TABLE OF CONTENTS: April-May, 2006

• 05.12 - T C (TED) HARTWELL MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCED
• 05.06 - 2006 DEATH NOTICE - DENNIS SYLVESTER WHIDDEN II
• 05.04 - MONTANA TEAM TOURNAMENT LOOKING FOR PLAYERS
• 05.03 - EDITORIAL: USCF MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS STILL DROPPING
• 04.24 - CROSSTABLE FOR 2ND IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE
• 04.21 - MAYERS FINISHED WELL AT THE FOXWOODS OPEN
• 04.21 - IDAHOANS AT THE WESTERN STATES OPEN
• 04.21 - IDAHOANS AT THE 71ST MONTANA OPEN
• 04.18 - RESULTS FOR 2006 MAGIC VALLEY CHAMPIONSHIP (UPDATE)
• 04.10 - CONDOLENCES TO THE GOSVENOR FAMILY
• 04.10 - 2006 WYOMING OPEN
• 04.09 - 2ND IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY CHESS CHALLENGE
• 04.01 - WEYLAND, SKOVRON, ANDERSON WIN AT MID-MARCH MADNESS

T C (TED) HARTWELL MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCED

Posted: 2006.05.12

By: Nomen Nescio

T C Hartwell - 1988 Idaho vs. Utah match
Photographer: Kristine Sutton

T C (Ted) Hartwell participated in Idaho tournaments for over 50 years. He passed away in 2004 just weeks after his last appearance in the Idaho Closed.

Ted won both the Tuscon and Phoenix city championships in the late 1940s and was first runner up in many Idaho Closed. He was Western Idaho Champion in 1969, 1973 and 1991.

Ted also served several terms as and Idaho Chess Association officer and directed many Idaho Closed tournaments. He also served as USCF delegate from Idaho.

Ted’s greatest claim to fame was his simultaneous exhibition game against Bobby Fischer in Ogden, 1964. Ted was winning the game, but his nerves gave out at the last minute and he lost; however, the game has been published in many books about Fischer.

TWIN FALLS -- The Idaho Chess Association announces that the T C (Ted) Hartwell Memorial Tournament will be held in Tiwn Falls on May 27 and 28, 2006. The site will be at the Obenchain Insurance Building, 264 Main Ave So., Twin Falls.

The tournament will be a USCF rated, five-round Swiss System, one section tournament, with a time control of Game/2. ½ point byes are available for 1-4 ONLY and you inform the Tournament Director before start of first round (there is a limit of one per player).

The entry fee is: $25.00 if received by 5/20/2006 and $35.00 at the door.

Registration is from 7:00AM-8:00AM, on 5/27/2006. Rounds are at 9:00AM, 2:00PM, 7:00PM, and 9:00AM, and 2:00PM Sunday.

Prizes are based on 30 players: $200, $100, $75, $50.

Recommened motels are:

... OR ...

DEATH NOTICE: DENNIS SYLVESTER WHIDDEN II

Posted: 2006.05.06

By: Nomen Nescio

YELM, WASHINGTON -- Former Mountain Home player, Dennis Sylvester Whidden II died in Yelm, Washington on March 25th. He was 62 years of age.

MONTANA TEAM TOURNAMENT LOOKING FOR PLAYERS

Posted: 2006.05.04

By: Nomen Nescio

MISSOULA, MONTANA -- Many time visitor to Idaho, Greg "The Octopus" Novak, is organizing an event in Missoula, Montana, and wants to know if Idaho could put together a couple of four man teams to play in a one day unrated event on May 20.

The entry fee per team is $35 by May 14, and $55 at the door. Game/30 is the format. Most teams have 1 expert, 1 Class A, and two 1600 - 1400 players per team.

Contact Greg for more info at 406-549-7805 from 12pm to 1pm or contact him by postal mail at:

EDITORIAL: USCF MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS STILL DROPPING
HOW LOW CAN THEY GO?

Posted: 2006.05.03

By: Nomen Nescio

CROSSVILLE, TENNESSEE -- Current membershp numbers for May, 2006, released by the United States Chess Federation (USCF) still show declining numbers in both the Regular Adult and Scholastic groups.

In August of 1985, the USCF had 33075 Regular Adult Members - the most profitable membership category - and now the headcount is only 20475. This is a loss of 12600 adult members in less than eleven years and is very nearly a 40% loss!

Since May of 2003, the total membership in all categories drop has fallen from a high of 95388 members down to the current level of 81728.

The USCF does not publish current tournament activity levels; however, it would seem that a even a cursory examination of the available events listed in the USCF Tournament Life announcements would indicate a drop off in that indicator too.

The USCF claims that their rating database contains records for over 500,000 players since the late 1980s. Where are all of these players and why if the USCF is such a good deal, aren't they playing anymore?

