[imagefield_assist|fid=4444|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]Two more games, two more draws, although not for wont of trying! I had white against Gregory Kaidanov in round 3 and drew an interesting game where I sacrificed a piece and then another for good measure! The second piece was poisoned, so, I was *only* down one piece, and the game was quite complicated, but ended in a fair draw. After the game, Kaidanov said he completely missed the piece sacrifice and thought I had good compensation.
Actually, I only sacrificed a piece because I was not satisfied with the alternatives. Round 4 saw an interesting Old Indian against Aleksandr Lenderman. I was worse in the early middlegame, then my opponent pushed too many pawns too far, and was slightly overextended. Not liking his position, Lenderman took a page from my book, and sacrificed a piece of his own!
I was certain during the game that his compensation was insufficient, and that I would win, but, his game was not as bad as I thought, and as time control was reached, the game was already equal. We fought to bare kings in a nice flurry at the end.
The tournament has had an incredible number of decisive games thus far (no thanks to me!). Black has won many games this tournament, and there is a large tie for first place after 4 rounds with 3-1, including the big three: Naka, Kamsky, and Oni, as well as my first round opponent Akobian. Shulman, Christiansen, and Stripunsky all have three points as well. Stripunsky should be acknowledged for having four decisive games, winning three on the trot after losing a heart-breaker to Naka in round 1!
Tomorrow I am white against IM Levon Altounian. Elton John would be proud.....
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