John Smith - The Eternal Chess Warhorse
John Smith, also known intriguingly by his online moniker champ2341, is a persistent and passionate chess player known less for his skyrocketing ratings and more for his indefatigable spirit on the 64 squares.
A Rollercoaster Rating Ride
Since 2021, John's rapid ratings have been quite the emotional journey, starting in the low 500s, taking a nosedive to a shocking 249 at the end of 2024, then climbing back modestly to over 400 in 2025. His blitz and bullet games tell tales of modest attempts at speed chess glory, peaking at 169 in blitz and 148 in bullet – respectable, but definitely not intimidating for grandmasters! His Daily rating boasts a high of 800, showing a patient, strategic side that prefers the long game.
Playing Style & Tendencies
John has a bit of a love-hate relationship with resignation, throwing in the towel early about 9% of the time — maybe impatience gets the better of him. With an average of almost 50 moves to win or lose, he's clearly no quick finisher and seems to enjoy the tactical tussle. His comeback rate is impressively high at 58%, proving he's the sort to fight back fiercely after setbacks, even if the win rate after losing a piece is a humbling 32%. White or Black, his win rates hover in the low 40s, showing a consistent if unspectacular performance.
Signature Openings And Quirks
When playing rapid, John loves a whole smorgasbord of openings – from the mysteriously named “Top Secret” opening (his staple with 86 games!) to the classical King's Pawn and Bishop's Opening, with double-digit wins and surprisingly decent win rates. His favorite battleground might just be the “Four Knights Game Italian Variation,” where he boasts a commendable 57% win rate. In blitz and bullet, however, he’s happy to experiment, though success is rarer.
The Battle-Hardened Record
With over 640 rapid games under his belt, John's record stands at 272 wins, 324 losses, and 44 draws. Blitz and bullet games tell a tougher story — only a handful of wins with plenty of losses — but suffering defeat hasn’t dampened his determination. His psychological tilt factor is modest (11), which means he keeps his cool reasonably well, though the struggle is real during those intense endgames.
Notable Victories & Defeats
His recent victories are testament to his tactical creativity and fighting spirit. For instance, on May 31, 2025, he executed a dazzling checkmate with the French Defense Exchange Variation, showcasing an ability to seize winning opportunities. But like any hero's journey, John has faced tough losses too, sometimes by resignation or even game abandonment — because every warrior needs a day off.
Fun Facts
- Plays best at midnight – his personal prime time for chess brilliance.
- Has a knack for turning losing positions around, the ultimate comeback kid.
- Apparently unbeatable against certain opponents who might be hiding in witness protection — with 100% win rates over dozens!
John Smith might not be a grandmaster yet, but he's the kind of player who embodies the beautiful chaos of chess: sometimes lost, often found, and always ready for the next game.
