Vadim Novichkov IM

Vadim Novichkov (aka Balandel)

International Master of Chess

Meet Vadim Novichkov, a chess wizard known in the digital realms as Balandel! Sporting the prestigious title of International Master granted by FIDE, Vadim is a tactical maestro who dominates blitz and bullet games with a style as sharp as a queen’s diagonal strike.

His blitz rating soared to a peak of 2359 in July 2016, with an impressive bullet peak rating of 2221 just a month prior. Like a lightning bolt on the board, Vadim’s win rate in bullet clocks in at a stunning 71.88%, proving he's not just fast but downright clever under pressure.

With a blitz record of 40 wins, 14 losses, and 5 draws, and a bullet tally of 23 wins to 9 losses, this grand tactician's play is anything but casual. His longest winning streak? A jaw-dropping 30 games—that's practically a perfect summer vacation!

Known for a low early resignation rate (0%) and a preference for deep endgames (over 84% frequency), Vadim loves a good marathon battle. His games tend to stretch long, averaging around 81 moves for a win, showcasing stamina and strategic depth.

White or black, Vadim maintains dominance with win rates of 71.74% and 66.67% respectively, and he’s particularly deadly after losing a piece, bouncing back with almost 68% wins—comeback king alert!

When asked about his secret weapon, Vadim smiles mischievously and points to his perfect 100% win rate against an array of opponents—from brahms_bg to speedy_ninja9822—showing he’s not just strong, but consistent across the board.

Vadim’s best times to play? Between 17:00 and 20:00, when his winning chances spike near 100%—a true evening gladiator in the world of pieces and pawns.

Off the board, Vadim is a chess lover with a knack for top-secret openings (okay, they’re not really secret—just very effective). His games are packed with resilience, impressive tactical awareness, and a quiet confidence that tells opponents: “I’m here to checkmate your plans.”

In short: Vadim Novichkov, aka Balandel, is proof that chess mastery comes from brains, speed, and just the right amount of stubbornness (especially when those last moves matter most).

Highlights

• Titles: International Master
• Peak Blitz Rating: 2359 (July 2016)
• Peak Bullet Rating: 2221 (June 2016)
• Longest Winning Streak: 30 games
• Endgame Focus: 84.62% of games go deep
• Comeback Rate: Wins 88.89% of games after falling behind
• Favorite Playing Time: 5 PM to 8 PM (local time)

Ready for a challenge or a friendly duel? Keep your eyes on the board when you face Balandel—because resigning early won't work here!