I hope so. Cause if I perform well enough, I will finally meet all criteria to get a rapid FIDE rating. 😱

Happy Birthday!!!🥳

Thanks☺️

Great, I honestly think we aren't far apart skill-wise. My schedule is quite flexible, so just tell me when you have time, and we can play.

Thanks! I really appreciate getting comments like this. They always give me bursts of new motivation.

A few moves later, we are in this position: I calculated: Qd3 c4 Bxc4 dxc4 Rxc4. Thinking I could win two pawns back this way. But I had to learn that there are a ton of refutations to that. Most of them involve a pin on the a6-f1 diagonal. On this week's training plan: pins

As a wannabe artist, I sadly can't afford a fancy attelier, so the bathroom has to do (it has the best lighting, and the cleanup is easiest. ). And yes, I am using the rim of the bathtub as a seat while painting.

And thus a new chess rivalry has been born😂

Your progress is quite impressive; I have to work harder; otherwise, you will soon surpass me.😄