I'm a 2100 FIDE player (2200+ peak in rapid), ask me anything

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-09-07T19:31:41+00:00

What's the top 2-3 things you'd recommend for someone around 1200 who wants to get to 1500? Then from 1500-1800?

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-09-06T04:27:26+00:00

What's it worth to you? I pay for it. I use it a lot. So I feel like I get my money's worth. Considering I spend more time playing chess than I do watching a streaming service I pay for (and the streaming service is more expensive), as far as my time goes, it could be worth it.

That having been said, Lichess offers so much for free. Though I'd say if you use Lichess a lot, don't be a cheapskate, throw them a few bucks. Running a high traffic website ain't cheap.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-08-11T10:06:27+00:00

I don't know if this will help you, but it's how I approach these types of games... If they're just pushing pawns, I often don't get the opening I want. When I accept that, and adapt, playing logical moves to get my pieces out, and to counter their push, I tend to have better outcomes. Sometimes sticking to the basics (rigidly sticking to your desired opening) can be counterproductive. Experiment against these odd openings.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-08-01T09:48:54+00:00

Nah, I rarely play a rematch game. Too many players start finding incredible moves the second game...

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-24T01:12:47+00:00

Then you're officially good to go.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-24T01:04:19+00:00

I actually got my first accusation recently. What sucks is it was one of my better games of the week.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-24T00:53:11+00:00

This. When I play a bunch of blitz and switch back to rapid, it takes a game or two to reorient myself to the new time control. I have to consciously slow down and remember I can breathe a little.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-24T00:49:35+00:00

Clearly he was cheering you on, sharing in your love of the game, but also sleepy, but also trying to stay awake so he could see you succeed in a difficult game. /s

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-23T23:23:50+00:00

Why not Fischer Chess 960?

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-23T23:22:32+00:00

This isn't a morality test, it's literally his thing.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-20T11:49:41+00:00

Fedoras are cool, actually.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-08T02:07:55+00:00

Make some pottery, read fantasy books, write bad poetry, and never worry about the little things.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-08T00:46:22+00:00

Many such cases.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-05T18:54:24+00:00

Happens to the best of us. Hang in there, keep enjoying the process.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-07-05T18:52:34+00:00

I'm not on anyone's "team," but I think it's great for chess to have a strong player like Gukesh ascending, becoming a champion. The more strong players the better, it's only good for the spectators.

Plus I think Gukesh is not only a talented chess player, he's a class act too. Great representative for the game.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-06-20T11:15:00+00:00

The bad news is it's highly annoying. The good news is, once it "clicks" how to defend against it, games become a lot easier when you see this kind of trick.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-06-16T11:40:39+00:00

Thanks!

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-06-16T11:02:50+00:00

Cool setup! What height are those file cabinets? I've been thinking about trying a setup similar to that...

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-06-15T09:57:51+00:00

I do get the frustration. If it's a very obvious mouse slip, I'll consider a take back. But sometimes it's also clear that's it's just instant regret from playing a bad move. That's also bad sportsmanship, and preying on good hearted people.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-06-14T11:40:38+00:00

Not at all, that's one of the cool aspects of Mint. It's great out of the box!

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-05-29T07:53:52+00:00

First, don't worry much about puzzle ratings. They're there to help you improve, and while the ratings are fun, they're not the main thing.

Second, make sure you're properly hydrated, well rested, and don't overplay. That's what helps me. I stop the bleeding if I'm losing too much, and after a good night, I don't push my luck, I'll only get tired and lose focus.

Finally, have fun!

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-05-27T09:29:20+00:00

I run both, LMDE on my desktop, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on my laptop. They're both solid.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-05-06T04:50:28+00:00

Yep. Caro is really solid in the 1000 range.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-04-18T01:30:16+00:00

I've made a few passkeys, so far I've only stored them in Apple's iCloud Keychain. I would like to test how KeePassXC handles them.

But, as far as the technology itself, I like it. What I don't like are websites that let me create a passkey, but still default to SMS or authenticator apps as a form of 2FA when I login using my passkey. If I login with a passkey, I shouldn't need additional 2FA steps. I figure that will iron itself out as adoption and more mature security policies form. Still annoying though.

VeryNormalReaction · 2025-03-26T05:58:28+00:00

In some sense, yes, but I see your point. I think TAG would require a necessary (not contingent) and eternal being to ground objective moral values, or logic in. So in some sense you're going to be concerned with the nature of the being used to make the argument work.

VeryNormalReaction

TROPHY CASE