Teams

The prediction that the first team was going to have a difficult time in the Hessenliga as well unfortunately seems to prove true. In the derby against Frankfurter TV, we again, as already in the first round, had to admit a narrow defeat.

Quite early it emerged that we were playing a losing match, as Thomas committed a wrong decision in a rare variation at move 6 already. Instead of sacrificing a pawn for very good compensation, he decided to go for a very passive position. Another mistake at move 9 then virtually decided the game. Even though he continued to offer brave resistance, he was not able to avoid the inevitable defeat.

Patrick as well faced strong pressure on the queenside early into the game. After an enemy knight managed to invade at c6 unhindered, his position collapsed. Christof and his opponent keenly exchanged pieces, followed by a draw agreement in a symmetrical position with even material. The game between Daniel and Ingo Rutkowski as well ended in a draw. The two players had already played a very similar game in the Oberliga two years ago - good job by Daniel to revisit that game again on his way to the venue!

About Hendrik's game I cannot really tell a lot. During the middle game it appeared to be difficult for him to find a good plan. Then, after a piece sacrifice by his opponent, his king had to leave his castle in a hurry and appeared to have died from exhaustion just a little later.

Oliver was peddling an extra pawn for a long time and seemed to have good winning chances. However, during the transition to the endgame he unfortunately lost his extra pawn - draw as well. Only towards the end of the match did we eventually score some points.

Our new member Tomislav managed to win somehow from a quite barricaded position. Likely he was aided in this endeavour by his pair of knights. I can't really say for sure, though, as I had to concentrate on my own game against Murat Diyap, who used to be one of my students in our juniors' group a long time ago. In an endgame with two bishops, rook and four pawns against two rooks and five pawns I eventually managed to prevail. However, at that time that win didn't add up to more than just a cosmetical correction of the match result.

This leaves the hope that we, like a high jumper at his third attempt, are going to finally clear the bar in the upcoming third round - our journey remains exciting.

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