Artem Smirnov - International Master
Artem Smirnov, also known in the chess world as Artemij, is a formidable International Master recognized by FIDE. With a fierce dedication to the 64 squares, Artem has carved out an impressive career across various time controls, exhibiting a unique blend of tactical ingenuity and strategic depth.
Career Highlights & Style
Artem's blitz prowess is legendary. Having peaked at an astonishing 2682 FIDE blitz rating in early 2025, Artem showed that lightning-fast decisions combined with deep understanding can topple the best. In bullet formats, Artem crossed the 2300 rating mark, demonstrating that even in the wildest time scrambles, he keeps his cool (most of the time).
His rapid rating peak of 2136 underscores a steady and consistent style, favoring precision and endurance over flashy tricks – although Artemij does not shy away from a little psychological warfare. His games often span an average of 72 moves to victory, proving he thrives in complex endgames where he can outmaneuver opponents with patience and grit.
Opening Secrets
Artifact of curiosity: Artem keeps his opening repertoire under wraps with a mysterious "Top Secret" label – no wonder opponents never quite know what hit them! However, data does reveal a fondness for intriguing lines such as the Trompowsky Attack and the Queen’s Gambit Declined Exchange, although he's also skillful at sneaky Sicilian Defense variations.
Statistical Shenanigans
- Win ratio in blitz: approximately 51%
- Comeback rate: a remarkable 86% – don't count Artemij out after one slip!
- Longest winning streak: 11 games
- Longest losing streak: 11 games (because even heroes have their days)
- Endgame frequency: 85.5% (chess marathons are his forte!)
Psychological Insight
With a tilt factor of 11, Artem battles the mental game almost as fiercely as the chessboard. Interestingly, his best times to play are early morning hours, around 5 AM – the hour when most mortals are asleep, but Artemij’s brain is firing on all cylinders.
Recent Battles
Artem's recent victories include a tense encounter in the Lowenthal Kalashnikov Sicilian where Artem claimed victory on time, showcasing his ability to outlast opponents even in time pressure. And let's not forget the satisfying checkmate delivered against DakaMtzz, proving that Artem’s patience and creativity in attack are a winning combination.
In Summary
Far from your average chess player, Artem Smirnov is a strategic gunslinger with a proven track record, a secretive opening arsenal, and a readiness to claw back from the brink. Whether it’s blitz, bullet, or rapid, he adapts quickly, calculating deep, and occasionally throwing a cheeky curveball at his opponents. With Artemij, expect excitement, unpredictability, and maybe a surprise resignation or two.