David Gross (boardsense) - International Master
David Gross is an International Master best known for blistering Blitz play and a knack for long, strategic endgames. A favorite among anyone who enjoys dramatic comebacks, David climbed to a peak Blitz performance of 2713 while keeping a playful online presence and a reputation for tricky middle game tactics.
Quick Biography
David began as a club regular who preferred the fast and furious tempo of Blitz. Over thousands of online games he refined a pragmatic style that mixes solid opening choices with deep endgame technique. That combination helped him earn the International Master title and a loyal following among opponents and spectators alike.
- Title: International Master
- Preferred time control: Blitz
- Peak Blitz rating: 2713 (2026-02-21)
- Peak performance snapshot:
Playing Style and Strengths
David plays like someone who loves long fights. Games tend to run long and often head toward endgames where his technique shows. He is also dangerous in chaotic positions and has an excellent comeback record.
- Endgame frequency is high - David converts small advantages in long games
- Comeback rate: 87.2 percent - resilient under pressure
- Win after losing a piece: 51.57 percent - tactically alert
- Average decisive game length: around 82 moves
- Early resignation rate is low - he sees complications through
Favorite Openings and Performance
David favors reliable, strategic systems that offer plenty of play. The list below highlights openings he plays most with success in Blitz.
- As Black - Petrov's Defense: 74 games, 50% win rate Petrov's Defense
- As White - Caro-Kann (when facing Black's setups): 53 games, 64.15% win rate Caro-Kann Defense
- Sicilian Defense - several sublines, including a very strong Closed Anti-Sveshnikov line: 24 games, 79.17% win rate Sicilian Defense: Closed, Anti-Sveshnikov Variation, Kharlov-Kramnik Line
- Dőry Defense: 36 games, 61.11% win rate Döry Defense
- Caro-Kann overall: 59 games, 62.71% win rate Caro-Kann Defense
Trends, Streaks and Timing
David has clear patterns that opponents can note and fans can admire. He performs best at certain hours and keeps a steady win rate across the week.
- Longest winning streak: 8 games
- Longest losing streak: 8 games
- Current winning streak: 1 game
- Best day to play: Thursday - 75% win rate
- Best hour to challenge him: early morning around 07:00 is especially sharp
- Win/loss/draw overall in Blitz: 547 wins, 417 losses, 71 draws
Memorable Games
David has many instructive and entertaining games. Here is a recent standout Blitz finish against a familiar rival.
- Showcase game: View Game
- Short PGN snippet for quick study:
Snapshot and Notes for Opponents
If you face David online, expect long fights, careful endgame play and a player who rarely gives up early. Prepare for solid opening systems and tactical complications in the middlegame.
- Strength adjusted Blitz win rate: about 51 percent
- High endgame conversion and frequent checks delivered by queens and rooks
- Top repeated opponents include i_will_be_fm and polarbear1224