Source: Times-News, Sunday, February 16, 1975 (covering Saturday's news)

TWIN FALLS -- Although the chairs squeaked and Bobby Fischer wasn't there to complain, the 34 chess players at the Twin Falls YMCA Saturday didn't mind.

They were playing for a state championship and concentration was the byword as players stared with practiced patience at figure on the boards in front of them.

Some of the contestants -- all men -- wandered into the halls and some paced through the two playing rooms. Most sat in twos at the long tables, chins cupped in hands.

One glanced nervously at the clock on the table next to him but the others seemed to find it easier to pretend the clocks weren't there.

The men traveled to Twin Falls from all over Idaho and their ages ranged from 14 to 71. According to Kenny James of Twin Falls, all levels of skill except the highest - master - were represented. Glen Buckendorf of Buhl held the highest rating of the group.

"There are some awful strong unrated" players at the tournament, he said. Ratings are made by the United States Chess Federation.

Whoever is named champion from the five games played will retain the state title for a year, James said. Last year's state champion, Ken Sanderson of Boise, moved to California, making the slate clear this year.

The tournament director for the Saturday, and Sunday games is Ted Hartwell of Twin Falls.