Eric Benedetto

Eric Benedetto (ercb16): The Underrated Chess Adventurer

Eric Benedetto, better known in the online chess realms as ercb16, is a player who loves to tango with the complexities of chess, sometimes winning, sometimes learning—mostly entertaining. His journey is nothing short of a rollercoaster, boasting a peak rapid rating of 844 as of May 2025. Not quite the Grandmaster's turf yet, but Eric’s passion for the game shines brighter than his rating number might suggest.

Stats Snapshot:

• Rapid: 907 wins, 852 losses, 122 draws – a true battler who doesn’t mind taking a hit for glory.
• Blitz: 16 wins vs 10 losses, proving he can handle the heat even when the clock’s ticking fast.
• Bullet: A scrappy 12 wins and 13 losses; not the fastest gun in town but always ready for a shootout.

Eric's opening repertoire is eclectic, but he has a soft spot for the Scandinavian Defense Mieses Kotrc Variation in rapid games, winning over half those duels (about 53% win rate). He’s also explored King’s Pawn Opening Knights Variation with decent success. If you fancy quirky variations, watch out: Eric’s not afraid to try aggressive lines like Bishop’s Opening and Pirc Defense Geller System—where his win rate hilariously spikes to 100%, though with far fewer games.

Playing Style & Personality:

Forget the cold calculation stereotype; Eric’s style is a mix of dogged resilience and tactical creativity. His comeback rate is nearly 70%—meaning if you take a piece from him, don’t expect him to roll over easily. He’s tricky in the endgame and tends to average about 61 moves per win (yes, he sometimes drags out the drama!). Early resignations are rare, just under 5%, proving he fights till the end, even if it gets spicy.

Speaking of spicy, Eric’s psychological game is... interesting. With a tilt factor of 9, he might grumble a bit after a rough patch, but his love for chess keeps him bouncing back. His best time to strike? 11 AM sharp—morning freshness or just caffeine synergy? We'll never know.

Notable Moments:

One of Eric’s freshest victories came in a live rapid battle on May 31, 2025, with a fierce Scandinavian Defense Mieses Kotrc Variation where he seized control early, forcing his opponent to concede by resignation. You can relive the drama here—it’s a testament to his never-say-die spirit.

In Conclusion:

Eric Benedetto is not just a player; he’s a chess adventurer navigating the wild terrain between the opening surprises and endgame epics. For every win, there’s a lesson learned; for every loss, an opportunity to come back stronger (and maybe tilt a little). With a uniquely balanced combo of perseverance and playfulness, Eric reminds us all that chess is as much about the journey as the rating itself.

Keep an eye on ercb16—he’s the underdog with a queen’s heart.