Benjamin Tereick: International Master and Blitz Entertainer
Benjamin Tereick, known online as Bentery, is a FIDE International Master who treats the clock as both rival and friend. While his title reflects serious over-the-board pedigree, his true hunting ground is the five-minute Blitz arena, where he has spent more than a decade turning fast time controls into a personal art form.
A Decade of Clock-Crunching Growth
Benjamin's online journey tells a story of steady, explosive growth. From a modest 1325 in early Blitz records, he climbed into the 2600s and eventually touched a career-high 2683 (2026-03-18). His trajectory is a reminder that volume, study, and resilience can turn an enthusiastic player into a genuine Blitz specialist.
His record is staggering in sheer numbers alone: more than 7,500 Blitz wins, a longest winning streak of 23 consecutive games, and over 950 Bullet victories to prove he can survive even when the clock is screaming. At his highest Bullet mark he reached 2561, making him dangerous in nearly any time scramble.
Repertoire and Style
Benjamin's opening choices are built on flexibility and pressure. As Black, he returns time and again to the French Defense, especially the Burn Variation, where his thousands of games have produced a clear positive score. As White, he avoids forced main lines in favor of the English Opening and the Nimzo-Larsen Attack, often drifting into the King's Indian Attack.
His style rewards patience. He plays games that run deep, with long middlegames and frequent endgames, and he shows a healthy appetite for complications. His White win rate sits near 57 percent, while his Black win rate remains above 52 percent, a rare balance that makes him tough to prepare against.
Rivalries That Define the Grind
Every Blitz grinder has familiar faces on the other side of the board, and Benjamin is no exception. His most frequent rival, grandemas, has faced him 65 times in a series that could barely be closer, with grandemas holding a narrow edge. Against Jorge Herrera, Benjamin turns the tables in spectacular fashion, winning 37 of their 60 meetings while losing only 22. He also holds a healthy lead over Gerardo Cabellon, a regular dance partner in more than 50 games.
These long-running online rivalries are the heartbeat of his Blitz life. They are not just matches; they are ongoing stories of revenge, momentum, and the occasional mouse slip.
Resilience and Fighting Spirit
Benjamin does not go quietly. His comeback rate is a striking 82.08 percent, and even after losing a piece he still finds a way to win more than half of his games. His average decisive games stretch past 70 moves, suggesting a player who believes every position still has a pulse.
He also saves his best for the early afternoon. His highest win rate arrives around 12:00, making him a dangerous lunch-break opponent. Wednesdays appear to be his strongest day, but no day of the week is truly safe from his time-trouble heroics.
The Life of a Blitz Professional
- FIDE International Master with a deep love for fast chess.
- More than 7,500 Blitz wins and a peak rating above 2600.
- A 23-game winning streak shows his ability to run through a field.
- A loyal student of sharp, practical openings like the French Defense and the Nimzo-Larsen Attack.
- Rarely tilts, frequent comebacks, and an appetite for endgames that makes every match worth watching.