Juan Heinichen (elpatodice) — Candidate Master
Juan Heinichen, known online as elpatodice, is a FIDE Candidate Master and a formidable fast time control specialist. He favors Bullet play and combines cheeky openings with deep endgame technique. Expect clever tricks, long technical fights, and the occasional joke when the clock slips below 10 seconds.
Preferred time control: Bullet.
Career highlights
- Attained Candidate Master title and climbed to a Bullet peak in late 2025. 2618 (2025-12-02)
- Steady Bullet improvement from under 1700 in 2019 to 2600 plus in 2025.
- Active and successful Blitz competitor with a 2023 peak performance. 2539 (2023-10-19)
Playing style and strengths
Juan is a long-form mind in a short-clock world. He reaches endgames often and thrives in technical, maneuvering positions even in Bullet games.
- High endgame frequency, reaching late phases in roughly 80 percent of games.
- Long average decisive games, showing patience and technique under time pressure.
- Strong comeback ability and good tactical awareness in chaotic time scrambles.
- Pragmatic approach to resignation with a modest early resignation rate.
Signature openings
Juan mixes offbeat systems and solid mainlines. He likes positions that pose practical problems for the opponent on the clock.
- As White: Nimzo-Larsen Attack. Nimzo-Larsen Attack
- As Black: Colle System in reverse and the Colle Rhamphorhynchus line. Colle System: Rhamphorhynchus Variation
- Also seen regularly: Sicilian setups, Giuoco Piano Tarrasch lines, and occasional Amar gambits.
Streaks and current form
- Longest recorded winning streak: 9 games.
- Longest recorded losing streak: 14 games. Current losing streak: 5.
- Bullet is Juan's strongest format when adjusted for opponent strength.
Regular opponents
Juan has built repeat matchups with several online rivals. These names come up often in his recent history.
- bugmonster — most played rival. BuGMonster
- aliencowboy — spicy blitz and Bullet encounters. Alan Stein
- mayo_neighs, coryives, alekhinesbeef — frequent opponents with diverse styles. Braeden Hart coryives AlekhinesBeef
Sample game and study
Replay a compact, practical game that reflects Juan's style. Clock drama and tactical choices are part of the lesson.
Online replay: View Game
Mini PGN viewer:
Personality and notes
Juan plays with a playful and resilient spirit. He enjoys surprising opponents with unusual lines and grinding them down in long endgames. For fans and rivals, elpatodice is a fun study in blending trickery with technique.
- Best time of day to face Juan: early morning sessions when he is sharpest.
- SEO keywords: Juan Heinichen, elpatodice, Candidate Master, Bullet specialist, Nimzo-Larsen, Colle System, online chess.