Charlize van Zyl WIM

Charlize van Zyl - Woman International Master (WIM)

Meet Charlize van Zyl, better known in the digital chess cosmos as Charlizevz, a player whose dedication to the 64 squares has earned her the prestigious title of Woman International Master from FIDE—definitely no easy feat, and certainly no trophy collected by accident!

Starting with a modest rating of 1347 back in 2015, Charlize quickly showcased an impressive knack for strategy and resilience. By 2020, her blitz rating soared past the 2100 mark, peaking at a blistering 2162—that means she thinks several moves ahead even before the clock starts ticking!

While her daily games show a solid win rate of nearly 69% when playing her secret weapon opening (classified, of course), her rapid and blitz styles are no less dynamic. Her ability to come back from tough positions is notable: a 75% comeback rate after losing material, proving that giving up is not in Charlizevz’s vocabulary.

When she's not baffling opponents with tricky tactics and endgame finesse, she’s a champion of consistency, boasting a longest winning streak of 9 games. Whether wielding the white pieces with over 65% victories or holding strong as black with a respectable 53%, Charlize blends patience with precision.

Fun fact: 22:00 (10 PM) is prime time for Charlize to unleash her brilliance, and Tuesdays are apparently lucky days—she sports a perfect 100% win rate then. Her games tend to be long masterclasses, averaging 61 moves per win, so if you challenge her, prepare for a mental marathon!

Charlize’s competitive spirit shines brightest in online arenas like Chess.com, where she’s faced a variety of rivals, earning flawless 100% win rates against many. Plus, her games often end on time victories or resignations from exasperated opponents—clearly, her strategy often knows how to make competitors tap out gracefully.

Recent Highlights

• April 2020: A thematic Sicilian Defense (Hyperaccelerated Dragon Fianchetto) where Charlize secured a win against a 1400-rated player by time-forfeit—maybe too much pressure for the opponent!
• August 2020: A rapid live game demonstrating solid positional understanding and tactical awareness, ending in a resignation victory.

Of course, every grandmaster has their off days. Charlize’s most recent stumble was in March 2025, in a hard-fought battle of Modern Defense, where time cut their game short. Even champions have to sip from the cup of defeat sometimes.

Whether you're a casual chess fan or a budding player seeking inspiration, Charlize van Zyl is a delightful blend of grit, tenacity, and a sprinkle of chess magic. Challenge her if you dare—but beware, this WIM is always ready to outwit, outplay, and outlast.

“In the game of life and on the chessboard, it’s never just about winning; it’s about making every move count.” – Charlizevz