The Primates continue to take it on the chin in the U2200 division, while the Lower Primates are now tied for 1st in their division – both with only 2 matches to go.
One of the best displays of sportsmanship I have seen was between Tom and his Round 4 opponent (BigTweed), the latter’s wife was due during the round – and actually gave birth during the weekend. Tom and BigTweed continued to correspond on scheduling the game, a difficult prospect as the baby could have arrived at any time and caused a forfeit. Both players were eager to play and finally played their game after the arrival of BigTweed’s baby daughter – congrats on your family’s addition and kudos to both players for their ability to keep the whole thing in the proper perspective.
So here we are for round 5:
Primates v To Be Determined
TheChessKid (2137) v easycure (2332): Monday, Mar 2 @ 1800
Campagnolo (2097) v Blade (2163): Sunday, Mar 1 @ 0500
Nosalt (2047) v Slimedog2 (2142): Tuesday, Mar 3 @ 0830
Dnmuscg (2002) v Ser-Enigma (2119): 0-1
Lower Primates v Long Live the King
Campagnolo (2097) v Trophyking (2313): Tuesday, Mar 3 @ 2100
Nosalt (2047) v Alexdb (2005): TBD
Dnmuscg (2002) v Wheels (1870): Saturday, Feb 28 @ 1100
Ivanson (1788) v Philly-Boy (1782): Saturday, Feb 28 @ 1800
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Round 3 Round up & looking forward to Round 4
Lower Primates top of the division after 3 rounds. Primates in 3rd.
We knew the games were going to be tough in the U2200 section. What we really did not take into account is the fact that we would be soooooo underrated (or maybe the better term is “overmatched”). For example, Tom on Board 3 plays a FIDE Master. Wow – Board 3! I guess we should be happy to get such tough and ultimately enriching games, but hot diggity. But kudos to the Lower Primates, especially, Curt and The Other Bob (who tongue in cheek calls himself “TOB”) have pulled out some fantastic results and ensured that the Lower Primates are undefeated and top of the table halfway through the competition. And after 3 rounds neither team has had a forfeit. I am justifiably proud of the guys for making sure that they schedule their games on time and show up to play. I have to do very little to remind them, everybody takes care of it on their own. Thanks, guys!
As a side note, Tom, Don & I ventured into northern New Jersey this past weekend for 3 days of the US Amateur Team East, one of our collective chess highlights of the year. Overall we did well, finishing with 4 points out of a possible 6, but lost out Top Military honors to our rivals “Ernest Goes to Parsippany” on tiebreaks (our team name of course was “Primates of the Caribbean”). The best game award goes to Don, who played a very impressive game against an Expert, sacrificing 2 pawns in rapid succession for the initiative, then sacrificing/trading his rooks for his opponent’s queen. He orchestrated his queen and 2 connected passed pawns against the 2 rooks and converted the full point. Also, kudos to Steven Rollins, who played on Board 4, scoring 4.5 points of 6 despite his claims of rustiness.
OK, here are the lineups for Round 4
First, Justin still has a Round 3 game versus the Massachusetts State Champion & 2400 USCF rated Senior Master Denys Shmelov on Sunday.
TheChessKid (2137) v Easycure (2332): Sunday, Feb 22 @ 1200
Primates of the Caribbean v Les Goolie Crushers
TheChessKid (2137) v Pandorasbox (2309): TBD
Campagnolo (2097) v onslaught (2246): TBD
Dnmuscg (2002) v izit (2184): TBD
Holm (1998) v Jonesey (2060): Sunday, Feb 22 @ 0400
Lower Primates v Mistaken Identity
Campagnolo (2097) v Folgers (2115): Friday, Feb 20 @ 2100
Nosalt (2047) v BigTweeds (2050): TBD
Dnmuscg (2002) v MeanMrMustard (1925): Monday, Feb 23 @ 2000
Ivanson (1788) v Jcdios (1906): Sunday, Feb 22 @ 1800
We knew the games were going to be tough in the U2200 section. What we really did not take into account is the fact that we would be soooooo underrated (or maybe the better term is “overmatched”). For example, Tom on Board 3 plays a FIDE Master. Wow – Board 3! I guess we should be happy to get such tough and ultimately enriching games, but hot diggity. But kudos to the Lower Primates, especially, Curt and The Other Bob (who tongue in cheek calls himself “TOB”) have pulled out some fantastic results and ensured that the Lower Primates are undefeated and top of the table halfway through the competition. And after 3 rounds neither team has had a forfeit. I am justifiably proud of the guys for making sure that they schedule their games on time and show up to play. I have to do very little to remind them, everybody takes care of it on their own. Thanks, guys!
