OK we have been in New Orleans for two full days. In the first day, the Flight A GNT (the event we qualified for 6 weeks ago), we played a Swiss event in order to reduce a field of 23 teams down to 16. The Swiss involved playing 8 matches (7 hands each) against 8 other teams. We finished 5th of 23 when all was said and done.
It would have been nice to finish in the top four, because then you get to pick your opponents for the second day. But we had a couple of rough matches so only finished 5th. So we got a random draw for the second day.
The second day was the round of 16, and plays out essentially like the NCAA tournament. From here on out, half the teams will get eliminated each day.
Today we played our randomly selected team for a grueling 56 hands. We compared after every 14 hands. At the first quarter break, we were up 5 IMPs. A very small advantage. Our second quarter was a bad set (-14) so we were down 9. Still small, but now they had the advantage. After dinner, in the 3rd quarter, we gained 12 back and had an even milder advantage of only +3. But finally in the 4th quarter we won decisively with +36 and won the match.
Very exciting! Now we’re on to the round of 8. We’re playing a tough team, but we are not pessimistic.
New Orleans has been fun so far. We’ve eaten at a few good places, getting the “taste of New Orleans” wherever possible. We’re taking the mornings off to do some sight-seeing. Tomorrow morning, for example, we’re hitting the aquarium.
Booze is prevalent here. Liquor is sold in every corner store, which is odd to see since we come from a state that still won’t sell you beer at certain times on Sundays.
Looking forward to another win tomorrow and perhaps some pictures if i can find time to post.
Wish us luck!
July 24th, 2010 1:40 pm
GO TEAM AUDREY (AND LANCE)!!!!!!!