Chicago Blaze Headed to Playoffs

The Cubs and White Sox couldn't make it happen this season, but thanks to the Blaze, Chicago can boast at least one team that's clinched a playoff spot this month. Wednesday night's crucial victory over the Dallas Destiny in the last week of regular season play not only nabbed a postseason spot for Chicago's beloved internet chess squad, but it clinched second place in the Western Division, which means that in next week's matchup with the Miami Sharks, Chicago will have coveted draw odds.  In the Dallas matchup,  IM Florin Felecan at board 3 and NM Trevor Magness at board 4 both had exciting wins, while at Board 1 GM Dmitry Gurevich held IM Sal Bercys to a draw, to come out ahead 2.5-1.5.   Fans are encouraged to come support the team in person at next week's playoff match on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the Blaze's home, the newly opened North Shore Chess Center, 5500 W. Touhy, Suite A, Skokie, Illinos. Rumor has it there may even be prizes for some lucky fans. 

For complete coverage of the match and for all the latest Blaze news, check out the Blaze blog.  And see the U.S. Chess League site for news and info about its 16 teams across the country.

See Bill Brock's analysis of the games at the new ICA Chess Blog.