Amateur astronomers, and professionals alike:

We have recently been challenged to a team match by the Balkan Chess Unity Group and my thoughts are that we shouldn't accept the challenge. As George has said in the news post, we have 6 games on the go where we are losing 3, and drawing 3. In my honest opinion I think everyone should see who is willing to play in team matches to maybe encourage others to join too. If you're willing to sign up to the team matches we start (provided you aren't on holiday or completely overloaded with work) please leave a comment below just so I can properly notify you if we have been challenged and get a show of hands before I accept it.

Calum.

P.s. I'll join every team match from here on in, so that's one.

I am available for most matches. Dan

If not faster than 3 days/move I can play.

Thanks guys. Taking note :) How many people do you think is a safe ground for these team matches?

I found that messaging players who have played in previous matches works better than postIng in the forum. A lot of people turn off the notifications and don't see the forum post but would gladly play if asked.

Fair enough. Cheers for the advice :)

Yeah, Calum; I think for now, it would be best to hold off on the team match challenge from the Balkan Chess Unity group.  And as for future matches, it would proabably be best to ask who is willing to join to see if we have a chance of being evenly paired up ratingswise.  Of course, we won't know the ratings of the players that join on the other team until they actually sign up for the match, but perhaps if we can get a good idea who is willing to sign up from our side, it may help.

As for me, I still want to cut down more on my games, but I also plan to join team matches; at least most of them.  :-)

As for messaging players as opposed to just posting a news item, I guess I would not mind doing that, but I don't want to be a pest to people who might feel they don't really want to take on more games, but then feel pressured to join more matches.  Even so, I guess if it is more effective, it sounds like it is not a bad idea.

I am trying to get my games down to less than 10 but generally I'm prepared to play in one team match for each group I'm in. When the next match starts I'll be prepared to join but I won't join another match until I've finished the games from the first one.

That's perfectly fine Dave, I appreciate it :-) Thank you :)

I like mathces and join sometimes, but like glaf.., I like to keep my games to a reasonable number.  I have several tournaments about to start new rounds, so no new games or tounaments for me for a while.

That's fine, thanks for saying :)

I can play in most matches, as long as the time control is 3 days per move, or longer.

I can play most of the matches for 3 days x move.