Hanri Engelbrecht (aka BesigeBytjie)
Woman FIDE Master
Hanri Engelbrecht, fondly known online as BesigeBytjie, is no ordinary chess player — they wield the title of Woman FIDE Master with the poise of a grandmaster and the subtle cunning of a seasoned chess fox. With a journey marked by steady progress, Hanri has dazzled both casual and rated games alike, displaying a flair that’s equal parts strategic and entertaining.
From humble beginnings with a blitz rating under 1000 in 2017, Hanri surged upward, peaking at an impressive 1561 in blitz and a jaw-dropping 1711 in rapid chess by late 2021. Believe it or not, their best time to play is apparently 3 AM — the witching hour for tactical brilliance and midnight checkmates!
"If the queen is the star, then Hanri is the director behind the scenes orchestrating the drama."
Playing Style & Trivia
- Known for a high comeback rate of nearly 76% — losing material isn’t the end, it’s just the start of a thrilling twist!
- Loves endgames, featuring in over half their matches (54.35%) — patience is a virtue, and Hanri has heaps of it.
- Longest winning streak is a formidable 8 games, proving consistent brilliance.
- Is not afraid to resign early when the game’s over (only 3.64% early resignation), but has a cheeky tilt factor of 9 — even the best have their off moments!
Recent Highlights
The latest triumph saw BesigeBytjie deliver a stunning checkmate in a Reti Opening, Kingside Fianchetto Variation, besting their opponent downtown0 with style and speed. For those curious, the full game is just a click away on Chess.com.
Hanri’s victories often come after tactical ingenuity and careful endgame finesse, making every game a mini epic.
Personality Snapshot
With a win rate above 57% by Monday and a peak performance in the electric atmosphere of Thursday battles, Hanri’s calendar and clock are secretly their biggest allies. Armed with a multifaceted style that turns the chessboard into a battlefield of wits, Hanri Engelbrecht is a player to watch — or better yet, to avoid!
"Chess is the art of sacrificing pawns to get a good story to tell — Hanri certainly writes bestseller games."