Doug Read

Doug Read: The Chess Journeyman with a Tactical Twist

Doug Read, known online by the handle dougread, is a persistent and crafty chess player who has steadily navigated the ranks of online chess since at least 2020. With a peak daily rating just shy of 1300 (1293 to be exact, achieved in January 2021), Doug exemplifies the determined competitor who enjoys the battle on the board whether racing against the clock or savoring slow, strategic daily games.

Rating Trajectory and Style

Nicknamed the "Comeback Kid" by friends who appreciate his knack for turning the tables, Doug holds an impressive comeback rate of 71.15%. While he may not dominate blitz with a peak rating just over 1000, his rapid and daily games show sharper teeth, peaking at 1362 and 1293 respectively. His average daily game length of about 50 moves showcases a balanced mix of patience and tactical endurance, famously not rushing to resign early — his early resignation rate is a humble 2%, meaning he fights for every pawn and piece down.

Opening Repertoire: A Fondness for Classic Italian Gambits

Doug’s most successful weapon is the Giuoco Piano Game in daily chess, with a stellar win rate of 87.5% across 8 games. Fans of Italian openings will appreciate his fondness for the Kings Pawn Opening King's Knight Variation, boasting an 83% win rate. Doug understands that control of the center paired with sharp knight maneuvers can turn bishops into thunderbolts of victory. However, not every opening is a charm — he has been haunted on occasion by the Pirc Defense Modern Defense Geller System, a line where wins have so far eluded him.

A Battle-Tested Record

Doug’s overall daily record tells the tale of a fighter: 75 wins, 56 losses, and a few draws to keep things interesting. He has endured the ups and downs typical of an avid online player — including a longest winning streak of 9 games and, more humbly, a longest losing streak that matched it. When playing as Black or White, he is nearly equally balanced, with a slight edge playing Black (50.96% win rate).

Memorable Matches & Opponents

Doug has tangled most often with players like luker_88 and chillykinight, savoring mixed fortunes. While some opponents have proven tough nuts, Doug boasts a perfect score against several others, including matthewolson6 and petar72. His most recent notable victory came in a tense Italian Game against Matthewolson6, where Doug clinched the game on time after a masterful display of pressure and precision.

Personality on the Board

Doug’s tilt factor sits at a moderate 9, suggesting he occasionally feels the heat but rarely lets frustration cost him dearly. Best when playing at the crack of dawn (his best time of day is 4 AM — so if you ever see a game popping up in the bleak early hours, beware!), Doug’s win rates shine brightest on Sundays and Saturdays — perfect timing for weekend warriors who enjoy a solid challenge.

In Summary

Doug Read is the archetype of a dedicated, strategic chess enthusiast who appreciates the beautiful complexity of every position. Not the flashiest grandmaster prodigy, but a solid tactician with a love for classical openings and a resilience that’s made him a respected figure in his circles. Expect dusty old Italian Games, stubborn knight sorties, and a fight to the final move whenever you meet dougread across the virtual board.

So, dear reader, whether you're looking for a patient opponent who carefully crafts his attacks or a resilient player who bounces back from setbacks with a grin, Doug is your chess chap — ever ready to remind you that sometimes the long game pays off.