Nicolas Brunner IM

Nicolas Brunner - International Master Extraordinaire

Nicolas Brunner, officially crowned as an International Master by FIDE, is a formidable blitz wizard with a penchant for quick, tactical fireworks. His blitz peak rating soared to a dazzling 2788 in April 2023—a rating so high it probably made some computers reconsider their life choices. Not just a fleeting flash in the pan, Nicolas's passion for the game pulses through over 440 blitz encounters, boasting a respectable 44.55% win rate with his mysterious "Top Secret" openings that keep opponents guessing and often scratching their heads.

While his rapid rating is modest compared to his blitz exploits (peaking at 2161), Nicolas clearly thrives under the pressure cooker of fast time controls, where his swift calculation and relentless endgame focus shine. Indeed, he finishes an impressive 88.5% of games in the endgame, proving he’s no mere flash-in-the-pan but a grinder who loves the long haul once the chessboard empties. His average moves per win and loss hover in the mid-80s, illustrating his endurance and patience—qualities every chess player dreams of but few actually have.

Nicolas's psychological mountains and valleys are as fascinating as his moves: he sports a tilt factor of only 4, which is pretty low considering how intense blitz battles get. His best time to swoop in for victory? Early morning at 6 AM, when the birds and pawns are just waking up. His comeback rate nears an astonishing 90%, making him a nightmare for opponents who think they've snagged a piece or two.

With a longest win streak of 6 games and a current streak balancing serenely at zero (chess life has its ups and downs), Nicolas's style blends tenacious defense with opportunistic offense. When the spotlight is on, he clinches victories not just by brilliant checkmates but by resilience, often coaxing resignations and outlasting foes on time too—a true blitz renaissance man.

Off the battlefield, rumors suggest Nicolas might secretly be a magician, given the sheer number of surprising twists in his games. Whether facing familiar foes like witik or up-and-comers, he's known to pull out unexpected tricks and keep the chess world on its toes.

For Nicolas, every ticking second on the clock is a dance, every pawn a potential hero, and every game a story waiting to be told. If you ever find yourself matched against him, brace yourself: you’re in for a rollercoaster ride with the International Master who plays chess at lightning speed but with the thoughtful precision of a grandmaster.

Recent Highlight: On February 18, 2025, Nicolas (under the alias chrisclaireredfield) outmaneuvered a 2678-rated opponent in a thrilling blitz game, showcasing his razor-sharp tactics and strategic mastery to force a resignation. Check out the game here and prepare to be impressed!