Event Overview
Celebrate Dr. King Weekend with us at the 2026 Carnival Classic! Three days of chess with a $4,000 prize fund!
Venue: Sheraton Metairie - New Orleans Hotel; Four, Galleria Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001
Tournament details: Six round, two-section, swiss system, G/90;i30, USCF rated tournament. Top section FIDE-rated.
Sections: Open, U1500, Scholastic U1200. Open section is FIDE rated and directed according to FIDE rules. Players should familiarize themselves with the most common FIDE rules differences. TD reserves the right to adjust sections to match turnout.
Prize fund: $4,000 in prizes. Total prize fund b/90 with 50% guaranteed.
Class prizes: Class prizes to be determined by official January USCF rating. Unrated players are eligible for class and section prizes in the open section only.
Prize Structure:
- Open section: 1st $1,000; 2nd $500
- U2000 class: 1st $600; 2nd $350
- U1500 section: 1st $450; 2nd $300
- Scholastic U1200: 1st $350; 2nd $250
- Largest upset (must have established rating): $100
- Female player highest score: $100
Date: January 17-19, 2026. Estimated round schedule,
- Saturday: Round 1, 9:00 AM; Round 2, 2:00 PM; Blitz side event, 7:00 PM
- Sunday: Round 3, 9:00 AM; Round 4, 2:00 PM
- Monday: Round 5, 9:00 AM; Round 6, 2:00 PM
Entry fee: $90 early entry fee if purchased two weeks prior. $100 standard entry fee if purchased one week prior. $110 late entry two days prior. $120 thereafter and same day.
Eligibility: Current USCF membership required. FIDE membership required for open section. FIDE membership is free if you already have a USCF membership (we will register you).
Ratings: If a player does not have a regular rating, the highest of their quick and blitz will be used. 100 elo added to provisional ratings. Unrated players in the open should report to the tournament directors so they may attempt to assign a rating for pairing/prize purposes.
Blitz side event: $25 entry, 60% returned as prize money. 7 PM Saturday evening. USCF-rated. Six rounds of G/5;d2. Register by clicking here. Same day registration allowed.
Bye policy: Two 0.5 point byes for any round available upon request, must be made prior to pairing round three in non-emergency situations. Bye requests cannot be cancelled following the start of round 3.
Parking: The Sheraton has a private garage that is attached to their building. Parking is complimentary, but please follow all posted signs.
Hotel info: We have a group rate available with Comfort Inn & Suites at Copeland Tower, 2601 Severn Ave in Metairie, two blocks away from the tournament hall. Call 504-526-4595 and ask for the Downriver Chess Club of New Orleans group rate. Or click here.
Late arrivals: Games are forfeited 30 minutes after the round start time if a player has not arrived.
FIDE rated: Top section played in accordance with the FIDE Laws of Chess. Entrants from other federations must provide FIDE ID; any player without an IM or higher title must also provide a valid USCF member ID. No FIDE norms will be awarded.
Unrated players with foreign ratings: For unrated USCF players with established foreign ratings, the most current USCF conversion will be used (with preference toward their FIDE rating, if available) for all sections.
Equipment: A small amount of chess equipment will be provided. If you have a chess set and clock, please bring it.
Re-entry: Players may re-enter on day two with two half point byes for day one for $50.
Hotel info: We have a group rate at the Sheraton Metairie offering $123 nightly for their bedrooms. Please use this link to book.
Contact: Please email Click here to show mail address with questions.
Four, Galleria Blvd
Metairie, LA 70001
United States