What does the USCF plan to turn this situation around? Who knows? They seem rather clueless. In many respects their "plan" seems to be for local organizers to send them ever more and more money from dues and rating fees and then to stop whining about poor service and a rapidly declining magazine.

It is time to forget the failed business model for chess created by the USCF and try to organize chess on a local basis and using a different model. Please consider playing in one of our Idaho Chess Union events. No entry fees. Minimal hassle. If we grow our volunteer base, we can even do out-reach to the scholastic community and help the younger crowd become better players.

The choice is yours. Stay with the USCF and ultimately end up with nothing or come play with us.

CROSSTABLE FOR 2ND IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY CHESS CHALLENGE

Posted: 2006.04.24

By: Nomen Nescio

POCATELLO -- Greg "The Octopus" Nowak, Missoula, Montana, finished in a three-way tie for first place at the recently concluded Idaho State University Chess Challenge, held in Pocatello on April 22-23, 2006. His 4-1 score was matched by Expert Randy Zumbrunnen, Utah, and 2006 Idaho State Champion Daniel A. Taylor, formerly of Utah and currently residing in Eagle.

This tournament was directed by Jay L. Simonson and Herbert DG Maschner and supported by Idaho State University.

MAYERS FINISHED WELL AT THE FOXWOODS OPEN

Posted: 2006.04.21

By: Nomen Nescio

MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICT -- Dan E. Mayers, Sun Valley, must have taken a direct flight from Reno to the East Coast to make it in time to play in this year’s edition of the Foxwoods Open. Mayers finished with a 4-3 score in the Under-2000 section and ended well up in the top quarter of the final standings.

It is very interesting that this large tournament finished on Sunday night, April 16, and was rated the very next day while recently concluded Idaho State Scholastic Championship was held on March 11 and is still not in the USCF rating queue.

Rampant speculation says that the Pony Express rider carrying the rating report for the Scholastic Championship was waylaid by an outlaw gang of scholastic chess parents near Cheyenne, Wyoming and the rating report was taken. Maybe the Idaho Chess Association should open its wallet and mosey down to the Western Union office and use that new-fangled telegraph instrument to submit their rating reports to the USCF. Or something like that.

IDAHOANS AT THE WESTERN STATES OPEN

Posted: 2006.

By: Nomen Nescio

RENO, NEVADA -- Several current and former Idahoans played in the recently concluded Western States Open at the Sands Regency Hotel and Casino in Reno, Nevada, on April 7-9,2006.

Dan E. Mayers, Sun Valley, finished with a 4-2 score in the Class-A Section and ended up in a tie for 4th through 8th place. Also in the Class-A section was 2006 Idaho State Champion Daniel A. Taylor, Eagle. He had a score of 2-3 and finished near the bottom of the section. However, his result may be related to the fact that there is no competition for him in the Boise area as almost all of the higher rated players there have been avoiding tournaments like the plague for a number of years.

Also in the Class-A section was former Boisean Randal K. Smolensky, now of Oregon, who finished with a 2-4 score.

IDAHOANS AT THE 71ST MONTANA OPEN

Posted: 2006.04.21

By: Nomen Nescio

HELENA, MONTANA -- Michael A. Murry, Washington state, won the 71st Montana Open with an undefeated 4½-½ score. This tournament was held on April 1-2, 2006 at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel in Helena.

Idaho’s own Phil Weyland, Post Falls, finished in a tie for second and third place with Montanan James J. Skovron. Both players had 4-1 scores.

Also participating in this tournament were Mark C. Anderson, Moscow, who finished in 6th place with a 3-2 score and Ronald M. Weyland, also of Post Falls, with a 2-3 score.

The tournament was sponsored by the Montana Chess Association and directed by Nick J. Doulas and Daniel J. McCourt. Twenty-six players from five different states partcipated.

RESULTS FOR 2006 MAGIC VALLEY CHAMPIONSHIP (UPDATE)

Posted: 2006.03.27

By: Nomen Nescio

TWIN FALLS -- Dan Looney, Meridian, and Kurt Douglas, Boise shared for first place in the Open Section of the 2006 Magic Valley Championship, held on March 25-26 at the Obenchain Insurance Building, Twin Falls. Both players had identical and undefeated scores of 3-1.

Stewart Sutton, Boise, and Victor Watts, Pocatello, tied for third and fourth places with scores of 2½-1½.

The top section had no easy games and almost 50% of the games were drawn! The attendance of former Idaho State Champions Glen Buckendorf, John Carr, and Stewart Sutton as well as newcomer Fred Bartell, formerly of California, added considerably to the strength.

