The Grandmaster Behind the Crescent Moon
Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, better known online as crescentmoon2411, is a FIDE Grandmaster who treats bullet chess like a natural habitat. The username might suggest calm moonlight walks, but his play is more like a caffeine-fueled lightning storm. With a massive volume of speed games and a peak bullet rating of 3244 (2026-02-28), he is one of those players who makes the clock feel like a suggestion.
Speed Chess Machine
crescentmoon2411 has played thousands of bullet and blitz games, and the numbers paint a picture of relentless activity. He is the kind of player who queues up again after a tough loss, confident that the next game will fix everything. His longest winning streak reached 14 games, but even a ten game losing streak did not stop him from coming back for more.
He is especially dangerous in seemingly lost positions. He wins nearly 90 percent of games after falling behind, and he even wins more than half the time after losing a piece. That combination of stubbornness and tactical alertness makes him a nightmare opponent.
Opening Toolbox
Son has a clear love for practical opening systems. He has played hundreds of games in the Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation, often using it to steer the game away from the deepest theory. He also leans on the Caro-Kann Defense and the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense when he wants solid, fighting positions. His first capture tends to happen early, and he is not shy about launching rook checks into the heart of the position.
Here is a look at his bullet trajectory and opening results.
Rivalries That Keep the Queue Interesting
No online chess career is complete without rivals, and Son has plenty. He has faced Erik Obgolts more than 150 times in a rivalry that is remarkably balanced. He has also played over 100 matches against Tamas Banusz and Mihnea Costachi, building a soap opera between the moves. Against Jerry, he has enjoyed a comfortable winning record, which probably makes those rematches even sweeter.
Small Habits, Big Numbers
Son is at his best around 15:00, which might be the hour when the coffee and the clock align perfectly. He does not resign early, he fights through long endgames, and his games often go past 80 moves. If you face him in bullet, bring patience, a good mouse, and maybe a backup mouse. You will need them.