zdravko pal

Zdravko Pal (aka palzdra) - The Rapid Roller

Meet Zdravko Pal, a chess connoisseur who has embraced the chaotic beauty of rapid chess with gusto! Known online as palzdra, Zdravko’s journey is a rollercoaster of ups and downs — quite literally — reaching a peak rapid rating of 575 in August 2024, before fluctuating wildly like a knight on a caffeine rush. While his blitz stats might suggest he’s still working on that bullet speed, his rapid battles tell a different story.

Rating & Style

Zdravko thrives in the rapid format, where his games typically last around 45 moves — enough time to appreciate a fancy tactic or two, but short enough to keep the adrenaline pumping. His average moves per win clock in at about 53, proving he likes to savor victory, while losses are usually brisk affairs of around 39 moves. With a comeback rate soaring at over 60%, this player might be your worst nightmare if you leave a piece hanging — he’ll pounce!

Ever the strategist, Zdravko isn’t one for early resignations (though he does throw in the towel about 11% of the time, perhaps just to keep opponents humble). He shines brightest in the endgame, engaging in those intense duels nearly 40% of the time, driving home the point that the real fun is in the finish.

Opening Repertoire - The Gambit Guru

Don't expect calm, classical openings all the time — Zdravko likes a bit of spice! His favorites include the King's Pawn Opening with a solid 52% win rate and the surprisingly cheeky Englund Gambit where he nearly breaks even, proving he's not afraid to tango on less-traveled paths. Queens Pawn setups also make regular appearances, particularly the Zukertort and Chigorin variations, where he holds his own with just under 50% success.

Recent Battles & Noteworthy Opponents

The battlefield is always crowded, but a few names stand out. Zdravko has enjoyed sweet victories against jos954, tibe17, and jemfit, proving he has the chops to prevail against familiar foes. Meanwhile, some opponents like grobeun and liquidswordsgza have reminded him that chess can humble even the best.

Most Memorable Game

Among his recent triumphs is a beautifully played game ending in a forced resignation after a sharp battle in the Pirc Defense Maroczy Defense line. Zdravko’s patience and tactical prowess shone as he capitalized on every small error, coaxing a win from what looked like balanced ground.

Fun Facts

• Favorite time to checkmate: 7 AM, when the world’s still waking up and so are his tactics.
• Has a higher win rate when playing White (nearly 50%) compared to Black (around 46%) — he believes first move advantage is a myth but ‘it helps’.
• Despite a few tilt moments (Tilt Factor 10), Zdravko always bounces back stronger — with a comebacks success rate of 60.65%!
• Enjoys complex endgames so much, you might catch him analyzing pawn structures like a gardener tending roses.

In the ever-evolving world of online chess, Zdravko Pal stands out as a passionate rapid player who knows how to mix solid technique with surprising gambits. Whether on a winning streak or learning from a tough loss, palzdra keeps the board alive and the opponent guessing.

Ready to challenge him? Just remember: every blunder might just be a setup for a legendary comeback!