Ben Zalewski

Ben Zalewski: The Relentless Rapid Rumbler

Meet Ben Zalewski, a chess player whose rapid rating journey is as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride—with more ups than downs, and just enough loops to keep opponents guessing. Currently reigning in the realm of rapid chess, Ben has cruised through nearly 1,100 games with a win count nudging over 540 and a resilience tough enough to rebound from 527 losses. Draws are rare—only 67—because Ben either wins, loses, or throws in a little tactical magic that turns the tables.

Career Highlights

• Peak Rapid Rating: An impressive 704 (May 2025), firmly establishing Ben as a formidable rapid player.
• Longest Winning Streak: A fiery 8-game march that would make any opponent sweat.
• Comeback King: Boasts a 70.66% comeback rate, proving that Ben never stays down for long.

Opening Repertoire – Diverse and Unexpected

Ben dances through openings like a seasoned pro with a flair for the unexpected:

• King’s Pawn Opening & Variations: Not just a classic; it's Ben’s playground with nearly 117 games logged and a respectable 48% win rate.
• French Defense Steinitz Attack: Ben’s secret weapon with a dazzling 68% win rate – definitely not your average defense!
• Bishop’s Opening Berlin Defense: A personal favorite, with a striking near 57% win rate showing that Ben enjoys breaking norms.
• Van 't Kruijs Opening: Because why stick to the mainstream? With a win rate of 58%, Ben proves unconventional can be effective.

Style & Strategy

Ben favors endurance and grit—he averages about 57 moves per win and almost 60 moves per loss, indicating long, intense battles rather than quick blindsides. His endgame frequency over 60% means he loves a good closeout. White pieces bring out his best, winning 52% of the time, while Black demands a bit more effort with a 43% success rate.

Beware the psychological game: Ben’s tilt factor is a disciplined 10, so don’t expect him to crumble under pressure easily. He also has an early resignation rate of 6%—which means he knows when to fight and when to plot a fierce comeback.

Tactical Wizardry & Fun Facts

His tactical awareness shines brightest with a 41.8% win rate after losing a piece—because Ben loves turning tables and confusing opponents. Like a ninja in the night, his best play time is surprisingly at 11 PM, perhaps a midnight oil chess warrior fueled by strategy and caffeine.

Most Memorable Recent Win

Here’s a gem from Ben’s vault: a spectacular victory against Lazarus_b in a Two Knights Defense variation of the Italian Game. Ben’s daring knight sacrifice (Nxf7!) triggered a cascade of tactics, eventually forcing resignation from his stunned opponent.

Opponents Beware

Ben’s record tells the tale—he’s undefeated against some like lazarus_b and ricardo_esp, while others manage to stay a step ahead, like oopsiwhoopsie and rehanali2017. Perhaps a sign that even Ben’s unbeatable charm meets its match occasionally, keeping the chess world intriguing and balanced.

Final Word

Ben Zalewski’s chess career might not be littered with trophies (yet), but with a peak rapid rating nearing 700 and a tactical brain that loves a comeback, he’s certainly a player to keep an eye on. Whether executing an audacious sacrifice or calmly grinding through endgame complexities, Ben embodies the spirit of the eternal chess gladiator. One thing’s for sure: challenging Ben means entering the arena with your wits about you, and maybe a strong cup of coffee to keep up.