As a side note, Tom, Don & I ventured into northern New Jersey this past weekend for 3 days of the US Amateur Team East, one of our collective chess highlights of the year. Overall we did well, finishing with 4 points out of a possible 6, but lost out Top Military honors to our rivals “Ernest Goes to Parsippany” on tiebreaks (our team name of course was “Primates of the Caribbean”). The best game award goes to Don, who played a very impressive game against an Expert, sacrificing 2 pawns in rapid succession for the initiative, then sacrificing/trading his rooks for his opponent’s queen. He orchestrated his queen and 2 connected passed pawns against the 2 rooks and converted the full point. Also, kudos to Steven Rollins, who played on Board 4, scoring 4.5 points of 6 despite his claims of rustiness.
OK, here are the lineups for Round 4
First, Justin still has a Round 3 game versus the Massachusetts State Champion & 2400 USCF rated Senior Master Denys Shmelov on Sunday.
TheChessKid (2137) v Easycure (2332): Sunday, Feb 22 @ 1200
Primates of the Caribbean v Les Goolie Crushers
TheChessKid (2137) v Pandorasbox (2309): TBD
Campagnolo (2097) v onslaught (2246): TBD
Dnmuscg (2002) v izit (2184): TBD
Holm (1998) v Jonesey (2060): Sunday, Feb 22 @ 0400
Lower Primates v Mistaken Identity
Campagnolo (2097) v Folgers (2115): Friday, Feb 20 @ 2100
Nosalt (2047) v BigTweeds (2050): TBD
Dnmuscg (2002) v MeanMrMustard (1925): Monday, Feb 23 @ 2000
Ivanson (1788) v Jcdios (1906): Sunday, Feb 22 @ 1800
Friday, February 13, 2009
Catching up on Rounds 1 & 2; Looking ahead to Round 3
Due to a late schedule, Curt finished up his round 1 match in the second week (which is entirely legal) with a victory and providing us with the match draw against the Runners in the U2000 Division. His was a nice win when we needed it in the clutch.
In the Round 2 match, Justin had the Grandmaster Draw of grandmaster draws, when his opponent, who has white and was rated higher over 200 points, offered a draw at move 1. Tom and I subsequently drew our games, only Don lost. We lost a close match 2.5-1.5, despite all for of our boards being heavily outrated. We now trail in second place in the U2200 Everest Division, a match point adrift.
In the U2000 Division, the other Bob pulled out a tough draw as black to secure the match victory against the team “Mistaken Identity” 2.5-1.5. As a result, after 2 rounds we sit atop the leader board in the U2000 Magnolia Division in what looks to be a highly competitive division. Not bad.
This week is going to be interesting as Don, Tom & I all head off to play in the US Amateur Team East. For those who have never played in the USATE, it is a unique, wonderful experience where players range from the Grandmaster to the brand new school kid learning to play. I am hoping that all the hard work that Don, Tom & I have put into studying and playing in the 45 45 league pays off in our OTB games.
Finally, here are the line ups for Round 3:
“Primates” v “To be determined”
TheChessKid (2137) v Easycure (2332): TBD
Campagnolo (2097) v Blade (2163): Tuesday, 17 Feb @ 1500
Nosalt (2047) v Slimedog2 (2142): Wednesday, 18 Feb @ 2000
Dnmuscg (2002) v Ser-Enigma (2119): Tuesday, 17 Feb @ 1400
“Lower Primates” v “Long Live the King”
Nosalt (2047) v trophyking (2313): Thursday, 19 Feb @ 1900
Dnmuscg (2002) v Alexdb (2005): Friday, 13 Feb @ 2100
Ivanson (1788) v Wheels (1870): Monday, 16 Feb @ 1600
Budzo (1676) v Fuzzie (1777): Saturday, 14 Feb @ 1000
In the Round 2 match, Justin had the Grandmaster Draw of grandmaster draws, when his opponent, who has white and was rated higher over 200 points, offered a draw at move 1. Tom and I subsequently drew our games, only Don lost. We lost a close match 2.5-1.5, despite all for of our boards being heavily outrated. We now trail in second place in the U2200 Everest Division, a match point adrift.
