Chess Tournaments in Nevada

Nevada chess is organized through the Silver State Chess Association (formerly Nevada Chess, Inc.), the state's USCF affiliate, which runs separate Northern and Southern Nevada scholastic championships that feed into statewide finals. Las Vegas is the hub for adult tournament play, anchored by clubs like the Southern Nevada Chess Club, which runs mostly rated events each month, and by the city's long history as a host for large national tournaments. The North American Open, held annually in Las Vegas since 1991 over the winter holidays, draws hundreds of players for a nine-round Open section with GM and IM norm chances and a six-figure prize fund. Reno has its own tradition too — it hosted the 100th U.S. Open Chess Championship in 1999, the same year Caesars Palace on the Strip hosted the FIDE World Chess Championship. Outside the two metro areas, casual play continues in smaller settings like the Carson City Library Chess Club, which meets on Saturdays.

• Southern Nevada Chess Club in Las Vegas runs mostly rated tournaments each month for local players of all strengths, with the occasional unrated event.
• The North American Open (late December, Las Vegas) is one of the largest annual opens in the country, with real GM/IM norm chances alongside amateur sections.
• Young players can work up through Silver State Chess Association's Northern or Southern Nevada regional championships toward a statewide title.