Alsu Khusnutdinova WFM

Alsu Khusnutdinova - Woman FIDE Master

Also known by the chess username Alsu1865, Alsu Khusnutdinova is a notable Woman FIDE Master whose knack for blitz games can only be described as electrifying. With her peak blitz rating soaring to an impressive 2372 in August 2023, she's no stranger to rapid-fire tactics and quick thinking on the board.

Chess Journey and Play Style

Alsu debuted with a modest blitz rating of 963 in late 2018, but in merely a year, she catapulted herself across the 2000 mark, quickly establishing herself as a master of speed chess. Her favorite time control seems to be blitz—the lightning-fast discipline where decisiveness reigns. She’s also proven quite formidable in rapid and bullet chess, with peak ratings of 2354 and 2268 respectively.

Her playing style is marked by a love of endgames, with over 75% of her games reaching those tense final phases. An average win involves about 73 moves—so patience is truly a virtue for Alsu. Moreover, if she loses a piece, she’s got an 81.61% chance of staging a comeback, showing she’s not easily discouraged by setbacks.

Signature Openings & Tactical Flair

Alsu is a grand strategist when it comes to openings, favoring some well-guarded secrets in her blitz repertoire—'Top Secret' openings have netted her nearly 1500 wins! She also dabbles effectively in aggressive systems like the King's Indian Defense and the Sicilian Defense, including the Smith Morra Gambit, which she recently used to great effect in an online victory. From sharp rook lifts to sneaky bishop maneuvers, her tactical awareness keeps opponents on their toes.

Recent Highlights

Her most recent recorded victory was a thrilling game in May 2025, where Alsu, playing White, delivered a crushing blow in the Sicilian Defense: Smith Morra Gambit, forcing her opponent to resign after razor-sharp tactical exchanges. She has also shown true nerves of steel in bullet games where speed and intuition are paramount.

Quirks and Fun Facts

• Alsu’s best time of day to play? The mysterious 2:00 AM—apparently, the pawns listen better then.
• She’s been known to have both a 13-game winning streak and a 13-game losing streak. Coincidence or the universe’s way of keeping things interesting?
• Despite her seriousness on the board, Alsu enjoys keeping opponents guessing with unconventional opening surprises and endgame tricks.

Summary

Behind the calm demeanor and tactical precision lies a fighter who loves the game’s strategic depth and drama. Alsu Khusnutdinova is a chess player who not only conquers the board but also the hearts of chess enthusiasts who admire skill, resilience, and a dash of midnight magic.