Michael Banin: The Chess Journey of Banin25637
Michael Banin, also known online as Banin25637, is a player who takes chess as seriously as a cat takes napping — strategic, patient, and occasionally surprising. Rising from humble beginnings with a Rapid rating bounce between 145 and 326 in early 2023, Michael's dedication and love for the game propelled him to achieve a stunning peak Rapid rating of 548 by May 2025.
While Bullet and Blitz chess may not be his strongest suits yet — with Bullet hovering around an average rating of 185 and Blitz peaking near 245 — his Rapid performance is nothing short of impressive. With a career Rapid win count of 51 against 33 losses and 4 draws, Michael's most successful opening is his trusty Four Knights Game Italian Variation, boasting a respectable 60% win rate. When in trouble, he doesn't just fold; his comeback rate sits at a solid 66.67%, proving he's more stubborn than a rook trapped on the edge.
Playing Style & Quirks
Michael isn't just about brute force; his style reveals a penchant for endurance, averaging nearly 49 moves per win and 43 moves per loss. He’s equally comfortable playing as White or Black, with slightly better results when he’s up first (White Win Rate: 50.75%). He also possesses a healthy tolerance for the psychological rollercoaster of chess — his tilt factor is a modest 10, meaning he keeps his cool even when facing those dreaded losing streaks (though he did endure a 10-game skid once!).
Noteworthy Achievements
- Longest winning streak: 7 games in a row — it was like the chess gods smiled down upon him.
- Most recent victory? A flawless checkmate in a Four Knights Game Scotch Variation — proving that in May 2025, Michael was not to be messed with.
- Has a soft spot for tricky defenses like the Scandinavian and clever gambits like the Vienna, crafting many a victory with these tactical weapons.
Fun Facts
Michael performs best on Saturdays with a perfect 100% win rate — perhaps he’s secretly a weekend warrior who unleashes his grandmaster mojo when most players are Netflix-bingeing. His favorite hours to play are 8 AM and 10 AM, when the caffeine kicks in and the brain is at peak tactical awareness.
While Bullet chess might make him sweat (losing 21 out of 26 games there), Rapid chess is where he truly shines — a battlefield ruled by patience, strategy, and just a pinch of madness. If you find yourself facing Banin25637 online, beware: he’s got a knack for turning the tables and sneaking in that checkmate just when you think you’re safe.
Chess.com link to his most impressive recent win: Four Knights Game Masterstroke