In the U2000 Division, the other Bob pulled out a tough draw as black to secure the match victory against the team “Mistaken Identity” 2.5-1.5. As a result, after 2 rounds we sit atop the leader board in the U2000 Magnolia Division in what looks to be a highly competitive division. Not bad.
This week is going to be interesting as Don, Tom & I all head off to play in the US Amateur Team East. For those who have never played in the USATE, it is a unique, wonderful experience where players range from the Grandmaster to the brand new school kid learning to play. I am hoping that all the hard work that Don, Tom & I have put into studying and playing in the 45 45 league pays off in our OTB games.
Finally, here are the line ups for Round 3:
“Primates” v “To be determined”
TheChessKid (2137) v Easycure (2332): TBD
Campagnolo (2097) v Blade (2163): Tuesday, 17 Feb @ 1500
Nosalt (2047) v Slimedog2 (2142): Wednesday, 18 Feb @ 2000
Dnmuscg (2002) v Ser-Enigma (2119): Tuesday, 17 Feb @ 1400
“Lower Primates” v “Long Live the King”
Nosalt (2047) v trophyking (2313): Thursday, 19 Feb @ 1900
Dnmuscg (2002) v Alexdb (2005): Friday, 13 Feb @ 2100
Ivanson (1788) v Wheels (1870): Monday, 16 Feb @ 1600
Budzo (1676) v Fuzzie (1777): Saturday, 14 Feb @ 1000
Friday, February 6, 2009
Round 2: Here we go!
Primates v Les Goolie Crushers
After 1 round, we sit atop the Everest Division, but now have to face some serious competition where all four boards are higher rated than we are (once again, Justin has it worst at an ~180 point difference). Here are the pairings, only Don has played his match so far:
Les Goolie Crushers v Primates of the Caribbean
Pandorasbox (2309) v TheChessKid (2137): TBD
Izit (2184) v Campagnolo (2097): TBD
Kingcapture (2181) v nosalt (2047): TBD
Jonesey (2060) v dnmuscg (2002): 1-0
On the Lower Primate side of the house, round 2 has us matched against “Mistaken Identity”, where I think we match up pretty well. Curt still has his round 1 game to play, so he has the bye. Don and Tom played yesterday (Thursday), with both coming away victorious. Here are the match ups:
Lower Primates of the Caribbean v Mistaken Identity
Campagnolo (2097) v Folgers (2115): Saturday, 7 Feb 2100
nosalt (2047) v BigTweeds (2050): 1-0
dnmuscg (2002) v MeanMrMustard (1925): 1-0
Budzo (1676) v azbycx (1827): TBD
After 1 round, we sit atop the Everest Division, but now have to face some serious competition where all four boards are higher rated than we are (once again, Justin has it worst at an ~180 point difference). Here are the pairings, only Don has played his match so far:
Les Goolie Crushers v Primates of the Caribbean
Pandorasbox (2309) v TheChessKid (2137): TBD
Izit (2184) v Campagnolo (2097): TBD
Kingcapture (2181) v nosalt (2047): TBD
Jonesey (2060) v dnmuscg (2002): 1-0
On the Lower Primate side of the house, round 2 has us matched against “Mistaken Identity”, where I think we match up pretty well. Curt still has his round 1 game to play, so he has the bye. Don and Tom played yesterday (Thursday), with both coming away victorious. Here are the match ups:
Lower Primates of the Caribbean v Mistaken Identity
Campagnolo (2097) v Folgers (2115): Saturday, 7 Feb 2100
nosalt (2047) v BigTweeds (2050): 1-0
dnmuscg (2002) v MeanMrMustard (1925): 1-0
Budzo (1676) v azbycx (1827): TBD
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Results from Round 1
I think the theme of Round 1 is “endgame”. Ironically in the 45 45 League, I am sure that opening preparation plays an important role in the game, and obviously positional and tactical themes run rampant, but as I watched some of our team’s games, I saw a common theme of endgames impact. I think the major difference is that you can recover from bad positional play, or poor opening preparation or even missed tactics, but endgame play is technique which will directly cause a win/draw/loss. I have studied endgames a bit (nowhere near enough, but I do feel pretty comfortable). I am not an endgame expert, but I do play one on TV. For those who want the greatest return on an investment (meaning you don’t want to spend too much time on endgames), my first recommended book is Glenn Flear’s Improve Your Endgame Play. It is only 160 pages and you can plow right through it. You’ll get the basics, just play Fritz in some of the test positions and Bingo! My other recommendation if you have more time is Jeremy Silman’s Complete Endgame Course. Jeremy’s book is much longer and it is divided into what to know at whatever your rating/expertise is vice thematically like Glenn’s.
