Vitaliy Kiselev GM

About Vitaliy Kiselev

Vitaliy Kiselev, a FIDE Grandmaster, is a formidable force in the world of blitz chess. Known for his swift tactical awareness and a remarkable ability to stage comebacks, Vitaliy has dazzled opponents with his mix of careful preparation and fearless play. While many shy away from lightning-fast games, he's thrived in the chaotic, adrenaline-fueled battlefield of blitz chess — where every second counts, and every move can lead to glory or despair.

Playing Style & Strengths

Vitaliy's playing style blends strategic depth with lightning speed. His knack for early resignations is low (only 1.96%), meaning he fights hard even in tough spots. His average game length is notably long, with wins averaging about 83 moves, proving his endurance in complex battles. Combatting losing positions skillfully, he boasts a comeback rate of over 84%, showing nerves of steel when the chips are down.

• Average moves per win: 83
• Comeback rate: 84.48%
• Win rate after losing a piece: ~42%
• Focuses heavily on endgames, appearing in nearly 86% of his games

Preferred Openings

Vitaliy favors solid and effective openings that provide both dynamic and positional chances. His top choices in blitz include various Sicilian Defense lines and London Systems, with an impressive success rate in some variations:

• Sicilian: Closed – played 31 times with a 45% win rate
• Sicilian: Loewenthal, 5...a6 – a favorite with a strong 60% win rate
• Sicilian: Closed, 2...Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4 – lethal with 67% wins
• Neo-King's Indian: London System – a challenging line though less successful (28% wins)
• Various Indian Defense variations – defensive and nuanced, with mixed results

Career Highlights & Performance

Vitaliy's journey has seen him climb to remarkable blitz ratings, peaking at an extraordinary 2829 in April 2025. His bullet chess skills are no less impressive, having peaked at 2532. He's battled tirelessly in scores of games, amassing 385 wins in blitz against 348 losses, and even has a few bullet wins under his belt.

• Peak blitz rating: 2829 (April 2025)
• Peak bullet rating: 2532 (April 2019)
• Total blitz games won: 385
• Longest winning streak: 7 games
• Vitaliy's current winning streak is cooling off at 0, but he’s a master of bouncing back!

Battle-tested Rivalries

Vitaliy has crossed swords with many opponents repeatedly, showing interesting results. Some notable rivalries and their win rates include:

• Against fedor_dvenyatin: 50% win rate over 16 games
• Against slowpatzer: competitive with around 43% wins over 14 games
• Dominates players like muruganthiruchelvam and politeplayer with perfect win records
• Mix of victories and challenges against a broad spectrum of challengers, proving Vitaliy’s adaptability

Psychological Notes & Fun Facts

If chess had a psychological battlefield, Vitaliy would be a general with a PhD in resilience. His tilt factor stands at a modest 7, showing steady mental strength during tense moments. He’s known to perform best during late morning hours, particularly around 11 AM — so if you ever want to challenge him, maybe avoid scheduling your game before your morning coffee!

• Best playing hour: 11:00 AM
• Win rate on Mondays is highest at 52%
• Known for tactical brilliance under time pressure, thriving in Blitz games
• Often turns losing positions into winning ones — a true phoenix of the board!