Some Rapid Fun In Missoula

Last weekend I participated in the Octopus's game/30 tournament in Missoula. I was cruising to a clean sweep when I played too slowly in the final round and lost on the clock to friend Eric Wagner, who did an excellent job of making threats and causing me to waste time. I did manage to play two other interesting games that went better for me. These always have to be taken with a grain of salt because game/30 is a rapid time control and does not reflect either player's best efforts.

In this game I confronted someone I'd never met before, but in the previous round I saw him defeat former state champion Mike Jensen. (As an aside, I remember playing Mike in the Closed years ago and was happy to see him again, though I am sad that his health is declining.) My opponent rushed a little and opened the door to a creative checkmate.

In the next round I faced expert Loren Meierding, who retired from rated tournaments years ago but frequents Greg's events. I almost always get stuck playing black against Loren, but I finally got the white pieces and was down on time until he blundered and handed me a checkmate.