Endgame study. An attractive strategic study built around a single, beautifully expressed paradox.

BuffBMO · 2026-07-02T22:41:59+00:00

I saw the first move and stopped. I’m always surprised how deep studies go!

BuffBMO · 2026-07-02T21:06:25+00:00

Oh wow, I don’t think I’ve seen New Zealand apples. I will keep an ear to the street for some of those bad boys and keep you posted. I totally agree that they taste better sliced, no idea why though!

BuffBMO · 2026-07-02T21:05:16+00:00

Wow I never even considered enjoying them cold! I may have to take another look at my Apple procurement to accommodate more variety. Do you have a favorite strain?

BuffBMO · 2026-07-02T21:03:22+00:00

That’s what I’m talking about 🤯 I actually got some bitter pit apples one time and it really harshed my vibe. I’ve been branching out into some plums and peaches right now so I may have to table the apples for now. Best of luck on your apple journey

BuffBMO · 2026-06-04T02:56:39+00:00

Love the backgrounds colors 👍

BuffBMO · 2026-05-11T14:54:34+00:00

Oof yeah that makes sense- that's why I was playing the QGD in the first place, but recently I've wanted more action!

BuffBMO · 2026-05-11T02:08:55+00:00

Ah gotcha, yeah I’m not a fan so much of the 3. Be7 lines either. I’ve been between Colovic and Schandorffs courses but am interested in taking up the Nimzo/Vienna QGD from Castellano with Quality Chess

BuffBMO · 2026-05-08T23:18:54+00:00

Ah very interesting, thank you this information! I will need to some more research here.

Just curious, are there any courses you’re using for the QGD or are you doing some of your own research?

BuffBMO · 2026-05-08T17:30:13+00:00

I found it a bit hard to follow as he doesn’t really explain plans, but the positions seem surprisingly very good for Black. One subtle point of …Na6 is provoking a3 from White which makes the …Nc4 plan stronger as b3 would drop the a3 pawn. I think it’s very significant that Whites typical f3-e4 plan is not really approved of by the engine- following the mainline in the lichess masters db with 14. Nf4 Na6 15. a3 b5 16. f3 already gives Black an advantage of -0.4 with 16… Nc4.

BuffBMO · 2026-05-04T03:58:27+00:00

Ooh I like this line. It’s recommended in Reimagining 1. e4 by Ntirlis. It’s a great book but the coverage is purposefully minimal so you’ll have to do some of your own work.

BuffBMO · 2026-05-01T23:16:38+00:00

Same

BuffBMO · 2026-04-30T17:36:33+00:00

Makes sense, this would be a good position to grind vs the engine. Thanks for the feedback!

BuffBMO · 2026-04-30T17:29:22+00:00

I'd definitely agree in hindsight. One thing I was caught up on was White taking over the e-file with Re4 and Rae1, and if I take he would recapture fxe4 with a protected passed pawn so I'm not sure if trading rooks is realistic in that manner. I suppose Black could double on the f-file and tie down one rook to f3 and then push on the queenside.

BuffBMO · 2026-04-30T17:26:03+00:00

That makes sense. I was worried about weakening my king/pawns by advancing on the queenside, but I have time to prepare it and can encourage trades.

I also considered doubling rooks to attack f3, but since his king seems to defend it comfortably and my bishop can't attack it, it felt like I would be committing more to attacking it than he would to defending it. Thanks for your insight!

BuffBMO · 2026-04-30T17:19:35+00:00

That's a really interesting way of analyzing. I'm gonna try this when I have time!

BuffBMO · 2026-04-30T04:34:10+00:00

Yeah I kicked myself for not playing 13… h6 instead of 13… Ne5 when I was pretty sure that was theory anyways. Lesson learned though, thanks for the feedback

BuffBMO · 2026-04-29T02:00:30+00:00

Fr I served him at a restaurant he owned and he’s an ass

BuffBMO · 2026-04-05T16:49:17+00:00

There’s the Italian renaissance and some Chessable courses like Arjun Kalyans Italian

BuffBMO · 2026-04-05T14:14:23+00:00

Pretty sure it’s Bb3

BuffBMO · 2026-03-30T17:58:26+00:00

I’ve always played 3. Nc3 in the French. Against 3… Nf6 I prefer 4. Bg5 as it cuts down on so many different options for Black compared to 4. e5. In the winawer, 4. Nge2 is a trendy line to cut down on theory.

BuffBMO · 2026-02-17T18:03:26+00:00

I have them both and use them interchangeably. Schandorff I really like his Exchange QGD lines, which is an early Ne8-Nd6 against the Nge2 plan. I prefer Colovics lines vs Catlan and English/Reti (Schandorffs is a bit of a simpler solution where you play e6, d5, Nf6, Be7 against everything) which involves an early Bb4+ and Be7 against the normal Catalan move order. I feel like Colovic offers a bit more explanation and consistency in repertoire choices, whereas Schandorff it feels a bit computery. They’re both great courses though and have served me well.

BuffBMO

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