The official publication of the Idaho Chess Association.

President

Sterling Vaughn
1187 Morningside Dr.
Twin Falls, Idaho

Editor & Treasurer

Dick Vandenburg
913 N. 22nd St.
Boise, Idaho

Games Editor

Eugene Cowan
Box 431
Driggs, Idaho

Committeemen

R.K. Hart
Box 547
Pocatello, Idaho

Roy Parker
Box 137
Nampa, Idaho

Darrell Freeman
123 E. 3rd St.
Rupert, Idaho

Where to play chess!

Boise -- meets 8:00 Wednesday nights at Y.M.C.A. building.

Canyon County -- meets 8:00 Thursday nights at Lakeview Parkhouse, Nampa.

Rupert -- meets 8:00 Wednesday nights at Chamber of Commerce Office.

Twin Falls -- meets Tuesday nights 8:00 at Harry Barry Park Building.

Pocatello -- meets Wednesday nights at Student Union Building of Idaho State College.

Events during the next Quarter!

Idaho State Tournament -- in Twin Falls, January 10-11.

Utah Open Tournament -- in Salt Lake, November 12, 13, 14, and 15.

Central Washington Open -- in Yakima, November 8-9.

Idaho Team Tournament Matches -- preliminaries to be played before Idaho State Tournament.

Idaho Chess Quarterly -- price $1.00 per year, 4 issues, send money to Editor.

Washington Chess Letter -- price $2.00 per year, 12 issues, send money to W.H. Raleigh, 4312 Woodland Park Ave., Seattle 3, Washington

The 1958 Utah-Idaho match was won handily by a strong Utah team which won the first eight boards and continued on down the line to victory in the 17 board contest 11½-5½. Utah's strength on the top boards couldn't be matched by Idaho this year as the loser had to split its top ten boards between Class A and Class B players while Utah had excellent strength straight through.

Ben Greenwald, Salt Lake City master, won a long game from Idaho Champion Dick Vandenburg after Dick lost a pawn in a late game combination. Lloyd Kimpton was beaten on the second board by Jan Tuomainen, reported to be Junior Champion of Finland and an exchange student in Salt Lake.

Pocatello players proved to be Idaho's best helpers with R.K. Hart, John Anderson, Paul Healy, and Glen Peck posting victories. John Anderson, the old reliable, won his third straight victory for Idaho in team play (he won two last year). Maybe we should give him the first board! Boise had the most players participating with six but only managed one win, by Dick Parker. (Most except for Pocatello!)

Idaho, as usual, didn't have the services of many of its strong players. Missing were Glen Buckendorf, C.H. Stewart (who is recovering from a recent heart attack), Eugene Cowan (who arrived too late to play), Nampa players such as A.B. Ellis and Jerry Stanke, Ted Hartwell, etc. Of course, it can't be said that Utah had all of its strong players present either but it appears that Idaho will have to have a better representation than it had this year to make a good showing.

Everyone present had an excellent time and the Pocatello Chess Club again provided excellent facilities. It was agreed that the one day one round system was best and next year the match will be played at approximately the same time in either Pocatello or Burley. Incidentally, a chess clock was left in the tournament room and this clock was taken to Boise by your Editor. If the owner has missed it he should let dick know so it can be returned.

Sven Gridseth, formely of Utah and now living in Idaho Falls, won the first annual Eastern Idaho Tournament held at the City Building in Idaho Falls on October 25-26. The Tournament attracted 12 players from five different towns and, even though some Eastern Idaho players who were expected didn't come, the turnout was deemed very good for the first such Tournament. It went off smoothly with few complaints and no difficulties to speak of. The games were good and the struggle close -- no less than 9 of the 12 were close enough in ability to make the issue and their games doubtful right to the last.

Gridseth placed first with a 4½-½ score beating Eugene Guth, also of Idaho Falls, in the final round. Second place went to Alois Cziep, 4-1, who drew with Gridseth and third placer Nigel Robinson, also of Idaho Falls. Cziep lost no games while Robinson lost to Richard Brown.

