Thomas Bauer CM

About Thomas Bauer

Thomas Bauer, known online as Bad4life, is a titled chess player who earned the Candidate Master title from FIDE. A Bullet devotee with a taste for rapid-fire battles, he treats the clock as a mischievous partner and the board as a canvas for fast, aggressive ideas.

Career highlights

• FIDE Candidate Master title
• Notable long winning streak, including a 25-game run
• Peak Blitz rating around 2691 (2024-09-29)
• Peak Bullet rating around 2752 (2020-12-09)

The thrill of fast time controls is his playground, where quick calculations and bold choices shine. For a deeper look, see [[Chart|Rating||2013-2025]] and Thomas Bauer.

Playing style

In Bullet and Blitz, Thomas loves to mix sharp theory with practical clock management. His approach often favors dynamic, tactical routes that keep opponents on the back foot, especially when the time pressure begins to bite.

• Sicilian Defense (Blitz): 238 games, 138 wins, 90 losses, 10 draws (Win rate 57.98%)
• Amar Gambit (Bullet): 933 games, 541 wins, 359 losses, 33 draws (Win rate 57.98%)
• Caro-Kann Defense (Blitz): 333 games, 171 wins, 147 losses, 15 draws (Win rate 51.35%)

Opening repertoire

Thomas tests a wide sweep of ideas, with a soft spot for aggressive Sicilian lines and robust solidities to weather the clock’s storm. His Blitz openings balance risk and reward, while Bullet practice leans into fast, forcing lines.

• Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation (Blitz) — 204 games, 91 wins, 105 losses, 8 draws
• Caro-Kann Defense (Blitz) — 333 games, 171 wins, 147 losses, 15 draws
• Scandinavian Defense (Blitz) — 193 games, 111 wins, 72 losses, 10 draws
• Sicilian Defense (Dragon/Yugoslav and related lines) — multiple appearances across Bullet and Blitz

Find out more

Discover more about Bad4life and follow the journey through the profile link: Thomas Bauer.

Notes from the archive

Placeholder for a quick glance at his progress: [[Chart|Rating||2013-2025]]