Frequently Asked Questions

What Conditions do you offer Grandmasters


We are in the process of revising our conditions for GMs.  If you are a GM and have interest in playing in the event, please contact us.  Our new conditions should be posted here by January 1st.  

Do you make accommodations for players with disabilities?

Accessibility for all players is very important to us. We follow the U.S. Chess Accessible Chess Events Guidelines whenever possible.

If you need special accommodations please contact us in advance at 702-930-9550 or by email at accessibility@vegaschessfestival.com.

Do I need to take notation?

All players are required to notate in US Chess rated events. The younger players who may not know how are encouraged to make their best effort.

Are games in the 2-day and 3-day schedules FIDE rated?

The rounds played at faster time controls in the 2-day and 3-day schedules of FIDE rated sections cannot be FIDE rated. They are reported as byes in the report submitted to FIDE.

What is your policy on electronic devices?

Please see our Electronic Devices Policy at https://www.vegaschess.com/electronic-devices-policy/.

What are the dates for next year?

National Open June 10-14 2026, June 16-20, 2027

U.S. Women’s Open June 10-11 2026, June 16-17, 2027

How are FIDE ratings used?

Verified foreign ratings may be used if reliable conversion is possible.

We convert FIDE ratings to USCF by the following formula from the USCF rating committee

  • USCF = 20 +1.02 x FIDE, if FIDE greater than 2000
  • USCF = 932 + 0.564 x FIDE, if FIDE less than or equal to 2000

June FIDE ratings will be used for the Open section, official June US Chess ratings will be used for all other sections. Other ratings, including US Chess online ratings, may be used if higher. If your rating changes in the June supplement you will be moved up automatically or down on request. Players rated more than 100 points higher than the section limit during the last year may be moved to a higher section.

For a US player US Chess ratings are usually used even if the player has a FIDE rating. For foreign players the highest of US Chess,  FIDE or other national ratings is used.  The Chief Tournament Director may use whichever rating he believes most accurately reflects the player’s true strength.

I need an invitation to your event in order to request a visa.

Visa requirements for entry into the United States depend on your country of residence. All players are required to make their own arrangements for procuring a visa. A review of the procedures for applying for a US visa may be found at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

If you require an invitation, you must register for the tournament first and submit your invitation request with invoice number to VegasChess@gmail.com or on our contact page.  Please place “Request for invitation for visa application” in the subject line and include all relevant details including legal name, date of birth, passport number, and mailing address. If the player will be accompanied by a coach or family member that person’s information should also be included.

You may register online at https://www.vegaschess.com/registration/entry-form/
If your visa application is denied you may request a full refund. You may be asked to provide proof that the application was turned down.

As we receive and answer questions through our contact page we will add them to this list.