Nick Maatman IM

Nick Maatman - International Master Extraordinaire

Nick Maatman, known in the chess realms as Babbelbox, carries the esteemed title of International Master bestowed by FIDE—a badge of honor that says, "I am serious about chess, but I still can lose to you on a bad day."

Rising through the ranks with a flair for blitz, Nick has danced across the 64 squares at a top blitz rating approaching 2780 in early 2024. If chess were a marathon, Nick would be the sprinter with bursts of brilliance—and a cheeky grin when opponents blink first.

Versatile and battle-hardened, Nick boasts a blitz win rate just above 53% across over 10,000 games, proving not only stamina but an uncanny ability to outwit foes with a mix of strategy and sheer speed. Rapid, bullet, and daily formats have all felt the touch of his pieces, though blitz remains his true playground.

Known for a penchant to never give up—even with a piece down—Nick’s comeback rate is an impressive 86%, indicating that surrender isn’t in this IM’s vocabulary. With games often stretching to an average of 80 moves when winning, Nick relishes the long tactical battle as much as the quick finish.

Nick’s preferred battleground often involves the mysterious “Top Secret” opening repertoire—because why reveal your secrets when you can keep everyone guessing until the checkmate? A dabble in the Kings Indian Defense Fianchetto Yugoslav Panno System shows his willingness to try even the rare and whimsical.

Psychological warfare is an art form here: with a tilt factor of 12, Nick manages to stay relatively calm under pressure. His best time to strike opponents down? Midnight—the witching hour when most mortals dream but Nick plots his next crushing move.

Outside the board, Nick might be your friendly online opponent or the player who keeps the chat lively—because if you can't win, might as well entertain, right? Whether rain or shine, Nick’s presence in the chess world is marked by determination, tactical brilliance, and the kind of dedication that inspires both respect and a hint of envy.

Recent games reveal a player comfortable with the complexities of Chess960 and classic live formats alike, not afraid to face top opponents such as "patrykb8" or to embrace fresh openings. Always ready to learn, always aiming for that next peak rating—Nick Maatman truly embodies the spirit of a modern chess warrior.