Michael Coenen FM

Michael Coenen (aka Avancada)

FIDE Master & Chess Virtuoso

Michael Coenen, better known in the chess cosmos as Avancada, is a titled FIDE Master who dances on the 64 squares with a blend of strategy, flair, and just a dash of cheeky bravado. His journey through the world of blitz, bullet, and rapid chess is nothing short of a rollercoaster – just with fewer screams and more checkmates.

Starting from humble beginnings with a blitz rating of around 1550 in early 2020, Michael has catapulted himself up the ranks with a peak blitz rating of an impressive 2651 in 2022, and a bullet peak rating soaring to 2675 in early 2021. Rapid chess? He crushes that too, peaking at 2257 in the spring of 2023. These numbers aren't just digits; they represent countless hours of practice, blunders cleverly disguised as "creative moves," and a borderline obsession with the King's Gambit.

Michael’s games show a penchant for comebacks, boasting an 83.44% comeback rate! Yes, when the chips are down, “Avancada” is just warming up. His average win length hovers around 83 moves – proving that patience is not only a virtue but a deadly weapon. And if you manage to snag a piece from him, don’t get too cocky; he still holds a respectable 62.15% win rate after losing material. Tactical awareness? Check. Psychological stamina? Double check. Tilt factor? A modest 7, because even chess masters can have a bad day.

With a white win rate of 67.76% and black win rate of 62.55%, he excels with both colors, although opponents should beware his sharp early openings where resignation is a rare option (only 1.39% early resignations). Stalemates and draws? They happen, but Michael seems more interested in finishing with a flourish than a peaceful truce.

Michael’s preferred arena is blitz chess, where he’s racked up nearly 616 games with an astonishing win rate of 71.27% in his preferred "Top Secret" openings — oh, the mystery! When he’s not blitzing through games or bulleting opponents with wizard-like speed (1089 wins out of 1753 bullet games), he’s likely studying his latest nemesis or inventing a new opening to mystify his opponents.

Notable Traits and Stats

• Longest Winning Streak: 49 games (Yes, that's almost insane)
• Best Time of Day: 7 AM – the magical hour when Avancada wakes up and the chessboard surrenders
• Strongest Opponent Records: Holds a perfect 100% win rate against many players, proving he’s a nightmare for anyone unprepared.
• Games Played (Blitz & Bullet): Over 2300 – enough for a deep dive into chess lore.

Recent Battles on the Board

One of Avancada's recent triumphs was a daring victory in a King's Gambit Accepted, a game filled with tactical fireworks and time pressure that ended with the opponent’s clock running out against the FIDE Master’s relentless pressure. Even in losses, Michael’s games are rich learning experiences, showcasing his deep understanding of complex positions and his unwavering fight until the last move.

Off the board, Michael’s love for chess transcends ratings and rankings. Whether crushing opponents at a blitz tournament or analyzing classic endgames, he embodies the spirit of the game: passion, wit, and slightly obsessive dedication to always making that next brilliant move. So if you find yourself in a match against Avancada, prepare for a battle of brains, nerves, and a touch of chess magic.