by Jeff Roland

The Eastern Idaho Open chess tournament was played on September 24, 2011 at Idaho State University, Student Union Building, in Pocatello, Idaho. Jay Simonson was the tournament director. Fourteen (14) players representing four (4) states (ID, WY, UT, MT) competed in the event, which was a 1-day event. The time control was Game/60 for the first two rounds, and Game/90 for rounds three and four.

In the Open Section, Caleb Kircher, Nampa, won first place with an impressive 3½ score, followed by Jeff Roland, Boise, in second place with 3 points. Kircher and Roland were the only two players in the Open section to be undefeated. Third place was a tie between Ed McLaughlin, Anaconda, Montana, and Tom Booth, Caldwell, each with 2½ points.

In the Reserve Section, play was changed to a Round Robin format and therefore reduced from 4 rounds to 3 rounds. Cindy Hanson, Idaho Falls, was first with a perfect score of 3 points. Marc Harrison, Idaho Falls, was second with 2 points, and Jay Simonson, Idaho Falls, was third with 1 point.

This tournament marks the first event after Glen Buckendorf passed away on September 12, 2011. A moment of silence was observed in his memory and for those who have fallen in the line of duty over the events of "9/11". Glen will be missed by everyone who knew him. He played in many ICA tournaments over the years, and almost every State Championship since the ICA began in 1947.