Known in the chess circles as Der_Honigdachs, Malte Colpe is an International Master who has dazzled opponents, especially in blitz chess, where their highest rating touched an impressive 2633 in 2019. Whether it's lightning-fast bullet games or classical daily battles, Malte's strategic mind and tenacity stand out, backed by an uncanny ability to bounce back from losing a piece with a near-perfect 99.8% win rate after such setbacks.
Career Highlights & Style
Dominates blitz chess with over 1,800 games and a strong win record (972 wins out of 1,896 games in “Top Secret” openings alone).
Possesses a calculated, patient playing style with an average of about 75 moves per win—a true marathoner on the board rather than a sprinter.
Displays exceptional endgame mastery with an endgame frequency exceeding 77%, proving they’re not afraid to grind it out to victory.
Psychological resilience is a strong suit: boasting a comeback rate near 90%, and a low tilt factor of 6 (chess tantrums not included!).
Fun Facts
Malte’s bullet chess resembles a caffeinated squirrel’s energy — fast, sharp, and occasionally unpredictable, peaking at a 2399 rating.
Despite their prowess, daily chess ratings have seen some rollercoaster moments, dropping down to 852 in 2025 — proving even IMs have their “off” days.
They’re a loyal user of the mysterious "Top Secret" opening strategies — perhaps a nod to their nickname, the honey badger (Honigdachs), who never backs down from a challenge.
Malte continues to refine their game and inspire aspiring chess enthusiasts worldwide, proving that with a blend of patience, tactical prowess, and an unyielding spirit, the 64 squares hold endless stories - sometimes hilarious, often brilliant, and always worth watching.
You demonstrate sharp tactical intuition and a willingness to seize the initiative in dynamic, open positions. When lines open up, you actively create threats and look for forcing moves that can overwhelm an unprepared opponent. Your willingness to try aggressive ideas, including timely sacrifices, often pays off and can quickly swing the result in your favor.
You handle tactical complications well and can convert pressure into concrete advantages when the attack lands.
Your openings show a flexible approach, giving you chances to steer the game into sharp middlegames where your energy and calculation can shine.
You stay engaged and fight to the end, which is a valuable trait in blitz where one moment of misstep can flip the outcome.
A useful note: your overall rating trend over various timeframes suggests a steady, positive trajectory. This resilience and continued practice are a strong foundation for continued improvement in blitz.
Areas to improve
Consolidation after starting a tactical initiative: avoid chasing complications too far. If your attack doesn’t land quickly, shift to solid development and safety to secure the position.
Endgame conversion: work on turning advantages into points, especially after exchanges. Practice simple endgames so you can finish cleanly when the position simplifies.
Time management under pressure: aim to establish a clear plan early in the game and stick to it, so you don’t get caught in time trouble or make rushed decisions in the middlegame.
Pattern recognition in your favorite openings: study common middlegame plans and typical pawn structures so you can choose safe, productive continuations rather than only relying on tactical improvisation.
Practical improvement plan for the coming weeks
Daily tactical focus: spend about 15 minutes on puzzles that emphasize forcing moves, forks, and discovered attacks to sharpen calculation under time pressure.
Opening refinement: pick 1-2 openings you enjoy and build a simple, repeatable middlegame plan for them. Create a short checklist of typical plans for those lines so you can execute quickly in blitz.
Post-game reflection: after each blitz game, note one concrete improvement and one safe adjustment you will apply next time.
Endgame practice: work on common endgames (rook endings, king and pawn endings) with short timed drills to improve conversion under pressure.
Opening performance guidance
You choose a broad and flexible set of openings, which is a smart approach in blitz. For faster improvement, focus on 1-2 openings that lead to clear, repeatable middlegame plans and allow you to activate your pieces quickly. In those lines, aim for quick king safety, good piece coordination, and a consistent plan rather than chasing every tactical resource.
Rating trend context
Your trend analysis across different time windows indicates steady growth over time. Keep building on this by pairing deliberate practice with frequent game reviews to convert growth into reliable results in blitz.
Next steps
Choose two openings to master with a short, repeatable middlegame plan and quick endgame ideas.
After each blitz game, write one actionable improvement and one safe adjustment to try next game.
Incorporate a 15-minute daily tactical drill and a weekly post-game review with a partner or coach to discuss mistakes and improvements.
Progress references
Progress notes and quick references can be added here using placeholders if you’d like to share a specific game or opening reference later: malte%20colpe, Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, or .
