Bartosz Probola: The Bobancio Bullet Machine
Bartosz Probola, better known online as Bobancio, has been a constant presence in internet chess since late 2011. Across more than 26,000 rated games, he has built a reputation as a relentless attacker and a true specialist of bullet chess. His longest winning streak of 42 games is proof that when Bobancio gets rolling, very few players can slow him down.
Opening Repertoire
For most of his career, Bobancio has been a devoted 1.e4 player. His favorite battleground is the Sicilian Defense: Closed, where his win rate is consistently strong in both blitz and bullet. He also loves the sharp Vienna Gambit, especially the Max Lange Defense lines, and he handles the Modern Defense confidently with the black pieces.
In recent years his statistics show a playful evolution. The man who once played 1.e4 in nearly every game now experiments with 1.Nc3 and 1.g3, proving that even old dogs can learn new opening tricks.
Bullet Dominance and Odd Hours
Bullet is home for Bobancio. With over 20,000 bullet games and a peak rating above 2700, he thrives when the clock is the loudest voice in the room. His rating journey in the fastest time control is a steady climb from a solid club player to an elite speed demon.
He is also an owl. His best results come late at night and in the early morning, with a 78.57% win rate around 3 AM. Scheduling a game against him at that hour is rarely a good idea.
Rivalries and Resilience
Bobancio has fought memorable battles against a cast of regular opponents. He owns the all-time series against grandemas, winning 158 of their 273 meetings, and he also holds a clear edge over HumbleSpaceMan. The exception is Rogelio Jr Antonio, who leads their 188-game rivalry and has caused Bobancio more than a few sleepless nights.
Numbers Behind the Style
- Win rate with the white pieces: 61.33%, with black: 54.76%.
- Comeback rate of 86.46%, and a 55.75% win rate even after losing a piece.
- Almost 80% of his games reach the endgame, and losses tend to be long battles rather than quick collapses.
- His best day of the week is Sunday, though he wins consistently on every weekday.