Leland, ...you had asked who was ahead in the series between you and me.  I have the official answer now!  You do still "lead" the overall series (which consists of 67 games) with your having won 29 times, my 24 times with 14 draws.  However, in late 2003, you had a commanding lead with 24 wins to my 9 with 11 draws, but since then, in our last 23 games, I have won 15 of them, you took 5, and we drew 3 times (to go along with 11 wins for me, 2 for you, and 1 draw in our last 14).  Therefore, you may still have the bragging rights at the moment for the overall series, but give me another year or so and we'll see where we are then.  :-) See you Wednesday, Patrick ************************************************** Patrick: Thank you for clarifying our record. Many events and confrontations have taken place since you joined the Charlotte Chess Club some 10 years ago. One may recall your strong criticism of me on web blogs, whereby you referred to me as "Fuerstman and his stupid masters title!?" to which you boasted, you "would have in a year!" Possibly to the detriment of our club, those issues were publically addressed and remedied. Since then, the personal rivalries have ceased and our battles now take place over the chess board. Additionally, you have grown up and matured a bit, married, and now earned the responsibility as Assistant Tournament Director of the CCC. Whether they like you or not, no one can deny that you are one of the vertebra of this pool of sharks more commonly known as the CCC! However, while monitoring your progress, I observed that in July of 1997, your rating was 1392. Evidently, the inspiration of the CCC had it's effect because only 15 months later, in October of 1998, your rating had climbed to 1928! Curiously, some 9 years later, your rating is still less than 100 points higher?! True, you have enjoyed the status of "Expert" which generally places you above most, however even as I write this response, your current rating is 1998. According to Bob Moore, I played in my first tournament in 1973. My first published rating was 1357. Twelve years later, after having maintained a 2150+ rating for over 3 years, I finally achieved the Title of National Master in November 1985. (All while raising 3 young sons almost singlehandedly).  From 85' to 88' I competed in many tournaments and maintained a 2200+ rating. Playing Master level chess requires a significant amount of desire, effort and energy...energy which now, more than 20 years later, I am sad to say I no longer possess!? But, I do continue to enjoy the comraderie of our CCC members and generally play tough against the youngsters!! ... out with the old guard, in with the new! As for my 5 game lead over you, next Month I will be 60 years old. Considering the amount of time you spend on chess and that fact that you are half my age, you should be better. Hence, I am proud to hold a lifetime lead over a great player of your stature. Now, go get those 202 rating points and report to me promptly! Dude, it ain't quite as easy as you thought it was, is it?! Best regards, Leland Ps. Don't be surprised if my tournament carreer mysteriously ends just before you tie the record!!! LOL