The big disappointment of the Tournament was the absence of the members of the Pocatello Chess Club who could have provided quite a little additional competition since some of them are among the best in the State. The Tournament unfortunately must have hit them at the wrong time. The surprise of the weekend was that the players had to use the side door to the City Building. It appears that the police lost the keys to the front door!!

Tournament Director, Eugene Cowan, who did an excellent job organizing and directing says he, for one, will make certain that this Tournament continues and becomes an annual affair. He thinks that it might be held in Pocatello next year and possibly alternate back and forth between there and Idaho Falls. His Tournament showing probably will seem low since he has placed well in our other recent tournaments. It seems that the strength of the opposition was stronger than anticipated and sometimes a person is caught off guard. Of course running a tournament for the first time requires a little attention!

With the advent of this tournament both Eastern Idaho and South-Western Idaho (the Boise Valley Tourney) have annual affairs. Your Editor would like to suggest that Magic Valley consider sponsoring a tournament which might be played in several evenings alternating between Rupert and Twin Falls -- as was done in Boise Valley.

Larsen & Mrs. Millar arrived late and forfeited the first round.

No tie breaking was used so players with same scores shared placings.

(The following is a letter received by your Editor from Bob Karch concerning the growing West Coast Rating List -- which should be of interest to all our readers.)

"I am working right along on the West Coast Rating List for January 1959, a portion of which will be published in the Idaho Chess Quarterly. Individual ratings are now on file for nearly 1000 chess players from seven western states. From now on, many players without a national rating who cannot take the time off or who do not have the opportunity to compete in "big" tournaments will have their performance in league matches and club tournaments fully recognized by the West Coast Rating System.

Some West Coast Players may compare their national with their regional rating and find no small difference. This is easy to understand if we remember that the United States Chess Federation rates only events on which it receives a complete report (on a special form) plus rating fees. What is not reported or not paid for is ignored by the USCF as "no contest". It logically follows that most state league matches, and city and club tournaments are not figured in and the national list is, actually, incomplete.

The West Coast Ratings System encompasses the results of every single match or tournament game (except speed events) that are reported to and published in the following periodicals: IDAHO CHESS QUARTERLY, WASHINGTON CHESS LETTER, CALIFORNIA CHESS REPORTER, and PRECITA VALLEY CHESS HERALD. No special form is required if the full cross-table results are given along with names of players spelled in full and a clear indication of byes and forfeits. There is no charge for this rating service! The purpose is to promote chess.

This procedure of taking all rating information out of the official state chess publications is, in my opinion, far superior to the USCF collect-as-catch-can method of dealing with individuals. But please to not misunderstand. I am a member of and fully support the USCF and its program of national chess ratings. I do not agree in every detail with the manner in which it is currently being handled but I do believe that there should be a national rating system for those who seek national recognition. However, a regional chess rating system serves its purpose well for those who seek recognition in the regional chess community -- outside the local club but near enough for a weekend tournament or match. Those with questions or comments are invited to correspond with me in care of the Editor of this magazine." -- ROBERT A. KARCH

Since few tournaments were held this summer we won't attempt to publish the complete local rating list but only those names whose rating has changed since the July issue. Utah, Nevada, and Idaho lists are complete while others are listed if it is felt local players are acquainted with them sufficiently to generate interest. These ratings are complete up to but not including the Eastern Idaho Tournament. The Utah-Idaho match has been rated. The complete list will be due in January!

COMING EVENTS!

The annual Utah State Tournament will be held this year in Salt Lake City at the Y.M.C.A. Building (39 Exchange Place) on November 12, 13, 14, and 15. it will be a seven round Swiss system with the following schedule of rounds: Wednesday, November 12 -- 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 13 -- 1:00 p.m., and 7 p.m., Friday, November 14 -- 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Saturday, November 15 -- 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. After the last round, on Saturday evening, the usual Victory Banquet will be held at which all excuses will be accepted and "wait until next year" will be the prevailing word.

