Depending on what order one chooses to play over the
games, Philadelphia came very close to upsetting New
York last week. Their opposition this week look just
as tough. Though both GMs are resting, Boston is still
able to put three Senior masters in their lineup.
Philadelphia fields almost the same lineup as last
week, but while Baczynskyj sits out, Mike Shahade, who
must certainly be the hungriest player in the league,
takes his place. I think, though, that the pretzels
will prove more palatable than the beans. Boston,
2.5-1.5. 

Baltimore Kingfishers

This must surely be the most anticipated match of the
week for any number of reasons, not least the Board
One meeting of GMs. To predict the outcome, a little
research into the past is necessary. What usually
happens the first time a defector faces his old team?
Looking at history, we see Zsuzsa Polgar leading the
USA to victory over Hungary, Tom Seaver shutting down
the Mets, and Sparky Lyle striking out Reggie Jackson.
The pressure to punish the abandoner seems to weigh
heavier than the discomfort of facing those one has
rejected. So I'm calling it for New York by the odd
point.

Tennessee fields the same lineup that scored 0-4 last
week. This is odd unless it is based on a
misunderstanding of the law of averages, in which case
it is all too understandable, as chess itself is
governed by similar laws of logic. Being of a
scientific turn of mind myself, I cannot ignore
Tennessee's rating edge, and so despite my misgivings,
I pick them to squeeze out a 2.5-1.5 victory. 

Miami Sharks

In a bicoastal meeting between well-matched teams,
such a small detail as the difference in local time
can be the balance-tipper. While it will be only 5:30
PM in San Francisco when play begins, it will already
be 8:30 in Miami. So the Sharks ought to be awake and
alert while the Mechanics are still wiping the sleep
from their eyes. Miami, 2.5-1.5.

Seattle Sluggers (1.0-0.0) vs Carolina Cobras

Were these teams meeting face-to-face I'd favor
Seattle but playing online means the intimidation
Jones might feel facing a twelve-year old is
substantially mitigated. So I think I will choose this
match as my tie of the week, especially since my
energy is flagging due to having to pick FIVE(!)
matches as a result of the consideration shown the
players in letting them enjoy the last weekend of
summer.