December 12, 2009 Featured Game

The Idaho Closed is arguably the most important Idaho chess tournament in any given year. As we gear up and get ready for the 2010 Idaho Closed State Championship which is going to be held in Boise at BSU, it is good to reflect on some of the games from our history.

In 1982, Dick Vandenburg was still an active chess player. And while the very young and talented Larry Parsons was everyone's favorite, Dick Vandenburg offered quality and experience at the top level. He was by no means out of the running for winning the title of Idaho Chess Champion again. Dick Vandenburg had won the title 6 times, the last being in 1977. In 1965, Dick Vandenburg won the title outright (meaning not shared), for 3 consecutive years (1963-1965) which was an accomplishment nobody else was able to do until 2000 when Larry Parsons finally did it himself. At the time this game was played, Paul Johnson was only one year out of High School, rated only 1614, and had very little tournament experience. He caught everyone off guard that year by playing very strong quality chess.

Our featured game is from Round 6 of the 1982 Idaho Closed, and as a result of this game, Paul Johnson was crowned Idaho Chess Champion along with Larry Parsons. Paul's tie-break was better than Larry's, giving Paul the bigger trophy.