Fee for the Tournament will be $6.00, which includes the price of the banquet. The Tournament will be 100% U.S.C.F. rated so all entrants must join the national organization (memberships sold at the tournament). In addition, the Tournament will be 100% Northwest Rated. Players from Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, and Colorado are invited.

This will be a strong tournament and a good one to attend if you wish to play against strong competition as most of the best players in the intermountain area will be there. Send your post ca rd reservations to Gaston Chappuis, Salt Lake YMCA, 39 Exchange Place, Salt Lake City.

(It's almost play time but) the Central Washington Open will be held in Yakima, Washington on November 8-9. The playing place isn't certain as yet but go to the Yakima YMCA for directions. It will be a six round Swiss event with 40 moves in 1½ hours with adjournment after 3 hours. First prize is guaranteed $40 and second prize $25. Entry fee is $3 except $2 for Juniors. Registration is at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 8 and play starts at 11:30 a.m. Tournament Director -- Everett Rude. This tournament should attract quite a bit of Northwest talent.

The 1959 Idaho State Tournament will be held at the American Legion Hall in Twin Falls on Saturday and Sunday, January 10-11. This is the big Idaho Tournament for local players and every chess enthusiast in the State should plan to attend. (It is only open to Idaho players -- the Idaho Open will be held next Memorial Day weekend).

It will be a five round Swiss system with three rounds played on Saturday, January 10 and two on Sunday, January 11. A banquet will be held Saturday evening between the second and third rounds and will give players a chance to renew old acquaintances and hold the annual business meeting of the Idaho Chess Association. Times of rounds are as follows: Saturday, registration 9:30 a.m., rounds 10:00-1:30, 2:30-6:00, banquet 6:30-7:30, Round 3 7:30-11:00. Sunday, 9:00-12:30, and 1:30-5:00.

Entry fees will be $3.00 for Class A, $2.00 for Class B and Class C, and $1.00 for Juniors under 18. Charge for the banquet will be $2.00 extra. Luncheon meals will be available at the American Legion Hall for the convenience of players.

Every player, regardless of ability, should plan to enter this Tournament. Play will be divided into three Classes so each player will have the opportunity of playing opponents of similar ability. There will be trophies for first, second, and third in Class A and Class B, for first in Class C, and a special trophy will be given for the highest placing Junior.

PLAN NOW ON ATTENDING! For further information contact the Editor or Sterling Vaughn, President.

WITH THE CLUBS

The Boise Chess Club held its first rapid transit tournament on October 22 and a total of 12 players turned out. The event was won by State Champion Dick Vandenburg who progressed through five rounds without a defeat. Second place went to M.W. Wright, 4-1, always strong at rapid play. Other high placers were Norman Lee and Ron Caldwell, 3-2 and Bob Babcock, Nick Skirmants, Cecil Spangenberg, George Rasor, and Norman Herrington all with 2-3.

The Boise Club is off to a good start this fall with about 12 players taking part every Wednesday.

No word was received from Canyon County, Twin Falls, Rupert, or Pocatello. General chess activity doesn't get too good a start until after the Fall harvest. Sterling Vaughn reports that meetings of the Twin Falls Club will start this week. Canyon County and Boise have set the date for the first of their two matches in the preliminaries of the State Team tournament -- November 12, at Nampa.

Following the Eastern Idaho Tourney, local players under the leadership of Sven Gridseth are trying to form a chess club in Idaho Falls. It is hoped by all of Idaho's players that these efforts are successful and that Idaho Falls can field a team against Pocatello in the State Team Tournament preliminaries. Others working for the new club are Nigel Robinson and Russ Haynes.

The new Teton Valley Club also starts meeting this week. Reglar meetings are scheduled for the first and second Wednesdays of each month with the first meeting in Driggs and the second in Victor.

Efforts are still underway up north by junior players in Wallace and Sandpoint to organize an Inland Empire Junior Chess League. It is thought to include teams from both the above as well as Spokane (3), Coeur d'Alene, Moscow, Pullman, etc.

