Playing for a good cause

Chess master seeks challengers for match
By KRISTEN CATES • Tribune Staff Writer • March 4, 2009
Great Falls Tribune – Great Falls, MT, USA

Chess fans have an opportunity Friday night to play against one of the best competitors around for a good cause.

John Peterson, the new principal at Foothills Community Christian School, happens to be a champion chess player — he’s a top-rated chess master by the U.S. Chess Federation and rated No. 1 in Montana. On Friday, he will take on 25 players at one time for $5 apiece.

The entry fees will be donated to the Great Falls Community Food Bank.

Once the games begin, there will be 25 tables set up around Peterson, who will go from table to table to compete against each player.

“I have not exactly done this before,” Peterson said. “I don’t really have any qualms, though.”

In addition to the chess challenge, the school will be holding family game night. The school’s development director, Kim Monroe, said there will be other games to play as well. Participants are asked to bring a can of food.

For the chess matches, 25 players will be matched with Peterson on a first-come, first-serve basis. Signups start at 5:30 p.m., with games beginning at 6 p.m.

Here is the full article.