Cortney Mittelsteadt

Cortney Mittelsteadt (aka Corkcaine)

Meet Cortney Mittelsteadt, also known on the chess battlefield as Corkcaine—a cunning force in the world of rapid chess whose rating rollercoaster rivals even the most thrilling theme park rides. With a peak rapid rating nudging 1210 and a daily high soaring to 1278, Corkcaine proves they're not just here to play, but to outwit, outmaneuver, and occasionally, out-blunder with style.

Chess Journey and Style

Cortney started off strong with an impeccable 1-0 record in early 2023 rapid games and quickly amassed hundreds of games with a mix of wins, losses, and the occasional draw—because even the sharpest minds need a breather. Their approach? A balanced mix, brimming with tactful attacks and a defense strategy built around the Caro Kann Defense—a favorite opening peppered with variations like the Exchange and the Advance. The Scandinavian Defense Mieses Kotrc Variation and Queen's Pawn Opening Zukertort variations also make well-rehearsed appearances in their repertoire.

Not one to give up early, Corkcaine's comeback rate is an impressive 68.68%, proving that when the chips are down, they're just getting started. Known for slow, gradual pressure in the endgame—playing an average of almost 66 moves per win—Cortney is patient, cunning, and relentless.

On the Board and Off

The numbers tell a tale of highs and lows: a nearly even split between wins and losses in rapid play (4438 wins to 4475 losses) alongside a respectable draw tally. When playing as White, Corkcaine enjoys a slightly better win rate (50.83%) compared to playing Black (45.47%), but hey, every challenger has favorite colors—even if those pieces are black.

Their longest winning streak? An impressive 10 victories in a row—talk about riding the wave. But that’s balanced by the occasional dark patch of 12 straight losses—because who’s perfect? Corkcaine's psychological tilt factor is at a balanced 12, showing good mental toughness when the heat is on.

Signature Victories & Memorable Games

Among many battles fought, a recent gem from June 1, 2025, showcases Corkcaine's resilient style. Facing the Accelerated London System, they patiently ground down the opponent until checkmate or resignation forced by tactical precision in maneuvering queens and rooks. The final move? A graceful resignation by the opponent, sealing another notch on Corkcaine's win belt.

Fun Facts & Quirks

• Peak gaming hour: 3 AM - Because who doesn’t want to crush pawns while others sleep?
• Best time to challenge Corkcaine: Friday at 49.34% win rate—the perfect day to try your luck.
• “Early resignation” rate: Just 3.46%, proving Corkcaine fights almost till the bitter, checkmated end.
• Favorite hunger move: The Caro Kann Defense Advance Variation, boasting a cool 52.09% win rate—definitely worth trying next game.

Whether you're a fellow chess lover, a casual fan, or simply amused by the sheer volume of opponents defeated (or lamented), Cortney Mittelsteadt stands as a testament to the joy of the game, mixing grit and humor one move at a time. So, next time you see Corkcaine online, prepare for a game filled with strategic depth, unexpected turns, and maybe, just maybe, a sly blunder for good measure.