iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

##goblue The offense is a problem, Chip Lindsey isn’t really looking like the solution

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Ok I’ve seen enough - just run the damn ball #Michigan

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

It’s kind of ridiculous how much #MichiganFootball has shot itself in the foot this year. #GoBlue

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Made a return to rated OTB #chess tonight with a win! But I have a question for the #chesspunks White to move here, with a big advantage if you find the ONLY winning move. Can you find it? (I didn't)

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

I feel like so many of us in the U.S. are sick of politics and just waiting for sanity to return. However, today I'm struck by the fact that silence = agreement. And I do not agree with what is happening.

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

#chesspunks It took me 5 years to learn one thing. open.substack.com/pub/nickvasq...

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

I’m good at solving puzzles. Now spotting them in a game…

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

#chesspunks Ok, I won my game... but I missed a critical move here that wins. White to move and win.

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

By far the best resource for endgames is Silmans Endgame Course (book or chessable). Also Chessmood sells an endgame course too

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Endgame time. White to move and save the draw. Only one move works, so critical moment.

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

“To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day." —Lao Tzu, ancient Chinese philosopher

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

I think it's 1.Bxg7 Kxg7 2.Rxf6! and Black has to play Kxf6 Qf4+ (otherwise exf Qh7#) and White nets the e5 knight

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Qxf6 was the most forcing line

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

#chesspunks Any tips on dealing with time pressure. Obviously I will stop playing Game 30 and play instead with increment. But I get winning positions... only to crumble with <4 min left White to move and win... unless they play Qc7??

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Yup... nearly 300 point difference. Course I'm not really 100% focused on blitz, so my fault I guess

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Whatever it is, regular tactics + play seems to be essential. How much, how often, how difficult... not sure

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

Question for the #chesspunks What is the bare minimum training you can do while still improving at chess? In other words, what is essential for improvement?

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

#chesspunks Maybe I should do a few defensive puzzles then?

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Chess can get you some weird but beautiful positions. Like this one... #chesspunks

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

#chesspunks Found a great app to help you learn to see all the captures and checks in a position. Thank you to the developer Graque (lichess.org/@/Graque) Check out his Chess Quiz! bescoto.github.io/chess-count-...

bescoto.github.io

Chess Count Quiz

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

I started out d4, switched to e4 gambits based on my coaches recommendation, and have since switched back to d4. Those e4 lines are forcing - but punishing if you forget one move or waste a single tempo

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Rxc3! followed by Qa5 with a double attack on the bishops

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

#chesspunks New post out - What I learned from GM Jacob Aagaard's interviews. open.substack.com/pub/nickvasq...

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Funny thing is blitz is my repetition. ;)

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

#chesspunks That was close! Almost flagged in this Game 30, but found the win!

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

So I see the only forcing move is e5. Black plays h6 to prevent mate. There’s only one move that comes with tempo after that. White can follow with Rf6 and it’s impossible to stop. Is that right?

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

I’ve been using blitz for that for the last few months. Really helps

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Nick Vasquez @nvasquez.bsky.social · 20/04/2025

Hey #chesspunks New post on what happens when I take my own advice (aka How I gained 150 points in < 3 months) nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/this-is-th...