Four North Idaho players held a round robin tournament they christened the "1st Idaho Panhandle Junior Invitational". The tournament, played on August 24 lasted until 2:00 a.m. in the morning and was won by Steve Sala, 4-2. Other placers were Bob Quass, 3-3; John Schroedel (visiting from Seattle!), 3-3; and Bruce Fredstrom, 2-4. John Schroedel and Bruce Fredstrom played a five game match they agreed was for Northwest Ratings and Bruce won by a score of 4-1! A second five round match, not for ratings, turned out to be a draw -- 2½-2½.

It is rumored that North Idaho will send down a carload of players to the Idaho Closed -- bring two cars!!

EVENTS IN OTHER STATES

Ivar Dalberg is the new Seafair Champion and he won the largest tournament ever held in the Northwest, 56 players, held in Seattle on August 2-3. He won over a very strong field composed of Charles Joachim, second place, Dr. A.A. Murray, fourth, Jim McCormick, fifth, Dan Wade, Viesturs Seglins, Viktors Pupols, Dave Groenig, etc. Dalberg, after drawing with Jim McCormick on Saturday, knocked over Viktors Pupols, Dr. A.A. Murray, and Viesturs Seglins in that order on Sunday. We could say he earned his title! Last year's champion, Viktors Pupols, had to forfeit his last game and wound up in 19th place, 3½-2½. Dr. Dave Groenig had a tough time and finished 20th. Don Benge, up from Utah, also ran into many tough players and finished 27th, 3-3. Viesturs Seglins ended up in 12th place, 4-2. The top ten finishers were:

The match this year failed to produce much good chess -- the following game was the best, a really well played one:

RETI OPENING

White: Ben Greenwald
Black: Dick Vandenburg

Notes by Vandenburg.

(a) Black didn't notice that the following series of moves lost a pawn. BxR was probably a draw.

(b) Black would have retained much better drawing chances had he been able to end with bishops of opposite colors. White's knight had too much scope.

(c) If P-R4, N-B6ch!

ENGLISH OPENING

White: Farrell Clark
Black: George Rasor

SICILIAN DEFENSE

White: Dick Heilbut
Black: Mel Schubert

Black resigns move 34.

(a) The Scheveningen variation, transposing to

(b) the Maroczy Bind

FOUR KNIGHT'S GAME

White: Mrs. Bob Ralston
Black: Glen Peck

And Black won, move 33.

CORRECTION: The Sicilian Defense which was labeled "The Moscow Variation" in our July issue (Greenwald vs. McCormick) is really part of the Yugoslav System which resembles it -- the Yugoslav System is dangerous for Black unless he counter-attacks quickly; the Moscow variation still seems inferior for White. (MCO-9, pages 116, 117, etc.)

SEND GAMES FOR PUBLICATION TO GAMES EDITOR; EUGENE COWAN, DRIGGS, IDAHO

CENTER COUNTER GAME

White: Harold Hughart
Black: Dave Groenig

And another lesson by "our" Doctor on the openings----

ALBIN COUNTER GAMBIT

White: Don Benge
Black: Dave Groenig

And (below) one of the "fish" of the event ives a shark an opening lesson.

LATVIAN COUNTER GAMBIT
(Alias the Grego Counter Gambit)

White: Dean Blair
Black: Viktors Pupols

And White blunders away a clear R on move 43 and resigns on move 46.

(a) Q-B3 is needed on Black's 4th in the PxP, P-K5 4 N-K5 variation.

The following game is an evern more curious defense --

QUEEN'S PAWN GAME

White: Jim McCormick
Black: Glen Buckendorf

KING'S INDIAN DEFENSE

White: Jim McCormick
Black: Dick Vandenburg

And Black lost on move 41.

The contest we started last time seems terribly popular and exciting - tremendous response -- none! Shortest game possible by definition of the term "resigns" is 1. Resigns, due to the overwhelming superiority of the man playing Black and White's spinelessness, feels mate is certain.