Montana Open
Submitted by Murray Strong on 01/29/2013

Twenty one individuals participated in the 78th Montana Chess Open, in Billings April 13 and 14. At a rating of 1592, Mo Bain made an impressive run for the 78th Montana Open Title before being tripped up by Tim Schoessler of Wyoming in the 5th round. The two shared the title with 4.0 points each. Four individuals shared 2nd place with 3.5 points – David Duke, Wil Strickland, Bob Martin and unrated Guy Stafford. Mo Bain took home the biggest upset with a first round win over David Duke (1885). Special thanks to Charlie Wittnam for securing a wonderful venue at the Billings Clinic Hospital, free of charge.

During the annual business meeting, Murray Strong was reelected President, and David Duke was elected Executive Vice-President, Dan McCourt Secretary/Treasurer. Charlie Wittnam was elected Eastern Regional Vice-President, Jacob Copley Western Regional Vice-President. The body agreed to changes in the by-laws: raise annual adult membership to $15 (article I.A.1.); move the date for the earliest State Open to March 1 (article IV.A.); and the earliest date for the State Closed to May 1 (article V.A.).

Based on the results of the Open, this year\'s slate of candidates for the Montana Closed to be played along with the Barto Open, June 1 and 2 in Helena, include Lukas Geyer, Sherwood Moore, Will Strickland, Mo Bain, David Duke and Guy Strickland.

Joyces January Thaw
Submitted by Murray Strong on 01/29/2013

Sixteen individuals played in the annual Joyce’s January Thaw, the last weekend of January 2013 in Helena. The field included two new players and one returning after 20+ years of absenteeism. Dan McCourt won the tournament with 4 points and no loses. Wil Strickland and Dean Drake split the 2nd place prize money with 3.5 points, and numerous individuals scored 3.0 points. Once again, Larry Singleton scored the biggest upset, topping an opponent nearly 800 rating points above.

2012 Turkey Open Features Strong Field
Submitted by Dan McCourt on 11/10/2012

While smaller than in recent years, the 2012 Turkey Open fielded a strong 1661 average rating -- surprising for a Montana event of 19 entries.
Lukas Geyer continues to roll up impressive scores in Montana tournaments. Lukas\' 4.5 points led the group. Mike Murray, a familiar name at or near the top of past Turkeys, placed 2nd at 4.0 while Mike Jensen\'s 3.5 was good for clear 3rd.
Geyer and Murray faced off in round 4 with Murray taking the white pieces in a severe bending, though never quite a bust, of Geyer\'s Sicilian defense. Black\'s game seemed to teeter at times, but Lukas found enough resources to hang tough until an eventual slight inaccuracy by white allowed the black queen to force a perpetual draw.
Tough competion held Jensen to a slow start with draws in rds 1 and 2. Though he followed up with solid wins in rds 3 and 4, a 5th round bye precluded Mike from a chance at a higher finish.
Conrad Lee scored the biggest upset on his way to a 2.5 finish. He also picked up draws with Jensen and Kevin Korsmo, losing only to Geyer in the last round.
Among 10-year-olds, USCF rates Conrad at #62 in the nation but his performance in the Turkey should move him into the mid-50s. Way to go Conrad! We all root for him--but none of us want to be among that number when it comes to Conrad\'s progress!!
Thanks, once again, to Spokane\'s contingent for their attendance at the Turkey Open. A special mention should go to Dave Griffin for his longtime support of Missoula tournaments. In the past 15 years, Dave probably has more Turkey Opens notched on his chess clock than any other player. Thanks again Dave!!
And thanks to all who attended the 2012 Turkey Open!!