by Jay Simonson

Greg Nowak, Missoula Montana, who calls himself "The Octopus," won the 2011 Idaho Open Championship on Sunday, April 17 2011. His score, 3½ of 5, won him clear First Place in a field of nine players in the Open section of the tournament. Gary Hollingsworth, Pocatello, Idaho, won clear First Place in the Reserve Section with a score of 4 of 5.

The 2 day tournament hosted 23 total players, with 14 playing in the Reserve Section, and 9 in the Open. The field included players from California, Oregon, Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah, in addition to Greg's Montana. There were several new and unrated players who came to Pocatello for a chance at the prize money.

Ties decided the remainder of the prize money in both the Open and the Reserve Sections. Tied for 2nd thru 5th place in the Open Section were: Alan Kobernat, CA; Sean Manross, CA; Frank Niro, OR; and Gary Owen, WY. Tied for 2nd and 3rd place in the Reserve Section were: Rhett Stephens, Pocatello; and new tournament player, Matthew McConnell, Pocatello, completing the Pocatello sweep of all the prizes in the Reserve Section.

Jay Simonson, President of Idaho Chess Association, was the chief TD and did not play in the tournament except for one game in an "Extra" section, against a Utah player, Carly Atkinson, 10, who had a bye in round one. By creating this "Extra" section, this fairly new player had the opportunity to play a rated game instead of waiting for round two. While she played better than her rating would suggest, she was not able to prevail against Jay, but felt she had gained good experience against an adult.

On his way to victory, Greg had to work hard to win against Assistant Tournament Director, Barry Eacker and veteran Idaho Chess Player, Fred Bartell. Both of the California players, Alan Kobernat and Sean Manross, held Greg to a draw.

Gary Hollingsworth won against Idaho players, Desmond Porth and Cindy Hanson; and Utah player, Gatlin Black; but was held to a draw by fellow Pocatello Club member, Matthew McConnell.

All who played enjoyed the tournament and felt they engaged in fighting Chess.