Alan (aka "crankinhaus")
Meet Alan, a determined and witty chess enthusiast who dances gracefully across the 64 squares like a caffeinated knight on an espresso binge. Known in the chess world as crankinhaus, Alan has amassed a mountain of games, sweat, and occasional blunders — all part of the epic journey to chess glory.
Rating Rollercoaster
Despite some ups and downs—Alan’s blitz rating peaked impressively at 2126 in May 2020, while his bullet best hit 2112 that same month.
His rapid game skills have been on a steady incline, reaching a peak of 2000 in 2025, proving that slow and steady sometimes really does win the race. Mind you, his daily games also flirt with the 1600s, showing that Alan can play the long game as well as he blitzes his opponents.
Playing Style & Strategy
Alan has an average of about 33 moves per win, savoring complex battles that test his tactical awareness and patience. He’s known for an interesting paradox: high early resignation rate (around 54%) — probably a strategic "I'll take the L with dignity" — but an impressive comeback rate over 42% and a less-than-shabby 51% win rate after losing a piece. Talk about resilience!
He prefers sharpening his claws in the middlegame on days with the best results around 7 PM to 8 PM, just in time for prime brain power and checkmate fever.
Favorite Openings
Crankinhaus keeps his secrets well-guarded with a top secret opening used in over 80,000 games boasting a >52% win rate. Other preferred weapons include the Queen's Pawn Opening — Chigorin Variation (nearly 59% wins), and the French Defense – Advance Variation which he seems to carry like a trusty swiss army knife.
Battle Records
- Blitz: Over 42,500 wins out of 81,000+ games. Not bad for a guy who sometimes decides to throw in the towel early!
- Bullet: Just shy of 9,000 wins, proving lightning fast moves are his playground.
- Daily: Consistent and dependable with more wins than losses.
- Rapid: Nearly even split between wins and losses, but never short on draws or drama.
Recent Adventures on the Board
In one of his latest triumphs, Alan skillfully navigated the Queen’s Pawn Opening - Chigorin Variation, securing a win by resignation in a tense 29-move battle. In another speedy showdown, he tangoed with the Old Benoni Defense, dismantling defenses in 37 moves.
Of course, not all duels end in victory — like any grandmaster in the making, Alan also takes losses with the same grace, last time succumbing in a Queens Gambit Declined duel that stretched to move 60.
Psychological Edge
Alan has a Tilt Factor of 16, so while he might ruffle a few feathers, he’s not the emotional wreck you'd expect — just a passionate player who knows when to get back up. Rated games test his nerve more than casual, as noted by an 18% tougher time in rated battles.
His opponents? A diverse clan ranging from ficslagger to georgemarcus, yet he’s got several who push him hardest — keeping Alan on his toes and his tactical senses sharp.
In the world of chess, Alan is that lovable guy who might chuckle after a brash early resignation but then come back with a flurry of sharp moves, reminding everyone: the game isn't over until the king falls (or the proud knight runs out of coffee).