Newcomer Azubike Emenari, a pre-medical studies student from Idaho State University, won the Under 1400 section with a perfect 4-0 score and from the look of the games it was a well deserved win. Gary Dugger and Alexander Veryschagin, both of Twin Falls, tied for second and third places in this section with 3-1 scores.

In comparison with the rather peaceful Open Section, the Under-1400 Section finished with all games being decisive!

With an attendance of 21 players, this is the largest tournament to date organized in association with the Idaho Chess Union. The 21 players in this invitational tournament compares favorably with the attendance of any number of Idaho Chess Association Open tournaments over the last few years. The Idaho Chess Union has no confirmation that certain Boise scholastic chess interests pressured several invitees to avoid playing in this event.

CONDOLENCES TO THE GOSVENOR FAMILY

Posted: 2006.04.10

By: Nomen Nescio

BOISE -- The Idaho Chess Union would like to extend our sincere condolences to Bill and Anna Gosvenor for the loss of their son, Bill Jr. Bill Jr. was 28 years old and passed away Friday at a local hospital.

2006 WYOMING OPEN

Posted: 2006.04.10

By: Nomen Nescio

CHEYENNE, WYOMING -- The Wyoming Open will be held on May 6-7, 2006 at the Laramie County Community College, Center for Conferences and Institutes, Room 130, 1400 East College Drive, Cheyenne, Wyoming. The entery fee is $20.00 and Wyoming Chess Association membership is required; however, other states are acceptable. Prizes are based on entries.

This event is a one section, five round Swiss System. Time controls are: round-1 Game/60, rounds 2-5 35/90, Game/60 secondary time control.

Registration is from 8:30am-9:30am Saturday and rounds are at 9:45am, 12:00pm, and 5:30pm Saturday, and 9:00am and 2:30pm Sunday.

To enter by mail, send name, address, email address, USCF# and fee (check payable) to:

It would be great if some players from Idaho would attend this tournament because the Wyoming players are among the nicest in the United States!

2ND IDAHO STATE UNVERSITY CHESS CHALLENGE
$1500 GUARANTEED!
10 GRAND PRIX POINTS

Posted: 2006.04.09

By: Nomen Nescio

POCATELLO -- The Idaho State University Chess Club announces that the second annual Idaho State University Chess Challenge, a $1500.00 guaranteed, 10 Grand Prix point tournament, will be held on April 22-23, 2006 in the Idaho State University Pond Student Union Building (#14), Salmon River Suites, 3rd floor at 1065 S. 8th Ave, Pocatello, Idaho.

There will be a single, open section and players are eligible for one prize only. Prize cut-offs may be adjusted based on registration. Prizes are: Top score overall $500. $100 each for top score: Over 2000, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, U1200, U1000, and top ISU Student. $50 for top unrated. $50, for top scholastic $50. All prizes paid by ISU Financial Services with in two weeks of event.

The entry fee is $10.00 for ISU students and ISU club members, $20.00 all scholastics and other full-time university students, all others $35.00 if received by April 12. All entries are $45.00 after Apr 12 and at door. The entry fee is waived for all Grandmasters and International Masters.

The playing schedule is as follows: check-in and registration 7:30-8:30 AM, Apr 22, and will be strictly enforced. Rounds are: Saturday: 9:00AM-1:30PM-6P:00PM and Sunday: 9:00AM-1:30PM.

The format is a five-round Swiss System with a time control of Game/90. ½ Byes are available: maximum of two between rounds 1-4. You must commit by end of round two.

To enter by mail, send name, address, email address, USCF# and fee (check payable) to:

The recommended hotel is:

Rates are $45.95 single, $49.95 double. Mention chess tournament when reserving. Reserve by April 12, 2006.

WEYLAND, SKOVRON, ANDERSON WIN AT MID-MARCH MADNESS

Posted: 2006.04.01

By: Nomen Nescio

MISSOULA, MONTANA -- Phil Weyland, Post Falls, James J. Skovron, Great Falls, Montana, and Mark C. Anderson, Moscow, took top honors at the recently concluded Mid-March Madness Tournament. This event was held on March 18-19, 2006 at the University of Montana, Missoula. All three players finished with scores of 4-1, each player having lost one game. Anderson had a post-tournament rating gain of 55 points. Thanks, Mark, we need the points!

Also playing was Ronald Weyland, Post Falls, who finished with a 2-3 score.

This tournament, an event in the Montana Grand-Prix series, was sponsored by the University-Community Chess Club of Missoula. Tournament director was Romie G. Carpenter. Seventeen players competed.

Note: this tournament was submitted for USCF rating on the very same night it was completed; however, the Idaho Scholastic Championship finals have NOT yet shown up in the USCF rating queue yet even though the tournament was completed three weeks ago. We hope that the Idaho Chess Association (ICA) has not returned to its laggard ways concerning submitting events in a timely manner.