CHESS

TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Idaho Novice Championship-Saturday, January 20, Boise. This tournament is open only to scholastic (K-12) students who have never played in a chess tournament outside their own school. Last year's event drew over 100 entrants. New chess club members this year, who have not played in a tournament, should ALL plan to enter. (If a student has entered only one tournament and didn't win a game, being truly a beginner, contact Dick Vandenburg, 342-2056, or rsvandenburg@juno. com to discuss eligibility). The games will be played at Cynthia Mann Elementary, 5401 Castle Dr. There will be three separate playing sections: grades K-3, 4-6, and 7-12. Five games for everyone. FREE ENTRY. Individual awards will be presented in each grade, and team awards for schools in each section. Two players from a school can constitute a team, but the top three places from each school will be counted in figuring team totals. All players must check in between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. even if pre-registered. Games should be over by approximately 4 p.m. Free advance registration may be sent to Dick Vandenburg (see phone number and e-mail address above) and must be received by 6 p.m., Thursday, January 18, or a $5 registration fee will have to be paid at the door. Visit the ICA Web site at www.idahochessassociation.org for more information.

Idaho Closed State Championship-Saturday-Monday, February 17-19 (President's Day weekend), Boise. 6SS, 30/120, SD/60. Horizon Elementary School, 730 N. Mitchell. Open only to Idaho residents. Entry fee $25 if received by Feb. 10, $35 if received after. E-mail entries to jroland@cableone.net. Winner is Idaho state champion! Visit the ICA Web site at www.idahochessassociation.org for more information.

Idaho Girls (K-12) Championship-Saturday, February 24, Boise. Open to all girls residing in Idaho, grades K-12.

Idaho State Scholastic Championship-Saturday, March 17, Boise. The state scholastic individual and team championship. Don't miss this one!

THIS MONTH'S PROBLEM

White to play for something BIG.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Western Idaho Open-Held in Boise at Horizon Elementary School over the December 9-10 weekend, there were 12 entrants in the Open section and 25 in the Reserve. The Open winner was Kenrick Barkell (rating = 1735), who scored 4-1 with two draws in five games. Tied for second were Janos Fucsko (1778) and Jeffrey T. Roland (1706), 3-2. Tied for 4th - 6th with three points were Paul M. Johnson (2031), Garrett Reynolds (1923), and John P. Nahlen (1363). In the reserve, Sam Seiniger (unrated) placed first, winning all five games. Second place was Carl H. Harmon (1165), 4-1. Tied for 3rd with 3-1/2 points were Graeme K. Faulkner (1027), Sean A. Barry (824) and Jarred Long (unrated).