Nineteen players attended the 2017 January Drakes’ Thaw, in Helena, the last weekend in January, including four individuals playing in their first rated matches. This tournament is named in honor of Mel and Joyce Drake, long-time players and supporters of Montana Chess. Jim Skovron walked away with top honors, posting 4.5 points, followed by Wilton Strickland and last year’s winner Thomas Mostad, each with 3.5 points.  Frank Miller captured the biggest upset prize, with a win over Jacob Copley and a rating differential of 482 points.