Paul Cornelison CM

Paul Cornelison - Candidate Master and Chess Connoisseur

In the vast kingdom of knights, bishops, and rook-filled battlefields, Paul Cornelison, better known in chess circles simply as Cornelison, has carved his niche as a formidable Candidate Master under the esteemed FIDE banner.

A Journey Through The Ranks

Since bursting on the bullet chess scene with a peak rating of 2139 in September 2022, Paul has maintained a nearly legendary presence across bullet, blitz, and rapid variants. While his bullet rating has flirted with highs around 1890 more recently, his blitz prowess truly dazzled with a peak rating soaring above 2045 in early 2024. Not to be overshadowed, Paul's rapid rating peaked impressively at 2013, proving he's no slouch when the clock gives a bit more breathing room.

The Stats Behind The Moves

• Total bullet games played: Over 4,000, with a win rate edging just above 51% against all comers.
• Blitz mastery shown through a near even split of wins and losses but a solid winning percentage hovering close to 50% over more than 700 games.
• Rapid encounters are fewer but highlight a promising quick-thinking tactical style.

Signature Styles and Opening Repertoire

Paul's opening repertoire reads like an adventurous tale, with a mischievous love for the mysterious "Top Secret" opening—perhaps he's a chess ninja—achieving a win rate north of 51% across thousands of bullet games. When engaging in more classical flavors, his Caro-Kann Defense has proven particularly potent with a 66% success rate. The Sicilian Defense Open is his shining jewel, boasting a flawless 100% win record in his limited outings.

Chess Psychology and Playing Habits

Don’t be fooled by the fierce competition; Paul knows when to call it quits early, resigning around 0.7% of his games, perhaps saving his mental energy (or dignity) for future wins. His games extend into deep endgames, averaging nearly 69 moves in victorious games, showcasing a dogged endurance and love for theatrical finishes.

His tactical resilience is nothing short of inspirational, staging comebacks nearly 92% of the time and nearly breaking even after losing a piece in a skirmish. Although even the best have their off days, Paul's tilt factor stays low, reassuring fans that he's built like a grandmaster to weather storms.

Notable Recent Battles

Paul's recent games on Chess.com are a spectacle with battles ranging from graceful resignations of his foes to victorious checkmates with elegance and timing. For instance, in a recent encounter playing White against JagathJaya, Paul executed a swift and merciless mating attack after stunning tactical pressure beginning with the Queen’s Pawn Opening, Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. A true strategist, he often channels his inner phoenix, clawing back to winning positions with tactical flair.

Off the Board

When not setting traps and launching devastating forks on the chessboard, Paul might be found pondering the mysteries of "Top Secret" openings or possibly debating the merits of knight versus bishop in quiet cafés. Rumor has it that he occasionally whispers sweet secrets to his bishops, hoping for a bit of extra magic. Always ready to take on opponents ranging from casual enthusiasts to hardened veterans, Paul remains a respected and witty presence in the online chess community.

Final Word

Paul Cornelison stands not only as a Candidate Master but as a fierce competitor, a tactical wizard, and sometimes, a graceful entertainer of the sixty-four squares. Whether it's that nail-biting bullet game or a methodical blitz encounter, expect Cornelison to bring a mix of skill, perseverance, and a splash of chess humor to the board.