Vinh Pham - FIDE Master Extraordinaire
Meet Vinh Pham, the chess maestro who earned the prestigious title of FIDE Master – a badge of honor that says, "I don’t just move pieces, I make magic happen on 64 squares!" Known online by the moniker anotherwho, Vinh has dazzled opponents with both finesse and ferocity, especially in the lightning-fast realm of bullet chess.
Rating and Play Style
Clocking a peak bullet rating of an impressive 2685 in August 2024, Vinh’s games are a rollercoaster of tactical fireworks and deep strategic battles. When playing with the white pieces, Vinh boasts a solid 42.94% win rate, and doesn’t shy away when playing black either, holding strong with a 41.63% win rate. An endgame enthusiast (engaged in endings in nearly 79% of games), Vinh stretches battles over an average of 83 moves when winning – proving great things come to those who persevere.
Favorite Openings & Tactical Brilliance
Though Top Secret remains the most played “opening” (aka mystery weapon) with nearly 4,000 bullet games, Vinh often flirts with the Indian Game East Indian London System and various flavors of the Queen’s Gambit Declined, showing a penchant for classical chess with a modern twist. The sly Sicilian Najdorf is another favorite, boasting a win rate north of 57% – clearly a playground for their sharp, inventive mind.
Play Rhythm and Psychological Profile
Vinh is a night owl and early bird combined, with peak playing mojo just around noon. However, the hours from 0:00 to 4:00 show better-than-average success, proving Vinh thrives when others hit the snooze button. Despite a modest tilt factor of 10 (chess players have their moments), the remarkable 83% comeback rate showcases an unyielding fighting spirit — losing a piece? Just another opportunity for a comeback masterpiece.
Competitive Spirit and Memorable Battles
With a staggering 1,685 wins in bullet chess and thousands more battles logged, Vinh has endured ups and downs, including a 10-game losing streak (ouch!) that only made the next victories sweeter. Regular rivals include players like shikshawithpraveen and xtrmntr78, among others, making the chess battlefield a familiar proving ground.
Recent Glories and Defeats
Among Vinh’s recent triumphs, the game from May 31, 2025, stands out: a masterful win by resignation against ChellyArt in a Queen’s Gambit Declined where patience and pressure paid off. Not every battle ended perfectly—sometimes resilience is tested, as in the loss to Girlz_Can_Too just hours later. Win or lose, Vinh's games never lack drama, excitement, or a hint of showmanship.
Fun Facts
- Moves per win average: ~83 (great things take time!)
- Comes back from losing pieces over 80% of the time – Houdini has competition.
- Maintains an impressive bullet career despite the chaos of 1-minute chess.
In the great arena of online chess, Vinh Pham proves that titles are earned not just through skill, but through heart, grit, and maybe just a touch of magic.