Southern California Chess Federation
Hall of Fame

Randy Hough

USCF Record

FIDE Record

Accomplishments

• National Master Certificate Earned in 1984
• Though a “late starter” at age 13, Randy Hough has been involved in every aspect of chess organization, policy-making, and journalism for over five decades. Randy also reached master status as a player, and earned some notable victories over strong opposition.
• After starting with the Riverside Summer Open in 1974, he eventually directed dozens of major tournaments, including the US Open in 2003, US Invitational in 1993, and 27 American Open. He has been dedicated to the success of local clubs as well as national programs. In the 1980s, Randy earned the titles of National Tournament Director and International Arbiter.
• Randy was an active player during the Fischer Boom years, and has continued playing without a pause until the present. Meanwhile, he became involved in chess governance, first as a founding member of SCCF, later as the technical director for the USCF, and twice served terms as an Executive Board member.
• As a journalist, Randy was founding editor of Players Chess News, which broke new ground in speedy worldwide coverage in the early Eighties. He later wrote over 100 articles for Chess Life and Chess Life Online, and served for 17 years as Secretary/Treasurer of Chess Journalists of America.
• Despite running many national events, Randy continued to take charge of local club tournaments, notably at the Pasadena Chess Club, one of the most prominent clubs in SoCal for decades until its demise in 2020. In addition, he has won club championships at five venues, consonant with his support of local clubs as central to the flourishing of chess culture.