Lower Primates crash out in Semis

It was not meant to be. I guess that it how I should phrase our semi-final match against the team “Fischer Disciples”. On paper we matched up quite well, but once we got to the “practical application” we just couldn’t put our erstwhile opponents away. It had started auspiciously enough with Tom winning quite easily on Board 2. With the first set of tiebreaks being even, the second set would be taking the score of the top 3. So, all it required was for the team to get one point between the two of us and we would go to the finals. However, I knew that I faced a very tough match against Ser-Enigma, who was undefeated in this tournament. Plus I had Black. Ooof. Don would also have Black, but he possessed a higher rating than his opponent, so I estimated Don’s chances to win better than mine. Curt’s game on Board 4 would only matter if Don and I failed, but Curt would be facing an opponent over 200 points higher, so he had a pretty formidable challenge on his hands.
Ser-Enigma surprised the heck out me by playing this offbeat Benko-line (anti-Benko line?), the third guy I have faced in a row with Black that has chosen to play against my Benko (and the third guy to whom I have lost). It was a bit frustrating; each time getting a reasonable position then missing some form of tactic. Argh. I guess I should expect folks to tee up against my Benko and I just need to play it better (and isn’t that the whole point?).
The Curt also lost, but as long as Don won, we would advance. And Don played a beautiful game, had a completely crushing position, then got into time trouble. From there it all went awry as his opponent could exchange sac and get a perpetual, which he did. So we lost 2.5 – 1.5. Oh well.
Still, we had a great tournament, we made the playoffs (which was my goal) and we got to the semi-finals.
So now, I am making preparations for Tournament 41, so stay tuned!