Articles

The Message

...Though declared dead on arrival, and about to be buried, one final but careful observation revealed that the patient was never fully dead, but in a deep coma, severe but stable. For about half a year nothing changed, but one day four enthusiasts gathered with a mind to revive it. One of them had some medical education, true. However, the remaining three were just amateur quacksalvers, with no experience whatsoever. What these four brave men had in common, however, was hope, an almost fanatical devotion to their work (and nice red uniforms!). With the advice of two expert medics they nursed the patient back to its feet in two months. and brought a smile back to the faces of those who had earlier gathered to cry around an empty grave.

Metaphors aside, no one imagined how well everything would work when we started. TeamLeague had no infrastructure, no staff, and most things we had to rebuild from scratch. However, the toughest of tasks seemed to be lighting up the interest in players. Except for one random talk, there was seemingly no interest. When we actually started doing something, we wondered: "Would that strike the responsive chord?” Now, upon completion of our first tournament, I must say that our worries were unnecessary. I think we would all agree that the tournament went well. The league attracted interest of new players, and of course most of the hardcore oldtimers joined. The games were usually observed by 15-20 players at all times and involved heated discussion through whispers. The highest-rated games even attracted crowds of 40 people - not all GM games get that kind of attention! Most important, the characteristically friendly atmosphere, distinctive of our league, returned (“Did it ever leave?” - HotDonut asks me). I would like to thank everyone who took part in the league - my staff colleagues, who have done a fantastic job, and the players – without their passion for chess and fighting spirit the league wouldn't exist.

Also, I'd like to remind everyone that league can only exist as a union between staff and players. We depend on each other. We all want to keep playing, so let's maintain productive relationships at all times.

So, with a look that of a tired surgeon (ladies, think George Clooney), coming out of the ER doors, and wiping the sweat off my head with a sleeve I say:

"The league is alive and well."

HyperMagnus

League admin and Chief TD

P.S. I had written this article not long before T33 started. As of now, it's a little bit outdated in terms of facts, but the message I wanted to spread remains the same.