Joao Guerra Costa: The Bullet Loving National Master
Introduction
Joao Guerra Costa, better known to online chess fans as Costing, is a National Master who treats every clock like a personal challenge. His handle might suggest a toll, but beating him usually costs opponents their winning streaks. Although his trophy case includes a National Master title, his true love is bullet: fast, frantic, and gloriously unforgiving.
The Long Climb
Costing's journey began in 2014 with modest blitz ratings around the 1200s, but he improved with remarkable speed. Within months he crossed 1700, and by early 2017 he had cracked 2000. That was only the beginning. As of September 2026, he is still climbing, still playing, and still finding new gears on the board.
Opening Repertoire
Costing is a student of popular theory, but he adds his own chaos around the edges. Opponents who walk into the Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation against him pay a heavy tax: he has won 263 of his 389 blitz encounters in that sharp line. He is equally comfortable grinding out victories against the Caro-Kann Defense, and as Black he regularly survives the Ruy Lopez with a healthy win rate.
Rivals and Comebacks
Costing thrives in rematches. Against frequent opponent tiagocandal, he has racked up 21 wins against only 1 loss, proving that familiarity does not breed equality. His longest winning streak hit 14, and his comeback rate sits near 85 percent, meaning a lost piece rarely ends the argument. He even holds a winning record after giving up material, which is either excellent technique or sheer stubbornness.
Style, Quirks, and Bullet Brain
Costing is a finisher, not a quitter: his early resignation rate is below one percent, and his endgame frequency sits above 73 percent. His average decisive games stretch past 65 moves, so bring a snack. In bullet, his peak is 2360 (2026-09-22), and his Daily record is 51 wins against one lonely loss. Under the username Costing, his blitz game count exceeds 10,000, each one a small data point in a decade long obsession.
- Title: National Master
- Longest winning streak: 14
- Longest losing streak: 8, and yes, he still showed up the next day.
- Rapid record: 9 wins, 0 losses
Bottom Line
Costing represents the eternal online chess grinder: a titled National Master who enjoys the chaos of bullet, respects the marathon of blitz, and almost never resigns when there is chaos to be survived. He may not always choose the most peaceful path, but he makes the board a far more entertaining place.