Boston Blitz vs San Francisco Mechanics
Wednesday, September 24, 8:30 pm

Only once have the Blitz ever lost 2 matches in a row, way back in weeks 6 and 7 of the 2005 season and they have never lost 3 in a row.  This week they take on the Western Division leaders, San Francisco Mechanics, in an effort to ensure that the history books are not rewritten.

The Blitz and Mechanics are currently heading in different directions.  Everything looked perfect for the Blitz after 2 weeks and another successful domination of the Eastern Division looked on the cards.  However, two straight losses have left them in the middle of the pack and will undoubtedly see them continuously fighting with teams to finish in the top 4 and qualify for the play-offs.  The Mechanics on the other hand currently lead the West and have a chance to obtain a nice lead at the top if results go their way.  They are unbeaten this year only conceeding a surprise half-point to the league rookies, Chicago Blaze, back in week 2.

The Mechanics’ recipe for success is definitely based on the Blitz model that was showcased last year.  Solid top boards with two highly underrated players on boards 3 and 4 who are playing in most of their games.  The Blitz definitely have one underrated performer on their team but seem to be lacking that second player and, most shockingly, are not producing the solid performances at the top.  It’s still early days yet although this game does mark the half-way point for the season.

Board 1 will see GM Larry Christiensen taking the reigns for the Blitz against GM-Elect Vinay Bhat for the Mechanics.  Last year Christiansen played the Game of the Week in dismantaling GM Wolff on board 1 and that may have played some part in their decision to pit Bhat against him.  Bhat beat IM Emory Tate in his only appearance so far this year and he is well known within USCL circles having being an All Star in both 2007 and 2006.  Christiansen will no doubt be looking to bounce back from his disastrous performance against GM Joel Benjamin last week.  One thing to watch for in this game will be how much of a time advantage Christiansen will achieve by about move 20.  I’m predicting about 40 minutes at that stage!

Jorge Sammour-Hasbun will be back on familiar ground on board 2 as the Blitz roll out two of their strong players at the top for the first time this year.  Sammour-Hasbun went 6½/7 on board 2 last year and has started the season with 1½/2 up on board 1.  His opponent, IM David Pruess, is playing his first game of the year although I am surprised to see him in this particular match since they normally ensure he gets the white pieces.  Pruess plays ultra solid chess (note, after speaking to fpawn online he says he has never heard Pruess described as solid, nevermind ultra solid.  He is expecting fireworks!), which probably will suit Sammour-Hasbun well as he has a knack of always complicating even the simplest positions!

Marc Esserman will look to continue his strong start to the season, this time on board 3 instead of his usual board 4.  Obviously a step up to board 3 could mean a difference of about 400 points in this league as Queens rolled out IM Eli Vovsha in that spot on Monday night.  However his opponent, FM Sam Shankland, isn’t quite at Vovsha’s level although he is one of the most underrated board 3′s in the league.  Shankland has played in all 4 games for the Mechanics so far and is currently 3/4.  He is dangerous with the white pieces and is usually well prepared by the other Mechanics players.  This one should be a wild encounter as both players are known for their aggressive styles.

Ilya Krasik steps back into the line-up on board 4 for the Blitz and he will have his hands full with another super underrated youngster in FM Daniel Naroditsky.  Naroditsky, like Shankland, has played in all 4 games for the Mechanics and although it took him a couple of games to find his feet, he has won his last 2 and appears to be in good form.  Krasik will be looking to put his last game behind him and sure up a good result for the Blitz at the lower end.  Just like Christiansen has a 200 point rating plus on board 1, Krasik has a 200 point rating defecit to make up although board 4′s are never so easy to call in the USCL.

Due to the late start this week (8:30 pm) all games will be played at G/60 +30 seconds/move.  Remember to come down to the Blitz site at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, and catch all the action.  Also remember that if you cannot make it down, all games will be broadcast live here on the Blitz site or you can follow all the games on the Internet Chess Club.

FREE BLITZ MUG! This is also the second week that we giving out a free Boston Blitz mug to one of our lucky fans that shows up to see the match. The draw will be made at 9:30 pm so ensure you come before then to receive your free ticket!

Match Line-Ups