Alexander Caruana

Alexander Caruana (aka Darkcloudy) - The Chess Maestro with a Dash of Humor

Alexander Caruana, known in the online chess realm as Darkcloudy, is a formidable force on the board with a blitz rating that once soared beyond 2,400. This player’s journey is like watching a thrilling chess novel unfold—full of ups, downs, and strategic surprises.

Starting as a humble blitz rookie in 2009 with a modest rating around 1363, Alexander quickly improved, becoming a relentless blitz competitor. With over 15,000 wins in blitz alone (plus roughly as many losses), Darkcloudy proves that persistence is key—even if sometimes your mouse hand craves mercy.

His games are a symphony of Sicilian Defense variations, especially the Open Godiva and Najdorf, where he has achieved win rates approaching 50%. This mastery extends to bullet and rapid, where the English Opening and Caro-Kann Defensive Systems are his playgrounds.

Off the board, Alexander’s psychological resilience shines through — boasting an incredible 87.5% comeback rate. When life (or the opponent) takes a piece, he’s all in for a 100% winning bounce-back. Whether it's outlasting opponents or outwitting them, he’s known for playing to the bitter end.

As for play style, expect deep games with average winning moves nudging 74 — not your quick amateur dash but a marathon of patience, proving chess is more a test of stamina than speed (except in bullet, of course!).

Alexander’s recent win? An elegant resignation victory against a 2200+ opponent, showcasing his strategic acumen and psychological pressure. He’s not just about flashy openings — he’s the type who makes your queen think twice before strutting onto the board.

In short, Alexander Caruana is the kind of player who will make you respect chess... and possibly reconsider that risky pawn shove you just made. Watch out—Darkcloudy is lurking in the shadows, ready to strike with a smile and a checkmate.