Daniel Frempong-Smart (Dani097) - Candidate Master
Daniel Frempong-Smart, known online as Dani097, is a chess player whose journey through the 64 squares has been equal parts thrilling and tenacious. Awarded the prestigious Candidate Master title by FIDE, Daniel’s chess career is marked by a steady rise in rating, a knack for tactical comebacks, and a surprisingly impressive winning streak that would make even the toughest grandmasters blink.
A Rise Through the Ranks
Starting in 2018 with a modest blitz rating of 965, Daniel’s rating skyrocketed through the years, smashing into the 2000s and beyond by 2025. Daniel has proven to be versatile, competing in various time controls including blitz, rapid, bullet, and daily games. By 2025, he boasts rapid ratings above 2100 and blitz ratings pushing past 2090, showing that speed and strategy can happily coexist.
Strengths & Style
What sets Daniel apart is a tactical awareness that borders on chess wizardry. With a comeback rate near 84% and a perfect win rate after losing a piece, opponents beware! Early resignation is rare—only about 1.4%—because Dani fights to the bitter end. The average game might last around 70 moves, meaning the battle usually goes late into the endgame arena, where Daniel truly shines, playing endgames with frequency (74%) that few can match.
Not Just All Work
In the psychological arena, Daniel admits to a tilt factor of 5—yes, even Candidate Masters have their off moments. What's more, his rated games sometimes offer a challenge compared to casual ones, but the thrill is all in the game. When it’s game time, Daniel shines brightest in the evening hours, posting win rates as high as 72% at 4 AM and a beaming 67.86% around 9 PM—definitely a night owl’s advantage.
Opening Secrets & Rivalries
Though “Top Secret” may be the name of Daniel’s favorite opening, it’s no secret that it works—winning over 55% of games in blitz and even better in faster formats. Daniel’s most-played opponents, including “jrdhunks” and “moremike,” have been tough battles, but Dani maintains a respectable edge, winning over 50% against them.
Fun Facts
- Longest winning streak: 16 games — apparently, once Dani starts winning, it's hard to stop!
- Known for crushing it late night: 72.73% win rate at the odd hour of 4 AM.
- Has a 100% win rate after losing a piece; call it the comeback kid effect.
- Despite the chess prowess, Dani’s black pieces win a spectacular 57.09% of games—a true master of the dark side.
Daniel Frempong-Smart reminds us that chess is not just a game, but a marathon of strategy, resilience, and a pinch of midnight magic.