Erick Zhao IM

Erick Zhao (aeiiuu) - International Master Extraordinaire

Erick Zhao, known in the digital realm as aeiiuu, is no ordinary chess player. With the prestigious title of International Master awarded by FIDE, Erick has proven time and again that they're a formidable force on the 64 squares. Their journey through the labyrinth of chess openings and endgames is nothing short of legendary—if legends involved brutally outmaneuvering opponents online and occasionally tilting the digital audience with their tactical wizardry.

Rapid Fire Ratings and Online Dominance

Erick’s bullet rating has blitzed its way past the 3000 mark, peaking impressively at 3096 in May 2025. An online speed demon, they've racked up thousands of games with a remarkable win-lost-draw record of 1699-1331-153 in bullet chess alone. In blitz, their skill remains razor sharp, reaching a peak rating of 2934. Daily chess might be a quieter affair for Erick, but rapid and blitz formats? They’re basically the arenas where aeiiuu shines brightest, often leaving opponents wondering if they've just faced a chess-playing Terminator.

Playing Style: Endgame Enthusiast & Comeback King

Known for grinding out tough battles until the very end, Erick averages over 79 moves per win and has a penchant for the endgame, appearing there in nearly 79% of their games. Early resignations? Barely in their vocabulary at 2.5% — Erick prefers to fight till the last pawn. Their tactical prowess is wicked, boasting a stunning 85.68% comeback rate after losing positions — if you think you've crushed their spirit, think again.

Favorite Openings (and Secret Weapons)

Erick’s playing repertoire in bullet chess is dominated by a mysterious Top Secret opening, accumulating well over 2,500 games with a solid 53% win rate. Among known loves are the Scandinavian Defense (with a crushing 76% win rate) and the Caro-Kann Defense Advance Tal Variation (sizzling at 80%). If you’re lucky enough to catch them in blitz, watch out for their sneaky variations of the Sicilian and Caro-Kann defenses — always ready to shake things up and punish overconfidence.

Recent Battles: Epic Wins & Learning Losses

Among Erick’s most recent triumphs is a dazzling victory by checkmate in a Caro-Kann Defense Advance Tal Variation, showcasing their deep understanding and tactical sharpness. Even in rare losses, like those encountered against strong opponents such as ManuDavid2910, Erick's resilience and strategic mindset shine through, continuously fueling their quest for improvement.

Psychological Profile: The Human Behind the Mouse

Despite being a machine on the board, Erick is only human—experiencing a modest tilt factor of 13 (because who doesn’t get a little salty after a blunder?). Their best time to unleash brilliance is around 5 PM, which graphics team: please schedule all future broadcasts accordingly. And while their rated vs casual win difference is mildly negative (-1.57), it only means Erick raises the bar for themselves when the real competition begins.

Final Check

Erick Zhao is the kind of player who could make you question every preconception about online chess — a blend of patience, speed, and tactical ferocity topped with a sense of humor that often shows in their playful yet relentless style. Whether it’s hunting down a mate in bullet or dancing through complex midgames in blitz, aeiiuu is a name chess enthusiasts keep an eye on... and maybe a bit jealous of.

Keep an eye on the board, because Erick Zhao’s next move might just be your downfall!