OK getting back to Round 1
Primates victorious over “Los Zetas”
Primates 2.5 v Los Zetas 1.5
Don cruised (Don usually makes it look easy), Tom lost, I had a good game, but Justin had THE game of the match, playing a FIDE Master 200+ points higher rated with the white side of a Dragon. It was a very interesting game to watch (Dragons usually are) and it quickly got very messy, with both players missing subtle tactics. It ended as a draw, with Justin up a rook for 3 pawns (I cannot fault him as I ironically also had a draw with a rook v 3 pawns). Besides the draw secured the match and our first victory in the U2200 League. Congrats, Justin! Not bad for your first match.
Lower Primates 1 – Runners 2
With Curt’s game yet to play, we trail the Runners 2 – 1, with Tom and Don both drawing and Bob getting into time pressure and missing a tactic which undid his position. To Bob’s credit, he hung tougher than I probably would have after dropping the pawn, as his position quickly deteriorated. He almost recovered enough to get to a playable Rook & Pawn endgame. Don played magician and wiggled out of a near dead lost endgame, sacrificing his bishop for his opponent’s last 2 pawns, leaving the poor guy alone with a knight. Don, in his typical humorous fashion, told me after the game, “I don’t think my opponent knows how to mate me with his knight.” Tom also drew, after suffering for most of the game, then getting to a King & Pawn ending where he at one point could have pulled out the victory. His position was study-like in nature (If I have time, I will post it). But in the end, Tom got a Queen & Pawn v Queen & Pawn dead drawn ending.
Good luck to Curt, who plays Friday @ 3:00 PM ICC server time.
Probably Wed I will post Round 2’s pairings.
OK getting back to Round 1
Primates victorious over “Los Zetas”
Primates 2.5 v Los Zetas 1.5
Don cruised (Don usually makes it look easy), Tom lost, I had a good game, but Justin had THE game of the match, playing a FIDE Master 200+ points higher rated with the white side of a Dragon. It was a very interesting game to watch (Dragons usually are) and it quickly got very messy, with both players missing subtle tactics. It ended as a draw, with Justin up a rook for 3 pawns (I cannot fault him as I ironically also had a draw with a rook v 3 pawns). Besides the draw secured the match and our first victory in the U2200 League. Congrats, Justin! Not bad for your first match.
Lower Primates 1 – Runners 2
With Curt’s game yet to play, we trail the Runners 2 – 1, with Tom and Don both drawing and Bob getting into time pressure and missing a tactic which undid his position. To Bob’s credit, he hung tougher than I probably would have after dropping the pawn, as his position quickly deteriorated. He almost recovered enough to get to a playable Rook & Pawn endgame. Don played magician and wiggled out of a near dead lost endgame, sacrificing his bishop for his opponent’s last 2 pawns, leaving the poor guy alone with a knight. Don, in his typical humorous fashion, told me after the game, “I don’t think my opponent knows how to mate me with his knight.” Tom also drew, after suffering for most of the game, then getting to a King & Pawn ending where he at one point could have pulled out the victory. His position was study-like in nature (If I have time, I will post it). But in the end, Tom got a Queen & Pawn v Queen & Pawn dead drawn ending.
Good luck to Curt, who plays Friday @ 3:00 PM ICC server time.
Probably Wed I will post Round 2’s pairings.
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