David Hodkinson

Chess Player Profile: David Hodkinson (Darcook)

Meet David Hodkinson, better known on the 64 squares as Darcook — a determined and sometimes unpredictable chess enthusiast whose passion for the game has spanned over a decade. Since first darting into the chess world in 2013 with a daily rating poking around 1300, David’s journey has been one of grit, grind, and gradual growth, peppered with moments of brilliance and a dash of humor.

Career Highlights & Style

David’s peak daily rating soared to a respectable 1349 back in early 2021, a time when his “Top Secret” opening strategy went undefeated—seriously, 10 wins out of 10 games, zero losses, zero draws. It’s so secret, even he may have forgotten the moves. His rapid chess peaks are just as impressive, reaching up to 1362, and let’s just say he’s no stranger to outmaneuvering opponents in the quickfire blitz format either, topping at 1130.

When it comes to openings, David approaches the board like a culinary artist experimenting in the kitchen. From the classic Scotch Game to the aggressive Scandinavian Defense, he seems to enjoy a smorgasbord of openings—never afraid to throw in a gambit here, or a tricky defense there. Interestingly, David boasts a 100% win rate with some obscure (yet undeniably charming) variations like the Scotch Game Scotch Gambit and the Scandinavian Defense Modern Variation. Opponents beware—his playbook might contain surprises you didn’t see coming.

Playing Personality and Trends

David's playing style is a blend of patience and occasional early resignations, keeping his early resignation rate modest at 2.85%. His preference for the endgame shines through, with over half his games nudging into the late stages—because nothing says chess love like a good endgame tussle. He tends to bring home the bacon with White slightly more often (51.05%) than Black (48.27%), a balanced warrior of both colors.

But beware the psychological battlefield! David’s tilt factor clocks in at 13, meaning sometimes frustration sneaks into the mix after setbacks. However, his impressive 75.56% comeback rate reveals a fighter who rarely concedes defeat without a serious fightback.

Memorable Moments

One of the most recent gems in David’s career was a neat victory by resignation over deezzzknightss using the Nimzowitsch Defense Declined—a game featuring solid positional play and tactical awareness that forced his opponent to throw in the towel. Conversely, not all battles go David’s way; a tricky encounter with FamilyChessGames saw a checkmate loss in a tense English Opening clash, reminding us that even the best sometimes taste defeat.

Fun Facts & Trivia

• David’s favorite time to play? Around 5 PM, when his win rate peaks at a cheerful 59%.
• His longest winning streak is an admirable 8 games, proving that when the stars align, Darcook is unstoppable.
• He’s a bit of a speed demon in daily chess, often wrapping games quickly with an average of about 56 moves per win.
• Despite his serious chess chops, David likes to keep things light—with nicknames like Darcook, you just know there’s some personality behind the pieces.

Overall Legacy

David Hodkinson’s chess story is one of steady dedication, marked by a hearty mix of successes and instructive defeats. His journey illustrates the beautiful chaos of the game—where a secret weapon opening can turn the tides, and even a modest rating is a badge of honor earned through countless battles. For anyone doubting the power of perseverance and passion on the checkered battlefield, just look at Darcook: a player who cooks up wins one move at a time.