GAME NIGHT: Because of a last minute schedule change to my weekly lesson plan, I was “forced into work” the night of the match. I only managed to get on ICC and check things out right as young David Adelberg was in the process of holding a much worse ending against a former foe of mine (David Justice beat my teammate, Pieta Garret, in the last round of the High School National Championship in 2004 to become Co-Champion with me. Although I still won first on tie-breaks, it definitely took some of the sweetness away, not to win the Championship solo). Anyway, Adelberg did manage to hold the worse position, so as far as my “immediate post match feelings” went, I felt pretty good about our team’s performance once again…
My nemesis (Justice) is much like the battle between Luke and Vader… Just joking, I hardly know the guy and we have never even played. Cool picture though right?
LEV what is wrong with you!!! Of course I am joking, and Levon is probably the most “solid and tough to grind” player on the team. He employs a style that yours truly could learn a little bit from, so that I could stop reaching so many crazy, wild positions against lower rated playersL. At the same time however, his inability to win what was a clearly better (let’s be honest, winning) position against Burnett, ended up being the difference in the match. To Ron’s credit, he was extremely creative in his counter-play ideas, and moved quickly enough to ensure that Lev would be the one under time pressure. Burnett’s “practical skills” sort of won the day in this game, over Levon’s “surprising opening choice”.
Jandi’s game really, well, sucked! I don’t mean that he sucked, but Robby’s description of what it is like to play Ehlvest with black (root canal) was pretty accurate. Although I would have used a description that requires “earmuffs” for half our followers and my children included, so I won’t go there! Anyhoow, we are very happy to have Jandi on the team, and the fact that he is making the trip from Texas is even cooler! Jandi did hold off long enough to cause some nerves on the other boards, so in a “team sense”, he did everything he could…
Playing Ehlvest with black is kind of like what happened to that guy latter on in Reservoir Dogs… Torture!
Robz did the jobz! Is there really anything else to say? I think Robby is the person most upset about having to “split our team” due to the lack of strong players in Tucson and Phoenix. Someday we might have two teams and have some kick ass rival matches, but for now, Robby’s good chances to win the MVP will probably fall short due to “lack of matches”. Anyway, I for one know that Robby is VERY good on ICC, and with time to prepare each week, I expect him to keep coming home with the bacon. Good job Larry Jr…
Finally, our youngest member really saved the match. Keeping a cool head and showing some good technical defense was the key to the match ending in a tie. Obviously every game is as important as the next, but as David’s game really came down to the wire, he deserves extra credit for “righting the ship”. I didn’t like the opening choice in this one for him though, as black had no trouble equalizing with e5; furthermore, white’s extension of the king-side ended hurting him down the road, but like I said, when the critical moment occurred, David truly showed nerves of steel and did his team “Justice”. Oh yeah, did you like that pun/rap tizzy baby! That is what I am talking about. Eat your heart out Dre…
My raps on the mic are totally tight. Better than Dre’s dog…”
Until next time…
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