Mike Kelly

Profile of Mike Kelly (Username: Akaerani)

Mike Kelly, known in the chess world as Akaerani, is a tenacious blitz specialist battling it out on the digital 64 squares with a rating rollercoaster that would make even the boldest rollercoaster enthusiast blush. Mike's peak blitz rating soared to an impressive 1241 in May 2025, proving he packs a punch when the clock is ticking and adrenaline is pumping.

Starting with a modest blitz rating around 695 in 2021, Mike made steady progress climbing the ranks with perseverance and a knack for causing tactical chaos. His bullet chess skills peaked at 1178 in August 2021, where he showed that speed and precision could marry in beautiful but deadly harmony. Rapid performance saw him crack the 900 threshold, peaking at 946 in early 2022.

Playing Style & Habits

Mike is no stranger to the trenches of fast-paced chess. With an early resignation rate of about 6.73%, he knows when to fold 'em, but don’t mistake that for surrender – his comeback rate of over 70% showcases a scrappy fighter mindset. Average moves per win and loss hover around the low 50s, meaning he loves deep, tactical battles rather than flashy quick mates.

Prefer playing White? Mike edges out the opposition with a slightly better White win rate of 51.82%, while Black games are a bit more challenging with a win rate near 46.64%. He’s often found sharpening his bishops and pawns – the Bishop's Opening and its variations are his bread and butter, boasting win rates consistently above 55% in blitz games. But watch out! Opponents playing the Sicilian Defense or Englund Gambit may find his responses less dominant.

Quirks & Quips

Mike’s psychological resilience might be his true secret weapon. With a modest tilt factor of 12, it’s clear he sometimes lets emotions ride but calms down before wreaking havoc again. His prime time to shine appears to be around 15:00 hours, where his win rate spikes like a caffeine rush at a chess café.

Mike’s games are a blend of classical strategy with a dash of whimsy – sometimes retreating knights only to surprise the opponent by sneaking in a sneaky checkmate later. Beware his infamous "Boi Variation" of the Bishop’s Opening; it’s tricky, a little cheeky, and surprisingly effective.

Akaerani at the Board

His most recent courtroom masterpiece? A dazzling checkmate achieved in June 2025, featuring a whirlwind of positional play, knights dancing, and queens striking down weary defenses. When he scores a win, it's often with cool nerves and calculated aggression.

With thousands of games played over multiple years, Mike has earned a robust record: over 3600 wins in blitz, a rapid win tally pushing the 260 mark, and a respectable bullet record proving he’s as swift as he is strategic.

Summary

Mike Kelly, aka Akaerani, is the quintessential chess warrior for the blitz and bullet era. A fighter who never backs down, a tactician who loves his bishops, and a player who relishes the rush of a ticking clock. Whether you’re facing him online or just spectating, expect battles filled with tactical twists, funny retreats, and occasionally, a cheeky smirk from a player who knows exactly how to checkmate under pressure.