5-Round Swiss, 1-day schedule (Scholastic, Novice)
SectionsChampionship (2000+, National Invitational representatives), Amateur (U2000, Unrated), Scholastic (K-12), Novice (U1400)
Time ControlG/90+30 (Championship, Amateur), G25+10 (Scholastic, Novice)
Entry Fee$30–200 (GMs, foreign IMs free in Championship)
Is This Tournament a Good Fit?
This four-day state championship offers something for nearly every level: a competitive Championship section for 2000+ players, an Amateur division for those under 2000 or unrated, a Scholastic section for K-12 students with a faster time control, and a Novice section for beginners. The classical G/90+30 time control in the top two sections allows for thoughtful, strategic play, while the Scholastic and Novice sections move at a quicker pace for a one-day commitment. Entry fees are reasonable across the board, with top players (GMs and foreign IMs) competing free in the Championship section.