Rafael Baltazar – The International Master with a Tactical Flair
Known in the chess circles under the handle Baltazar1958, Rafael Baltazar is no ordinary player. Awarded the prestigious FIDE title of International Master, he has been making waves across blitz, rapid, and daily chess formats with a reputation for resilience and tactical ingenuity.
The Journey So Far
Rafael’s blitz rating peaked impressively at 2246 in November 2022, showcasing his quick-thinking prowess. His rapid skills aren't far behind, boasting a peak rating north of 2170, while his mastery in daily time controls was marked by a high of 2142 in late 2020. But don’t let those numbers fool you—his playing style is more than just ratings and stats.
Style and Stamina
With an average game length of around 78 moves before a result, Baltazar doesn’t just rush to finish; he dances through the endgame with a lofty 83.5% endgame frequency—a true marathoner of the 64 squares. His ability to make a comeback after losing a piece is remarkable, with a win rate of nearly 55% in such adverse situations. If chess were a soap opera, Baltazar would be the star who never quits—even when the odds are against him.
Opening Choices: The Sauce of Success
A true strategist, Rafael's opening repertoire in blitz games includes a secret weapon labeled intriguingly as "Top Secret" with a solid win rate of over 51%, making opponents scratch their heads and question their preparation. Other favored openings are the Queens Pawn Opening and the Modern Defense, the latter boasting a perfect 100% win record in a handful of games. You could say his opponents never see the "secret sauce" coming.
Memorable Battles
Recently, Rafael captivated fans with a dramatic win in a live blitz game on May 24, 2025, where he outwitted adhyaksaii88 in a fierce Sicilian Defense Open Najdorf Variation. His time management was on point, winning "on time" while showcasing tactical fireworks on the board. This game is a testament to his calm under pressure—an art form all its own.
Opponent Chronicles & Records
Rafael isn't just playing random strangers—he faces formidable foes and even has “most played” rivalries, including over 80 games against richardbarski-1961 with a stellar 91% win rate. With a blend of patience and precision, Baltazar repeatedly outmaneuvers opponents with win rates hitting 100% against several rivals—not bad for someone whose username also sounds like a vintage sports car.
Off the Board
When Rafael isn’t busy squeezing out wins or plotting tactical masterpieces, he probably enjoys reflecting on those rare moments when his “tilt factor” climbed—just 8% of the time—proving he’s mostly a calm, collecting-minded player. His best time to play? Oddly, the chess gods favor him around 11:00 AM, so coffee and daylight seem to fuel this master of checkmate.
In Summary
With a long career marked by grit, consistency, and a dash of mystery, Rafael Baltazar (aka Baltazar1958) is a chess player who blends classical endurance with modern blitz speed. He’s a craftsman of comebacks, a wizard of the endgame, and an opponent you never want to underestimate. Keep an eye on this IM—he might just surprise you with his next “Top Secret” move!