Анатолий Кузьмин (Akzmin) - The Tactical Chess Enthusiast
Meet Анатолий Кузьмин, a tenacious chess warrior who’s been lighting up the online rapid chess boards for years with a dynamic and somewhat unpredictable style. Known in the community simply as Akzmin, he’s a player whose games are rarely dull, peppered with strategic risks and flashes of brilliance.
Career Highlights
Akzmin reached his peak rapid rating of 806 in February 2023, a commendable achievement showcasing his capacity to challenge formidable opponents. With a career spanning over 2,700 wins, nearly as many losses, and an impressive collection of draws, his journey reflects resilience and a passion for competitive play.
Playing Style & Traits
- Opening Specialist: Akzmin favors the mysterious and offbeat, frequently employing the Van't Kruijs Opening where he boasts an impressive 83% win rate – a testament to out-of-the-box thinking. He also experiments with the Nimzowitsch Larsen Attack and Owens Defense, though with mixed results—after all, variety is the spice of chess life!
- Tactical Brilliance: His comeback rate stands at over 50%, revealing a player who relishes the fight even when behind. However, his “win rate after losing a piece” is under 40%, suggesting he sometimes bites off more than he can chew.
- Endgame Enthusiast: Nearly half of his games reach the endgame stage, where the battle for precision intensifies—Akzmin enjoys the test of patience and calculation.
- Psychological Edge: While a tilt factor of 13 means Akzmin occasionally gets under the weather from bad breaks, his favorite hour to play and perform his best is around 09:00 AM—morning coffee and chess magic go hand in hand.
Streaks & Quirks
Akzmin’s longest winning streak hit 13 games, proving he can be unstoppable when in rhythm. On the flip side, he’s also experienced a tough 13-game losing streak—chess, after all, is a rollercoaster filled with ups and downs.
Recent Memorable Games
In May 2025, Akzmin dazzled using the Van't Kruijs Opening by forcing his opponent to resign in a thrilling tactical melee involving a daring bishop sacrifice early on. Just days earlier, he turned heads with a nimble maneuver in the Nimzowitsch Larsen Attack Classical Variation, outperforming his opponent and ending the game early. His games are as entertaining as a thriller novel—expect forks, pins, and unexpected twists!
Fun Facts
- Known for a modest early resignation rate (~17%), Akzmin prefers battling it out but knows when to cut his losses—wise, and exactly what we'd do if the pizza delivery arrives.
- His white pieces shine brighter with nearly a 48% win rate, but playing black doesn't slow him down much, holding a solid 45% win record.
- He’s got a diverse repertoire and isn’t afraid to toy with his opponents’ minds with uncommon openings.
Whether you encounter Akzmin in the morning blitz or late-night rapid duels, expect a thinker who’s competitive, resilient, and sometimes unpredictable. A chess player who embraces the fight, learning from every loss, and dreaming of the next 13-win streak!
