Mark Kurtzman (aka Brutalis)
National Master Extraordinaire
Mark Kurtzman, better known in the chess world by the fierce moniker Brutalis, is no ordinary player. Armed with the prestigious title of National Master, earned on home turf, Mark masterfully balances tactical prowess with psychological resilience. This chess warrior has journeyed through ratings ranging from humble beginnings to blistering highs, peaking at an impressive 2528 in blitz and a solid 2344 in bullet. If chess were a battlefield, Brutalis would be a legendary general.
Since 2016, Mark has played thousands of games across bullet, blitz, and rapid formats. The bullet category shows a marathon commitment with over 16,000 games, boasting a fierce 52%+ win rate and a longest winning streak that would make most players sweat: 23 victories in a row. Truly, Mark does not quit early, with an early resignation rate just shy of 1%, proving a stubborn refusal to surrender.
If you're lucky—or unlucky—enough to face Brutalis, expect a relentless foe with razor-sharp tactical awareness, an astonishing 100% win rate after losing a piece (yes, you read that right!), and a comeback rate pushing 84%. Surrendering to a lost pawn? Not in Mark's playbook.
Mark's style? Strategic, methodical, and psychological warfare in equal measure. The average win lasts nearly 67 moves, showing a love for deep, grind-it-out endgames—hitting a frequency of nearly 78%. Beware the slow burn, because Brutalis’s victories are often richly earned over time.
Fans and foes alike are familiar with Mark's colorful opponent list, ranging from local rivals like urban_chess and sickboylarry to more cryptic challengers. Whether it's a 100% win record against some or a steep challenge against others (looking at you, daliborlaverman!), Mark’s versatility and competitive spirit shine through.
Time-of-day advantage? Mark strikes hardest around mid-afternoon and early evening, with winning percentages peaking during hours like 0:00 and 2:00 AM—perfect for night owls plotting their moves in the quiet hours. The weekend is also his playground, boasting a weekend win rate slightly better than weekdays.
Above all, Mark Kurtzman is a chess enthusiast dedicated to the art and science of the game, with a sense of humor that probably helps him shrug off the tilt factor hovering at a modest 11%. Play him if you dare—just don't expect mercy.