Jim Blackwood - National Master and Chess Adventurer
Known online as chess50years, Jim Blackwood is not your average chess player. With the prestigious title of National Master proudly earned from the National Chess Federation, Jim blends mastery with a pinch of unpredictable charm over the 64 squares.
Rating Rollercoaster and Game Style
Jim’s blitz rating has been a thrilling ride, peaking impressively at 2180 in late 2022, and remaining solidly above 2000 for years after – a testament to his consistency, stamina, and unyielding spirit. While bullet and rapid play occasionally flirt with the highs of 1903 and 2075 respectively, blitz remains his battlefield of choice.
With an overall blitz record boasting 707 wins and a nearly even split of losses and draws, Jim proves to be a fierce competitor who rarely backs down. His tactical awareness is no joke either, with a remarkable 87.92% comeback rate and the uncanny ability to turn losses into wins after a lost piece 41% of the time. Clearly, counting Jim out prematurely is a blunder.
A Strategic Philosopher at Heart
Jim is a patient strategist who prefers long-battles over quick taps; his average moves per victory hover around 76, signaling deep calculation and a fondness for endgame finesse (he dives into endgames 82% of the time). But don’t be fooled by the calm exterior – his psychological "tilt factor" stands at a modest 6, just enough to remind us he’s human, yet controlled enough to maintain his focus.
Favorite Moments and Recent Highlights
One might say Jim’s creative spark shines brightest at the crack of dawn – his best time of day to play is 4 AM, proving he can outwit foes while most are dreaming of snacks and not forks and knights. His latest victory was a stylish win using the Queens Indian Defense (Petrosian Variation), where patience and tactical precision led his opponent down the path to resignation.
Legend, Yet Approachable
Despite his chess prowess, Jim keeps a humble, approachable vibe. If chess were a sitcom, Jim would be the clever underdog‘s enigmatic mentor—equal parts master and mischief-maker, occasionally whispering, "Did you see that trick? That wasn’t in the books."
Whether you’re a casual player looking to improve or a seasoned veteran seeking a worthy adversary, Jim Blackwood’s games are an experience—complex, gripping, and occasionally sprinkled with his signature unpredictable flair. So next time you meet chess50years online, be ready for an intellectual journey full of twists, turns, and the occasional checkmate that makes you smile.