Semi-Finals Lineup posted

Board 1: Sunday, Mar 29 @ 0530
Campagnolo (2097) Black – Ser-enigma (2119) White

Board 2: Friday, Mar 27 @ 1300
Nosalt (2047) White – DeLaSalle (1976) Black

Board 3: Monday, Mar 30 @ 1900
Dnmusg (2002) Black – Charles-Allen (1960) White

Board 4: Sunday, Mar 29 @ 1700
Ivanson (1788) White – McPlayerus (1910) Black

Lower Primates clinch in early victories, roll on to Semi-Finals

On Sunday we had three games in rapid succession against team “Assassin the King”. I had a game at 0530 (I know, but I am an early riser by nature and with 2 young sons, the only quiet I ever seem to get is when they are asleep!), then Don played at 1300 & Bob at 1400. With tiebreaks favoring us, Don and I scored the first 2 wins and secured our place in the semi-finals with The Other Bob’s game still being played out. And although Tom plays this AM (Tuesday), the league has already posted the next round of the playoffs. So we face off against “Fischer Disciples”, a team we have faced off in the regular season of Tournament 38. Again, and I have said this before, but I think we match up pretty well.

Of note, Don’s game has been nominated for Round 8 Game of the Week. Here is a link to the game:
http://team4545league.org/pgnplayer/pgnplayer.php?ID=8738&Board=3

I’ll post the lineup tomorrow when we know who plays whom (the teams’ lineups get posted at 2200 on Tuesdays).

Lower Primates square off against Team “Assassin the King” in first round of playoffs

This coming Saturday is a HUGE day as three of the games will be played, leaving only Tom to play on Tuesday. We roll into the first round as the #4 seed, squaring off against the #5 seed. In my estimation, we have a fair shot to advance to the next round as we match up ratings-wise pretty closely with the opposition. Curt is taking the week off with family obligations, so Bob, aka “the Other Bob”, has Board 4 duties. Without further ado, here is the lineup (as always all times are ICC Server time):

Lower Primates of the Caribbean v Assassin the King
Campagnolo (2097) v Puuntuupaaja (2044): Saturday, Mar 21 @ 0530
Nosalt (2047) v Shakkimestari (2028): Tuesday, Mar 24 @ 0930
Dnmuscg (2002) v Speedy-Reedy (1967): Saturday, Mar 21 @ 1300
Budzo (1676) v Shakkiipe (1788): Saturday, Mar 21 @ 1400

Lower Primates roll through Round 6, qualify for playoffs!

For those who were unaware, this team was a last second decision to put together. Previously the Primates played in the U2000 division, but after last season our team average was over 2000, thus placing us in the next division up. On a whim Don, Tom & I decided that we could swing 2 games a week; we then sought out and found Curt and “The Other Bob” to complete the team. Voila! The “Lower Primates” were born.

Now fast forward to Round 6 (the last round), we needed to win this match to make the playoffs. We faced the Runners, whom we faced off against in the last round last tournament and failed to beat, but this time the team responded by ripping through the competition (with me yet to play). I must admit, it felt good to win the match and make the playoffs.

So now we await the final seeding to determine whom we face. As it stands now, we are slated to square off against team “Assassin the King”, but that might change dependent on how the final couple games finish (including mine). As I can best figure out, we are tied for 3‑5 place with team “Assassin the King” and team “Discovered Mates”, and I have yet play and Discovered Mates’ Board 1 also has yet to play. Lineups will be posted by Tuesday night and we shall see how it shakes out.

On a personal note, I am 4-1-1 playing second board for the Primates in the U2200 section, but only 1-0-2 playing first board for the Lower Primates in the U2000 section (although I have been gifted at least one game in the U2200 section).

Finally, I wanted to thank all my teammates for their professionalism and conduct during the course of the tournament. We finished the entire tournament without a single forfeit! They also took care of all their responsibilities of scheduling and playing without me having to lift a finger. But most importantly we truly enjoyed the team aspect; guys watched each other’s games and supported each other throughout the season.

Thanks, guys!

- Bob (Alpha Primate?)

Lower Primates: Win & they’re in

While the Primates wrapped up their round 5 with a valiant effort and 1.5 – 2.5 loss to Team “To Be Determined”, the Lower Primates continued their good form with a resounding 3.5 – 0.5 win over the Team “Long Live the King”, giving them a half Match Point lead over their closest rivals, Team “Mistaken Identity.” Round 6 has the Lower Primates facing Team “Runners”, who also possess a chance to make the playoffs, only trailing the leaders by 1 Match Point.

Here are the current standings after 5 rounds (and 1 round to go):
1. Lower Primates 3.5 (12.5 game points)
2. Mistaken Identity 3.0 (11 game points)
3. Runners 2.5 (10 game points)

Of note, Curt had a fantastic game in a crushing miniature, playing the white side of Center Counter, so good that I nominated for Game of the Week. Here is a link to the game:
http://team4545league.org/pgnplayer/pgnplayer.php?ID=22368

And here is the lineup for the critical Round 6

Campagnolo (2097) v Chiiwen (2002): Saturday, Mar 14 @ 2100
Nosalt (2047) v martineden (1963): Monday, Mar 9 @ 1100
Dnmuscg (2002) v chess9397 (1805): Monday, Mar 9 @ 1930
Ivanson (1788) v chess9793 (1750): Wednesday, Mar 11 @ 1800

As for the Primates, their last round opponents forfeited en masse and in effect have a bye, finishing in the Everest Division in a respectable 3rd place.