Marat Shakirov FM

Marat Shakirov - FIDE Master Extraordinaire

Known in the chess circles and on Chess.com as Dr_Pepper18, Marat Shakirov has earned the respected title of FIDE Master, a testament to his serious dedication to the sixty-four squares.

Blitz Wizardry and Rating Climb

Marat's journey through the blitz realm is nothing short of electrifying—starting at a humble rating of just over 1300 in mid-2023, he rocketed past 2500 by mid-2024, peaking at an impressive 2520. This rapid rise showcases a blend of tactical insight and swift calculation, perfect for blitz battles.

A Tale of Triumphs and Tribulations

With a blitz record boasting a nearly even 115 wins to 110 losses and 19 draws, Marat proves that even the best have off days. His longest winning streak stands at a solid 8 consecutive victories, though current forms show a gritty player not afraid to fight through losing streaks either.

Style and Strategy

Marat's favorite game length hovers around 79 moves for both wins and losses, pointing to a patient, strategic style that doesn’t rush the endgame—he's engaged in the endgame 85% of the time! He’s tough to shake off, with a comeback rate close to 90% after losing material, and boasts a small but respectable tilt factor of 5, meaning he keeps calm even when the chess gods frown.

When to Catch Marat at His Best?

If you want to beat Marat (good luck!), try Tuesday mornings or Friday afternoons—but beware, his absolute power hours are 19:00 and 18:00, with a 100% win rate during those times. It's like clockwork, literally.

Opening the Playbook

While his opening preferences remain a bit of a top secret, Marat confidently navigates the battlefield with a nearly 47% win rate over almost 250 rapid blitz games, often surprising opponents with sharp, calculated plays in lines like the Grunfeld Exchange and Caro-Kann variations.

Memorable Victories

Recent games highlight his knack for finishing with flair—checkmates and resignations both play their role in his victories. A recent win on October 22, 2024, featured a crushing checkmate against a 2600+ opponent, proving Marat is no pushover even against higher-rated challengers.

Personality Check

Marat's chess persona mixes serious skill with a hint of humor. His username Dr_Pepper18 suggests a player who likes to refresh the board as much as a soda break—always keeping things lively, bubbly, and unpredictable.

In short, Marat Shakirov is a formidable blitz tactician with a fighter's spirit and a master's precision. Whether storming through the middle game or grinding out a long endgame, he’s a player who demands respect—and maybe a cold drink.