Montana Open - Round 1

The 2015 Montana Open attracted a lot of players (about 40) and was tougher than most. Grandmaster Alexander Yermolinsky and Master Ted Belanoff were in attendance, as were many players whose skill far outstripped their ratings. I feel relieved to have made it through with no losses and a couple of wins; my final score of 3.5 was good enough to tie for third place.

Every player I confronted did very well and exposed some weaknesses in my game, so this was an educational experience that I hope ratchets up my win count in the future -- I don't want to be renowned for drawing. This first round was against Dennis Petrak, a gentleman whom I'd beaten once before but was in good form this time around.