Ben Dover - The Blitz Buff and Tactical Tornado
Known in chess circles by the enigmatic handle asterix09, Ben Dover is a player who dances with chaos on the 64 squares. Starting with humble beginnings around 2016, Ben’s journey through Blitz chess has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride — from rookie jitters with ratings hovering near 1000 to a peak blitz rating soaring to an impressive 2447 in mid-2025. Not bad for someone who probably still loses their keys more often than games!
Playing Style
Ben’s style can best be described as a tactical tornado with a flair for theatrical showdowns. With an impressive 80.66% comeback rate, Ben refuses to go down without a fight. Often seen suffering a tilt factor of 20 (because who doesn’t after missing that sneaky fork?), Ben bounces back with cool precision and unrelenting pressure, especially in endgames which feature in nearly 73% of his battles. He’s the kind of player who might lose some games fast (early resignation rate: 4.87%), but boy, when he’s on, he turns the tables!
Stats & Records
- Total Blitz Record: 2085 wins, 2120 losses, 256 draws — keeping it thrillingly balanced!
- Rapid & Bullet: Strong contender with rapid win rate near 55%, and bullet games boasting a win ratio over 52%. Lightning fast decisions suit Ben’s style perfectly.
- Favourite Openings: Top Secret (the mystery weapon) dominates the repertoire, though the Catalan and Slav Defense Modern Line have their moments in the spotlight.
- Time Performance: Contrary to the stereotype, Ben performs best on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with Saturday yielding the highest win rate at nearly 52%. The secret? Maybe it’s the weekend vibes or pizza-fueled stamina!
Notable Victories
On the day of May 31, 2025, Ben (aka asterix09) skillfully dismantled an opponent using the Catalan Opening Closed variation, securing a cool victory on time, proving he’s not just quick but also calm under pressure. Whether it’s grinding a strategic rampage or blitzkrieg attacks, Ben can outmaneuver and outlast!
Personality & Quirks
With a username that’s as cheeky as his playstyle is fierce, Ben Dover is not just about chess—he’s about enjoying the game. Whether facing a long string of losses or savoring a hot win streak (he's had a very respectable 16-game winning run!), Ben keeps his wit sharp and humor sharper.
Fun Fact:
Ben’s fastest time to victory often coincides with playing at 9 AM – his Best Time of Day to Play. Early riser or just a caffeine-powered phenomenon? Either way, don’t schedule a morning game against him unless you’re ready for a fight!
Summary
With patience, resilience, and an instinct for explosive tactics, Ben Dover is chess’s lovable underdog turned serious contender. He’s the proof that even if you start at a modest rating, relentless practice (and a sense of humor about your mistakes) can catapult you to the higher echelons of chess mastery. Watch out world, Ben’s coming — and he’s bringing some very “interesting” moves!