Solo in 201

Well, it looks as though Italy threw the game to England in order to 
spite Russia, who in turn did predictably stab Italy.  As a result, 
congratulations to Ray are in order!

This solo doesn't wrap up the team tournament for the Stepsons yet.  
Mathematically, it is still possible for the Riders and S-F to catch 
up and pass the leaders, especially if the last two Stepsons are 
eliminated (apparently a real possibility).  Unfortunately, few of 
the dynamics are favorable.  Game 218 will almost assuredly see a 
drop in points for both trailing teams.  Game 203 could see another 
opposing solo or a drop in points for the Riders.  Game 210 sees the 
possibility of picking up some points for the Riders, but a board 
top seems unlikely.  Game 206 likewise could result in more points 
for S-F, but is far from a sure thing, especially with a Stepson in 
that game.

Regarding the semis, the solo actually reverses the trend of an 
increasing cutoff.  Still, the players just above the cutoff 
shouldn't get too comfortable.  I predict at least two more cases of 
people below the cutoff getting a boost above it.




 

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