Profile
Maria Florencia Fernández is a rising chess talent and widely admired streamer. They earned the Woman International Master (WIM) title from FIDE and bring a bright, creative spirit to both online and over-the-board play. They stream and compete with a smile, proving that thinking players can be passionate and entertaining at the same time.
Chess career and titles
Fernández embraced competition across Blitz, Bullet, and Rapid, earning a reputation for sharp tactical play and principled strategy under pressure. Their preferred time control is Rapid, where they enjoy fast, dynamic battles and clear, instructive analysis. They continue to expand their repertoire and mentor aspiring players through their streams and games.
Fans can follow a compact chart of their Rapid rating
.Peak ratings highlight a fast-rising profile: Bullet peak around 2635, Blitz peak around 2472, and Rapid peak around 2139 (with the Bullet and Blitz milestones reached in 2025). 2635 (2025-05-17) 2472 (2025-05-14) 2139 (2021-09-04)
Streaming and online presence
Online, they go by the alias effefe and bring their board to life for viewers worldwide. They share games, commentary, and accessible explanations, turning complex ideas into teachable moments. You can explore their profile and recent streams at Maria Florencia Fernández.
Opening repertoire and style
Fernández has a diverse opening repertoire with notable performance across fast time controls. Highlights from their openings performance include:
- Blitz: King’s Indian Defense — Averbakh Variation: 78 games, 45 wins, 33 losses, 0 draws (WinRate 57.69%)
- Blitz: Sicilian Defense — Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack: 76 games, 39 wins, 31 losses, 6 draws (WinRate 51.32%)
- Blitz: Nimzo-Indian Defense — Samisch Variation: 63 games, 35 wins, 25 losses, 3 draws (WinRate 55.56%)
- Blitz: QGD: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3: 32 games, 23 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw (WinRate 71.88%)
- Bullet: Czech Defense and Pirc/Modern family lines show flexibility and aggressive piece activity
Impact and ongoing journey
Beyond the board, Fernández embodies the modern chess player: technically proficient, generous with knowledge, and known for a playful, educational approach that resonates with fans of all ages. They continue to compete at high levels while streaming, coaching, and inspiring a growing community of players who value learning with a smile.