The Texas Chess Association is pleased to announce that it is creating a system of state-level titles for chess players who distinguish themselves in state championships and other qualifying events.

TCA will award three titles: Texas Supermaster, Texas Master and Texas Candidate Master. Generally, members will earn qualifying points in the championship sections of TCA events by scoring at least 85% of the available points in the section (e.g., 4 out of 5 for a five-round event) or by placing in the top 5% of all players in the section (including ties). Members who have 10 qualifying points are eligible for Candidate Master while 20 qualifying points are required for Master and 100 qualifying points for Supermaster. Title holders will be recognized on the website and receive certificates of achievement.

Qualifying points can be counted retroactively so many players are likely eligible to apply for a title today. Also note that almost everyone who previously won first place in the International section of the Southwest Open or the championship section of the State & Amateur Championship is automatically eligible for a title due to the first-place finish rules. If you are eligible, submit your title application now.

Are you an organizer and want to make your events more enticing by awarding qualifying points? Submit a request to make your event an other qualifying event. Or bid on a state championship event.

Players are advised that TCA is planning on using the same qualifying points system to create a grand prix system starting on September 1, 2025. This system of qualifying points will also become the new method for awarding college scholarships in lieu of the awards given at the High School Scholastic Championships. For more information about titles or these other initiatives, please see the Texas Achievement Policy.

For questions, please contact: admin@texaschess.org