OVERVIEW
The Charlotte Fall Open is a classical event with a $8,000 total prize fund split over 2 weekends. The first weekend, September 19-21, hosts the U1800, U1500, and U1200 sections. Players rated over 1800 should enroll in the Top Sections, September 26-28.
WHEN
September 19-21 or 20-21, 2025
3-day and 2-day schedules available
WHERE
Beautiful Venue in the Heart of Southpark! Walk to Starbucks, Whole Foods and more!
Hilton Garden Inn - Southpark
4808 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 362-5080
HOTEL BOOKING
Both hotel options attached to the playing venue.
Hilton Garden Inn - Southpark
$128 per night single or $138 for double
Free internet and parking
Homewood Suites - Southpark
$149 for King suite with pullout sofa bed
Free internet and parking
ELIGIBILITY (UNDER SECTIONS)
Open to all players rated under 1800. Players rated 1600+ should also check out the Charlotte Fall Open Top Sections, September 26-28.
Unrated players must enter U1200 section and are eligible for prizes in that section.
See events schedule for other options this weekend.
REGISTRATION
Online registration only - no on-site registration.
All registration closes 75 minutes before round 1 start time
On-site check-in is not necessary for players who register online
TIME CONTROLS
3-Day Schedule: G/90; inc/10
Rounds 1-2 of 2-day Schedule: G/30, inc/10
SECTIONS AND PRIZES
$4,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund in 3 Sections
Under 1800 Section - FIDE Rated
$600 - $300 - $200
Top U1600: $300
Under 1500 Section
$600 - $300 - $200
Top U1300: $300
Under 1200 Section
$500 - $300 - $200
Top U900/Unrated: $200
100-point rule applies for "playing up" a section - see Special Notes at bottom of page.
Plaques to first place in all sections, using Cumulative tiebreak if necessary.
SCHEDULE
3-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Friday: 6:30pm
Saturday: 10:30am & 3:30pm
Sunday: 10:00am & 2:30pm
2-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Saturday: 10:30am*, 1:00pm*, 3:30pm
Sunday: 10:00am & 2:30pm
* Rounds 1-2 of 2-Day Schedule played at G/30; inc/10 time control, then merge with 3-day schedule, Saturday 3:30pm
ENTRY FEE
$125 by September 10
$140 after September 10
Re-entry: $60. See information under "Special Notes" below.
CONTACT
events@charlottechesscenter.org
Use this link if you would like to withdraw from the event.
RULES AND NOTES
Please read Terms and Conditions and Fair Play Policy
No spectators. Parents and spectators are not permitted in the playing area and nearby hallways and restrooms.
100 Point Rule: Must be within 100 points of next section to play up (e.g. 1400+ to enter the U1800 Section). In addition to the September 2025 US Chess Regular Supplement Rating, we will also honor peak ratings since July 16.
Ratings:
All sections are US Chess-rated. US Chess membership is required.
U1800 section is also FIDE-rated and uses FIDE rules, except for 2-day schedule, rounds 1-2.
No minimum rating to enter.
Unrated players must enter the U1200 section and are eligible for prizes in that section.
Ratings Used for Pairings and Prizes:
For most players, September 2025 US Chess supplement ratings are used.
For players who are “playing up” based on their most recent live (tournament history) rating and using the 100-point rule, this live rating will be used if they would otherwise not qualify for the higher section.
For players who are “playing up” based on a peak rating since July 16, but who have since fallen below the 100-point cutoff, they are still eligible for the higher section, but the highest of their September supplement and most recent live rating will be used for pairings and prizes (not necessarily the peak rating).
Registration Cap (Under Sections): 140 players.
Re-Entry:
If players have an undesirable start to the event, they may re-enter the event online for a $60 fee.
Re-entry closes Saturday 9:30am.
Changes to registration / mid-event withdrawals:
All changes to registration including schedule changes, byes, and withdrawals must be submitted at least 75 minutes before the relevant round.
Players who forfeit (no-show) without notice will be fined $100.
Byes: Players may take up to 2 optional half-point byes, request before round 1. All byes requested during the tournament are zero points.
Refunds: all withdrawals by September 18 will be refunded minus a $10 transaction fee. 50% refunds after September 18 until 75 minutes before round 1.
Boards, sets, clocks provided (must use our equipment).
In all sections, White's clock will be started at the start of the round, even if one or both players are not present.
Plaque to first place in each section, based on US Chess cumulative tiebreak and "average opposition rating, drop one" tiebreak if necessary.