Carlos Barrero Garcia IM

Carlos Barrero Garcia – The International Master with a Tactical Twist

Meet Carlos Barrero Garcia, known in the chess world by the handle apuntando. Awarded the prestigious title of International Master by FIDE, Carlos is a formidable force on the 64 squares, blending strategic depth with occasional daring escapes that would make Houdini proud.

Since 2012, Carlos has electrified the blitz scene, peaking at an impressive 2297 rating in May 2016 — a number that sends shivers down the spines of opponents and fuel to his love for rapid-fire decisions. His average blitz rating hovers consistently above 2100, demonstrating both remarkable skill and endurance through thousands of games.

While bullet chess has been less of a playground for him, with a peak rating around 1861, Carlos prefers to savor each move rather than blitz through in a blur. His daily chess rating may seem modest at 800, but then again, who really plays daily chess seriously anymore?

A glance at Carlos’ win/loss record tells a story of resilience: over 6,500 wins in blitz matches, boasting a strong 54% average win rate with his trusted "Top Secret" openings strategy — which may or may not be just a cheeky cloak to keep his opponents guessing. And indeed, his comeback rate after losing a piece is an astonishing 80%, proving that giving up is never in his repertoire.

Carlos favors the late game, squeezing victories out of complex endgames with an average winning game spanning about 64 moves — patience is a virtue, and Carlos has it in spades. His psychological tilt factor being relatively low at 10 suggests calm nerves, although his longest winning streak sits at a gallant 18 games, and his losing streak at a respectful 10.

He shines brightest between 3 pm and 4 pm, and if you challenge him then, prepare for a battle of wits complicated by a mix of energy and precision that few can tolerate. Carlos proves that chess isn’t only about brute strength or brainpower – it’s also about timing.

Off the board, he’s known for his sense of humor and good-natured banter, often joking that his favorite opening is “Coffee & Patience,” a sly nod both to his style and stamina.

Most Recent Masterstroke

One of Carlos' recent standout victories came with a smooth handling of the Caro-Kann Defense, forcing his opponent to resign in a brilliantly fought battle on December 16, 2017. Using pressure, tactical pawn breaks, and precise rook placement, he left no doubt — when Carlos says "checkmate," it’s not a request.

Replay the winning game if you dare.

In a nutshell, Carlos Barrero Garcia is the International Master who can juggle speed, patience, and tactics all in one daring package. He proves daily that mastering chess is as much about wit and spirit as it is about the pieces on the board.