2006 Twin City Championship, Round 4

Yes, yes, I know, I know. I still haven't posted the game and analysis from Round 3, but now I also have to add my Round 4 game. The tournament skips next week for the monthly blitz night, and I don't go to blitz night, so I should have time to play catch up.

Anyhoo, it was down between me and one other person for the lead. Both of us had a 3.0 score. The game was decisive and now there's only one person with 4.0 points--and that person is me. I've calculated my rating as it stands now at 1659 with a performance rating of 2164 for this tournament.

Although this winning streak is thrilling, it's also scarin' the crap out of me. I'm always fearing before each of these games that each one is going to be the one that I lose and blow my chances to win the trophy. Complicate that with the fact that I really don't think my chess has been that good - just better than my competitors. Ah well, I'm sure I'll hit another plateau eventually. I just don't know where and when.

2006 Twin City Championship, Round 3 - Which Rhymes With B

As in "well into Class B." Yes, I played my Round 3 game for the championship and won yet again. This time it was against a 1631 rated player who beat me the last time he played me. My preliminary calculations have my current rating at 1634, so I'm still cruising along in Class B (hey - Class A is only 166 points away, but I'd better not get ahead of myself). I am pumped up!! Game and analysis will follow in the next few days.

2006 Twin Cities Championship, Round 3

Well, I already know the result of this round - two weeks in advance. Not only does this round fall on St. Valentine's Day, but it's also the date my oldest daughter had chosen for me and her to attend a basketball game. She earned straight A's in school, so she was rewarded with 2 free college basketball tickets. So, I can't disappoint her, and I must sit out of one round of the championship. This also means that even if I win all of my remaining games, chances are likely that I still won't be able to win this year's trophy and the title of champion. Ah well, maybe next year....

***UPDATE***

I was finally able to reach the tournament director, and he said that he has polled several people in the club, many of whom have stated also having problems with the Valentine's Day-scheduled Round 3. Therefore, he's considering cancelling chess club for Feb. 14th, but he hasn't completely made up his mind. He said he needs to talk to some more people and will decide by Feb. 7th.