Greetings team! The team line-ups I submitted on September 13th were rejected due to an U1400 average of 1406.
This morning as I prepared to post this message and submit our U1600 team, I read HindsFeet's message on our team forum stating that unfortunately his rating has been reset. Checking HindsFeet, I quickly verified that his rating has been reset to 1860. I have messaged jaberwock and Team League, but will be surprised if they reverse the reset. Considering that we have only 3 days to submit our teams, I have completely re-arranged our team line ups, and will hope that all of our members find it acceptable.
TheRejoicingTeam_U1600
Board 1: Hindsfeet 1860
Board 2: FargoBear 1598
Board 3: timisrejoicing 1489
Board 4: CactusJr 1434
Board 5: EagleWingXLXXXI 1309
Board 6: CharityJoy 1228
Team Average: 1595.25
TheRejoicingTeam_U1400
Board 1: RoyRogersC 1559
Board 2: CactusJr 1434
Board 3: EagleWingXLXXXI 1309
Board 4: CharityJoy 1228
Board 5: littlesparrows (----)
Team Average: 1382.5
I will give you all a chance to look at this, and give TeamLeague a few moments to respond to our inquiry about HindsFeet. However, I wish to submit our teams as soon as possible. Littlesparrows is playing her 20 standard games so she can join Team League. If she doesn't have all her games completed by the time I submit the teams, I will add her latter.
Weekly schedule: All players play 1 game a week except CactusJr who will play two. If for some reason you cannot play on a given week, let me know on Sunday and an alternate will take your place.
Scheduling your games: To schedule your games you must type "tell teamleague set password (your password)" This will enable you to log in at www.teamleague.org using your handle and Team League password. Each week pairings are posted on Tuesday at around 19:00 server time. As soon as possible, log in at the Team League website, go to your game forum, and offer three server times between then and next Tuesday at 19:00. Your opponent will then offer you three times or accept one of your offers. Once both you and your opponent have agreed to a date and time, set the time and be on FICS for the scheduled start.
Playing your game: Your opponent must show up to play you within 30 minutes of the scheduled time. When he arrives, "tell teamleague play (gameID)," and your challenge for a Team League game will be sent to him. You may not give or receive takebacks, more time, or kibitzes. If your opponent does not arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled start, you may return to your game forum and request that he be forfeited due to a no show.
Pointers:
45 45 is a very long game; plan for your game to last 2-3 hours.
Do not blitz your game--take your time and think. Every move is important.
Try not to have distractions during your game. It may help to "set silence 1" to avoid chats.
Team members: it is often customary to watch the games of teammates; however, do not chat with or kibitz them during the game. You may whisper to other observers, and your comments will be saved for the players by WatchBot.
If you are at a stressful point in the game, you may find it helpful to leave the board, take a walk, drink a glass of water, have a snack, and come back a few minutes later.
Schedule your game for a time when you will be fully awake, not too busy, and at your best.
Perhaps solve a few chess puzzles and play a blitz game before your big game to work out mental kinks.
Find what works for you personally. I try to run a quarter or half mile before each game. This certainly gets my blood circulating; although I have no proof that it helps me with the game. A forum will be opened at our message board where you will be welcome to discuss your strategies.
Note: Please private message me on our team forum with posts or announcements which you would like posted on this blog.
We are more than conquerors through him who loved us; neither winning nor losing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Happy chess!