[imagefield_assist|fid=13957|preset=fullsize|lightbox=true|title=FM Doug Eckert's victory over FM Robby Adamson delivered the knock-out punch for the Arch Bishops.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=700|height=467]
The fourth round of the U.S. Chess League was pivotal for both teams, since the Scorpions were 1-2 and the Arch Bishops a paltry 0-3! But we were able to get on the scoreboard with a real team effort.
First to finish was yours truly, as I squeezed IM Mac Molner in an interesting double rook ending. The two advantages I held were enough to win, as I had a more mobile pawn majority, and my king was better. Currently I am the League MVP (although if Jorge Sammour-Hasbun keeps beating GMs, that will be tough to maintain).
Nick Karlow on board 4 was severely out-rated (unfortunately, this is the norm in the U.S. Chess League for the Arch Bishops) and ended up with a worse queen and rook ending against FM Atoufi. Eventually Nick went down in a lost king and pawn ending.
Although it looked like IM Goran Vojinovic was squeezing IM Levon Altounian with the black pieces, Goran realized Doug Eckert was winning and took a draw instead of pressing although a draw was likely) and waited for Doug to bring home the victory.
Doug did just that against FM Robby Adamson! Doug's game was unclear, and in mutual time trouble, Robby made a bad blunder losing a piece, and it was smooth sailing for Doug.
So the Arch Bishops win their first match of the season and we will try to build on our victory with the same line-up against our "arch" rivals, the Chicago Blaze in next weeks match against the League leaders. The Blaze are 4-0, and have many GMs on their team, but they are going down next week!
Info on the league can be found at: http://uschessleague.com/
