Alexey Streltsov (aistrel)
FIDE Master | Blitz Specialist Extraordinaire
Alexey Streltsov, known online as aistrel, is a formidable FIDE Master whose blitz wizardry has dazzled chess fans far and wide. With a peak blitz rating soaring above 2750 in 2024, Alexey is a master of lightning-fast calculations and tactical mayhem, often leaving opponents wondering if they played chess or got tangled in a lightning storm.
Born to hunt the king with an unquenchable thirst for the game, Alexey has logged thousands of games across blitz, bullet, and rapid formats. Their blitz career alone includes over 3,700 games with an almost even split between wins and losses, which showcases a fearless style that relentlessly pushes forward — win streaks of 12 and losing streaks of equal length keep things spicy.
Known for an impressive 84% comeback rate after losing a piece, Alexey embodies resilience, psychological grit, and the kind of confidence only built through countless battles over the 64 squares. Whether it's grinding out endgames or launching blistering attacks, Alexey's style promises excitement — boasting an average of nearly 80 moves per game, ensuring opponents are in for a marathon, not a sprint.
Opening repertoire highlights
- Blitz staple: An air of secrecy surrounds Alexey's go-to opening (code-named "Top Secret"), employed in thousands of games with a tricky balance of wins, losses, and draws keeping opponents on their toes.
- Queens Pawn Chigorin Variation - tactical fireworks guaranteed, even if the win rate is modest.
- Caro-Kann Defense and Nimzowitsch Larsen Attack—because who doesn't like a good puzzle in the opening?
Recent highlights
In a brilliant display just days ago, Alexey outmaneuvered valentindd1010 in a tense Queen's Pawn Chigorin Variation blitz duel, sealing victory by time — a testament to both strategic prowess and ninja-level time control skills.
Another recent triumph was a poetic checkmate in a Caro-Kann Defense fantasy variation, further underscoring the keen sense of timing and precision that defines aistrel's play.
The Stats & Quirks
- Blitz win/loss/draw record: 1697/1711/355 — battles won, lost, and charmed into draws.
- Bullet wins: Nearly 500, proving reflexes that could challenge a hummingbird.
- Psychological tilt factor: A moderate 12% — chess nerves? Occasionally. But the comeback rate will make you think twice about ever counting Alexey out.
- Best time to face the storm: 3 AM, when the rest of the world sleeps but Alexey's brain is in turbo mode.
Off the board, Alexey might be a humble tactician, but on it, they are a whirlwind of strategy, endurance, and unexpected brilliance—an ever-enticing blend of mystery and mastery in the fast-paced world of online chess. Whether you're looking for inspiration or just a good game, keeping an eye on aistrel promises thrills and chess lore in the making.