James Stephen Cates NM

James Stephen Cates (aka BobSacIt)

National Master Extraordinaire & Chess.com Blitz Conqueror

James Stephen Cates, known in the virtual chess halls as BobSacIt, is a National Master with a penchant for blitz battles and an impressive tactical mind that can turn the tides of any match. With a career spanning multiple years and a rating journey full of meteoric rises, James is no stranger to the rollercoaster of emotions that competitive chess provides.

A Career in Ratings

Starting from humble blitz beginnings around 1490 in 2018, James quickly surged up the ranks, blasting through the 2000 mark, eventually reaching an awe-inspiring peak blitz rating of 2685 in mid-2023. But wait, there’s more! Not content to stop there, James's bullet rating skyrocketed to a ferocious 2795 by early 2025, leaving many opponents wondering if they're playing a chess wizard or a bullet-time illusionist.

Playing Style & Personality

Behind that fierce rating lies a player who loves the grace of long endgames, with nearly 80% of games reaching those thrilling death marches to victory or defeat. James's games are rich with tactical fireworks — boasting a comeback rate of nearly 85%, proving never to give up, even when a piece is lost. In fact, they win about half the time after losing a crucial piece, a testament to stubborn resilience and resourcefulness.

Also, James has an early resignation rate of just 0.4%, meaning they’re rarely quitting early — unless of course it’s to silently judge your move while sipping coffee.

Favorite Openings & Strategies

James approaches openings with a hint of mystery: in blitz games, the "Top Secret" opening reigns supreme with a 60.24% win rate, while the Unknown Opening has been a trusty workhorse across all timcontrols, showcasing adaptability and sharp preparation.

Recent Highlights

The legend continues with recent victories, including a strategic win using the Reti Opening - Sicilian Invitation where James (playing Black) forced their opponent to resign in a tense endgame on May 4, 2025. On the flip side, even masters stumble and James’s games include dramatic, hard-fought losses reminding us all that chess is the ultimate test of patience and heart.

Quirks & Fun Facts

• Best time to challenge James: Around 10 AM – because that’s apparently when the pieces obey their commands best.
• Preferred days for dominance: Fridays and Saturdays, making them the weekend warrior nobody wants to face.
• Tilt Factor: 11 – which is just enough to be human, but not enough to stop the winning streaks.
• Longest winning streak: A jaw-dropping 51 games – because sometimes chess feels like a video game combo.

Whether storming through blitz bullet rounds or plotting a marathon in rapid, James Stephen Cates is a player who embodies the perfect blend of skill, humor, and fighting spirit. In the immortal words of Bobby Fischer: “You have to believe in yourself. That’s the secret of success.” James definitely took that advice to heart – and to the board!