As we reach the second Interdivision week, it seems clear that teams know the time to maintain or overcome their playoff standing is growing short. In the starting match, the Dreadnoughts bring out their top player, GM Robert Hess (left), for the first time this year while the Applesauce counter with a double GM lineup, featuring GM Izoria (right), on the top board. Click here to see the Week 6 Eastern Matches!
As noted, we begin with Connecticut taking on Manhattan. The Dreadnoughts are still in solid playoff position but are anything but secure with Boston right on their heels and still trailing the division leading New England team by a full point. Meanwhile the Applesauce after a strong start to the season suddenly find themselves in last place in the very competitive Atlantic Division and can ill afford another loss.
Next the division leading New England team battles the rejuvenated New Jersey team. The Nor’easters have a strong one point lead over second place Connecticut but certainly cannot rest as one bad match could vault them into a tie and potentially into a big fight just for their playoff lives. Meanwhile, after a very tough start, the Knockouts have rattled off two straight wins and suddenly are in second place but also are far from secure and must keep up the pace if they want to maintain their standing.
After that, Baltimore takes on Philadelphia with both teams in a tough spot right now. The Kingfishers in particular really have almost no margin for error left while the Inventors lack of consistency has definitely hurt them as they slipped into third last week. But with all the unexpected runs we’ve seen in the past, no one is out until they are really out, and both teams will certainly continue to fight hard until the end.
Last up we see the probably oldest and most heated rivalry in the USCL as Boston battles New York. The Blitz still need to make up ground if they want to see their playoff hopes realized, but fortunately are not that far away. The Knights have been quite steady, and with their two straight wins have now opened up a strong division lead but still have much work to do to be sure it stays that way.
Tune in Tuesday chess.com as the final Interdivision week takes place, and teams continue to fight valiantly for their playoff hopes to be realized!