Introduction
Leonid Schulman (leonidsh29) is a FIDE Master and a fast time control specialist known for a razor-sharp Blitz approach and deep opening preparation. Active across Bullet, Blitz and Rapid, Leonid has made a name online with an aggressive repertoire and an appetite for complicated middlegames. This short biography highlights style, favorite lines and a few fun facts for fans and opponents.
Playing Style and Strengths
Leonid favors quick, tactical fights and often converts messy positions into practical wins. Preferred time control appears to be Blitz and his stats show a high endgame frequency and strong comeback ability. Expect long decisive games and a player comfortable with complexity.
- Title: FIDE Master
- Preferred time control: Blitz
- Endgame frequency: high, often plays long games
- Tactical resilience: strong comeback rate and solid conversion after gaining initiative
- Average game length when winning: often exceeds 70 moves
Favorite Openings
Leonid mixes unusual systems with sharp mainstream lines. He likes to surprise opponents early and steer play into original territory.
- As Black: Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation and the Czech Defense. Both appear frequently in his Blitz games.
- Benoni family: a trusted choice in all time controls, especially the Benoni Gambit Accepted.
- Unconventional weapons: the Australian Defense and the Bird Opening: Dutch Variation, Batavo Gambit show up often when he wants imbalanced positions.
- White repertoire includes Queen's Gambit setups and the occasional Gruenfeld exchange ideas to keep opponents guessing.
Rivalries and Memorable Opponents
Online rivalry is real. Leonid has a handful of regular foes he sees again and again. Long match histories create familiar battles of preparation and nerves.
- Most played opponents: Ryan Hanson, Cliff Hart, Great Chess OPTIMUS and pilzerich.
- Notable head-to-head: a long series with rthanson has produced sharp, tactical duels and a nearly even scoreline.
- Example game: Sample Game
Memorable Moments and Trivia
Leonid is as likely to outprepare an opponent in the opening as he is to grind out a 70 move endgame. Fans appreciate both the variety and the drama.
- Known for long decisive battles and frequent first captures around move 8.
- Strong late night player. His best hour shows up around 02:00 for peak results.
- Fun fact: he mixes mainstream theory with rare sidelines to force opponents out of book early.
Sample Game and Replay
A short opening sequence that reflects Leonid's taste for tension and piece play.
Quick Stats and Placeholders
Use these widgets to explore Leonid's progress and highlights.
- Blitz rating trend:
- Peak recorded Blitz mark: 2393 (2025-06-09)
- More sample games and profile: Leonid Schulman
How to Follow
Follow leonidsh29 online for sharp openings, late night marathons and a steady stream of memorable encounters. If you want to study his tendencies, start with the O'Kelly and Benoni lines and prepare for endings that last.