The 2009 Idaho State Closed Chess Championships were held over Valentines Day and President's Day weekend, February 14-16, 2009, at the Shilo Inn in Twin Falls, Idaho. The Shilo did not charge the Idaho Chess Association (ICA) for the very nice, comfortable playing room big enough for 26 games to be played simultaneously. In return, we encouraged everyone who needed a motel room to stay at the Shilo. The Lady in charge said that 10 or more rooms were rented for 2 nights, giving a boost to their business.

Twenty-eight players rated from 226 to 2015 came to Twin Falls to play their best chess for a chance at 15 minutes of fame. Notable participants were: Glen Buckendorf, 10 time winner, playing in his 51st consecutive Idaho State Chess Championships; Larry Parsons, 15 time winner; your chief Tournament Director (TD) and ICA President, Jay Simonson, who has never won the Championship Title; Garrett Reynolds, ICA Vice President and 2006 Co-Champion; and Barry Eacker, ICA Secretary / Treasurer, also seeking his first Championship trophy.

Everyone reported that they had really tough games and had to play their very best chess ever, just to stay in the mix. In Round four, Garrett played Larry to a draw to take clear lead. Young Desmond Porth played about 500 rating points above his current rating, crushing the TD in Jay's first game for the tournament in round 3. Desmond's rating will no longer be below 300.

After a loss to Kati Abderhalden in round 5, Boise State University student Phil Weyland announced he was withdrawing from the tournament, despite getting encouragement to stay and play. He later changed his mind and asked to be paired in round six. About then, Larry Parsons announced he would probably leave early and withdraw from the tournament. When he discovered that the top contenders (besides Garrett) all had draws, he decided that he too would stick it out and play in round six, forcing Jay to play (in what turned out Kevin Patterson in round six.

And so it happened that every class prize came down to round six. Garrett won against Glen to take clear first overall with 5.5 out of 6 points, Larry won against Katie to take the number 2 trophy, with 4.5 points, and tie breaks propelled Kurt Douglas to 3rd Place, with 4 points. Chong Jin Ong claimed a draw against Mark Anderson due to repetition of Position 16 moves into the game. Mark was quite upset at this since he thought he had a good chance at winning the game and a tie for First Place (if Garrett lost to Glen). A re-creation of the position revealed that the position did repeat itself three times, with Mark on move, and Mark's queen on the original square.

Another rising star, formerly unrated Caleb Abernathy scored wins over Emily Patterson (1513) and Tom Booth (1500) as well as draws with George Lundy (1481) and Ricky Abderhalden (1440) to score 3 points and take the prize for Top Unrated (of course, he was the only unrated player). He is not unrated anymore.

Jay and Kevin fought out the longest lasting game in round six, with Kevin exacting the win while every other player, parent, friend, and passer-by looked on. Mostly, they didn't care who won, they just wanted us to be done so we could award the prizes and let everyone go home.

When the dust settled, Glen Buckendorf lost to his young former student and the New State Champion to take the Top Senior Plaque. Katie and Ricky Abderhalden swept the Top Junior Prizes.

The Overall trophies were distinguished four column wood trophies from 30 inches high to 22 inches high. The Class prizes were handsome real wood plaques with the ICA Logo emblazoned at the top, 8" by 13" for 1st Place and 7" by 10" for 2nd Place. They are wonderful trophies, very nice and very classy.

It was a great Idaho Championship tournament!! Congratulations to all the winners and attendees!! See you next year. Complete list of winners follows.

Prizes:

New Idaho State Chess Champion - Garrett Reynolds
Second Place Overall - Larry Parsons
Third Place Overall - Kurt Douglas

1st Place Class A - Phil Weyland

1st Place Class B - Mark Anderson
2nd Place Class B - Barry Eacker

1st Place Class C - Chong-Jin Ong
2nd Place Class C - Jim Stark

1st Place Class D - Matthew Dominick
2nd Place Class D - Ricky Weathers

1st Place Class E - Michael Ye
2nd Place Class E - Kevin Patterson

1st Place Class F - Adam Porth
2nd Place Class F - William Min

1st Place Top Senior - Glen Buckendorf
2nd Place Top Senior - Tom Booth

1st Place Top Junior - Katie Abderhalden
2nd Place Top Junior - Ricky Abderhalden

1st Place Top Unrated - Caleb Abernathy