A quick look at Week 6 matches – every match and game point is so critical and can make the difference of making the playoffs. My percentage for picking correctly has improved since I changed the name of the column from “Predictions” to “Picks.”
New York Knights vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
The match of the Double GM lineups – Scary good GMs on boards 1 and 2 for both teams. GM Giorgi Kacheisvili will try to duplicate his outstanding performance from last week that earned him GOTW in his win over GM Josh Friedel, while GM Leonid Kritz looks to bounce back from his disappointing loss to GM Larry Christiansen where he held an edge for much of the game. Board 2 features USCL monster, Sergey Erenberg with white against NY’s GM Pascal Charbonneau. As I have said before, these GM matchups tend to split, so its all up to boards 3 and 4. It will be impossible for NY’s NM Matt Herman to play a crazier game than he did last week – unless he plays some bizarre line against Uesugi’s Sveshnikov. NY’s biggest edge lies on board 4, where NM Yaacov Norowitz, who is now rated over 2400, faces Expert Ian Harris. Given this advantage, I give NY the edge, and they win 2.5-1.5.
Chicago Blaze vs. Philadelphia Inventors
Both teams need a win desperately. Philly is a little bit stronger on boards 1-3 collectively, and Chicago is stronger on board 4. Frankly, no result will surprise me here, but I give Philly a slight nod. 2.5-1.5, and of course the Phillies will prevail, at least in the first round of the playoffs.
Arizona Scorpions vs. New Jersey Knockouts
Another great match (see my Week 6 preview) . Scorpions need this one badly, but GM Joel thinks its bad luck for NJ when people pick them to win, so I will temporarily jump on his bandwagon and pick, sort of, NJ to win. At least I am not as bad as HA81 to never picks his own team, Seattle, to win.
Carolina Cobras vs. Boston Blitz
Boston is just too strong here though this will be closer than it looks- Boston wins 2.5-1.5, though their Red Sox will falter to the Yankees.
Tennessee Tempo vs. Dallas Destiny
This match is extremely critical for both teams – expect a fierce contest here. Even though Dallas has not performed that well this season, you can’t discount their experience and potential (see the match where they beat Boston 4-0). Tennessee is a much improved team this year, and with their double GM lineup, they have to be favored by a little. TN takes it 2.5-1.5.
San Francisco Mechanics vs. Miami Sharks
I will pick SF here simply because I can’t seem them losing 2 matches in a row, and they need to keep pace with Seattle. Also, SF is just a stronger team. If Miami is to be succesful, Eric needs to beat Daniel “silent assassin” Naroditsky. A close one but SF wins 2.5-1.5.
Queens Pioneers vs. Seattle Sluggers
Originally, I thought Seattle might win easily, but this is a close one. Without Naka for the 2nd straight week, how will this play out? For Queens to be successful, they need to come through on the top boards. I don’t think it happens – Seattle wins 2.5-1.5.
Last week 3-4.
Season 15-25.
I personally hate baseball and I am annoued by yankees- red sox conparison. Let’s conpare all other proffesional teams , this junk has nothing to do with chess. Btw, nice job tonight Arizona, puting Benjamin and company in their place.
hahah “His only thoughts on Arizona were that we blog a lot.”
that’s not what joel said