Igor Lutz NM

Igor Lutz - National Master Extraordinaire

Meet Igor Lutz, the National Master whose chessboard tales could fill a novel—or at least a couple of blog posts about improbable comebacks and nail-biting endgames. Rising from modest blitz beginnings in 2015 with a 976 rating, Igor wasn’t just playing for fun; he was plotting world domination, one rapid and bullet game at a time.

Rating Journey

Igor’s blitz prowess skyrocketed from 1124 in 2015 to a mighty 2055 by 2025, showing that persistence and maybe a few cups of coffee go a long way. His rapid rating dazzled, peaking at an impressive 2215 in 2024, while his bullet rating soared to a remarkable 2000 in 2022, proving that speed chess is his playground.

Playing Style and Strengths

Known for endurance and patience (average 72+ moves per game!), Igor’s games often stretch as long as a spy thriller. With an extraordinary 87.9% comeback rate, he rarely throws in the towel and never underestimates an opponent—even when down a piece, his win rate post-losing pieces stands at an unbeatable 100%. His humility shines with a low early resignation rate of just 0.44%, showing that giving up isn’t in his vocabulary.

Tactical Wizardry & Psychological Insights

Igor’s psychological resilience is legendary, though the occasional tilt (rated at 16 on the tilt-meter) reminds us even masters are human. Interestingly, he fares slightly better in casual play, highlighting his adaptability and love for relaxed yet competitive battles.

Favorite Rivalries

With an impressive track record against many opponents, Igor keeps a sharp eye on familiar foes like eswar28z and simplywinning7878. He also doesn’t shy away from newbies or “pasta_addict” (who fortunately hasn’t yet tasted victory against him).

Fun Facts

• Igor’s longest winning streak? A cool 12 games—the chess equivalent of a legendary dragon-slaying spree.
• His favorite opening? Top Secret – but rumor has it, he once joked it involves moving all the pawns forward and calling it “The Bulldozer.”
• He's not just a chess player but a tactician who thrives in marathon battles, with an endgame frequency north of 80%.

Whether blitzing opponents before they finish their coffee or patiently outmaneuvering rivals in rapid games, Igor Lutz embodies the spirit of chess mastery—equal parts strategy, stamina, and a sprinkle of good humor.