Paul Breslow

Paul Breslow (breslowp24) - Chess Adventurer Extraordinaire

Meet Paul Breslow, a chess enthusiast whose journey on the 64 squares is less about grandmaster titles and more about scrappy battles, quirky gambits, and a spirited quest for checkmate glory. With a peak blitz rating soaring up to 942 and a rapid rating high of 509, Paul navigates his games with a mix of careful strategy and delightful unpredictability.

Chess Style & Personality

Known for a tactical awareness that shines brightest when behind on material (with a comeback rate nudging 44%), Paul proves he's the kind of player who fights tooth and nail even after losing a piece. Early resignations happen occasionally (14% of the time), because sometimes you just know it's time to save face — but don't be fooled. When he plays, especially around dawn (his best time: 6 AM, a true chess rooster), Paul's endgame frequency is impressively solid, dancing through about 33% of his matches in the final stretches.

Opening Choices: The Unorthodox & The Dependable

Paul's opening repertoire reads like a buffet of chess curiosity. Under rapid time controls, he’s flirted with the Queen's Pawn Opening (a gritty 47% win rate), but he truly shines when springing the surprise with undefined openings, boasting an 87.5% win rate there—perhaps proving he's a master of chaos. In blitz, his record is spotless (mostly 100% wins) in tricky lines like the Chigorin Exchange, Caro Kann Advance, and even the Saragossa Opening, clearly showing a penchant for keeping opponents guessing and occasionally baffled.

Record & Rivals

Across rapid games, Paul's grind-and-grind attitude yields an almost even split with 49 wins, 48 losses, and a modest handful of draws. Blitz is where he dominates with 10 wins and just a single loss. He’s battled frequent foes like murph326 — a rivalry sprinkled with mixed results (about 22% win rate), and gets along better against others like kosarew (winning 80% of their encounters).

Triumphs & Tribulations

Paul’s longest unbeaten streak? A glorious 13 wins in a row — probably fueled by late-night snacks and caffeine. Yet, the toughest moments come with a 6-game losing streak reminder that even knights stumble. Today, he may not hold a grandmaster title, but he’s the kind of player everybody respects for heart, hustle, and the occasional brilliant blunder that sparks laughter at the board.

Memorable Match Highlight

On Christmas Day 2021, Paul secured a neat victory employing the Philidor Defense Exchange Variation, convincing his opponent to resign after a tactical squeeze reminiscent of a festive gift wrapped in strategy and surprise. This game encapsulates Paul's style: patient, opportunistic, and always ready to claim the win when the moment arises.

In Short

Paul Breslow is proof that chess isn't just about ratings; it's about passion, perseverance, and the joy of the game. Whether he's battling in rapid time or blitz blitzkrieg, Paul’s chess story is one of tenacity and a good-humored spirit willing to take on any opponent — kings and pawns alike.