Chess is a funny game… funny strange, that is. When you think you have a draw… it’s a loss… when you think you have a win… it’s a draw… or, mama mia, a loss. Such was my roller coaster ride last Monday as the Blitz went down to the Baltimore Kingfishers, (1 – 3) with the Blitz playing the part of the fish.
This was a tough one to take as the Blitz were in clear first and a win would mean a nice step toward the playoffs. I figured no worse that a draw here… But, I forgot to take into consideration the opponent. They showed up… Big Time.
Board one looked like a sure win early. FM Griego pushed it to a two pawn advantage against grizzled veteran GM Larry Kaufman… no trouble here right… wrong! A truly mysterious draw.
Board two saw Vadim play beautifully. Black, IM Tegshuren Enkbaht, had an extra doubled pawn but no hope of development… again, I thought… Vadim the conqueror… but Ohhhh those Rook endgames… draw.
Board three, Ilya was my pick to win one and he held the advantage through to the endgame against NM Jared Defibaugh… certainly he had draw in hand , then boom! Those tricky Knights and a loss.
Board four really broke my heart… It’s not easy to play a gambit against the Queen’s Indian… but, gambit Chris did in a wonderful attacking game… if only he would have seen 22.Rd7… NM Ian Schoch would have been toast… instead, it was a champagne toast for the Kingfishers… The agony of defeat for Chris… lets take a look…
(more…)

September 25th, 2011
Mark La Rocca
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In another shocking bit of personnel news, Assistant Manager Matt Phelps has announced to the team via email that he won’t be returning for the 2011 season. “The time commitment (mostly ‘away from the board’) has just become too much,” said Phelps. He has been with the team since its very inception, helping to form the team and providing technical assistance in 2005, then three years as Manager, and the last two as Assistant Manager for Jorge Sammour-Hasbun. During his management tenure the team has made the playoffs all five seasons, twice making it to the finals (in 2007 and 2008). He continued, “I want to thank all of you for a truly remarkable six(!) seasons. I’ve learned an amazing amount about the game (I hope to return to the team someday, as a player 

Not to be overly dramatic, but this week is special as Blitz manager (and spiritual leader) Jorge Sammour-Hasbun returns to the lineup for a pivotal battle against the Carolina Cobras. If you remember, Jorge was severely battered last year in his battle with the Balrog… but, we all know he will bring back the magic as Jorge the White gathers the forces of Good to face the Dark Lord’s pit vipers.


