Erik Price - The Relentless Rapid Rumbler
Meet Erik Price, a chess player who might not top the grandmaster charts but certainly knows how to keep the board alive and kicking! From humble beginnings in bullet chess back in 2015 with a fiery peak rating of 1184, Erik has transitioned his talents primarily to rapid chess, where he's played well over 4,800 games with a nearly even split between victories and defeats.
Playing Style & Stats
Erik's style could be described as tenacious and tactical. His average game length clocks in at roughly 53 moves when he wins, showing he's not one to rush—unless he's desperately looking for a comeback, which he’s quite good at with a comeback rate of nearly 67%! When losing a piece, he still manages to clinch a win 42% of the time, proving resilience against adversity. With a low early resignation rate (~4%), Erik often battles it out to the bitter end.
Erik wins slightly more often playing White (50.33% win rate) than Black (46.04%), but either way, he’s not shy about mixing it up. He indulges in the Scandinavian Defense, Center Game, and Nimzowitsch variations as his weapons of choice, favoring aggressive, open play that often gives spectators (and opponents) something to talk about.
Notable Facts & Fun Bits
- Longest winning streak? A solid 12 games. Longest losing streak? Also respectable at 11. It’s fair to say Erik has experienced both the highs and lows of competitive chess.
- His best time to play is apparently 7 AM, so if you see him online early (or late night for that matter), beware!
- Despite his rollercoaster rating ride—peaking at 1037 in rapid and 1184 in bullet—Erik stays consistent, showing a true love for the game's long grind rather than quick flashes of brilliance.
- His opening repertoire features favorites like the Scandinavian Defense where he’s played hundreds of games, winning about 46% of them, which is impressive given its sharp and often double-edged nature.
Recent Games & Highlights
Erik’s recent victories are as dramatic as his stats:
- June 3, 2025: A swift and surgical win by resignation with the Scandinavian Defense (B01), showing his ability to capitalize on opponents’ early mistakes.
- June 2, 2025: A thrilling checkmate finish in a long tussle with the closed Scandinavian Defense variation, showcasing tactical flair and endurance.
- June 2, 2025: Another checkmate victory using the lesser-known Mieses Opening—proving Erik can surprise with offbeat openings.
Of course, the grind includes losses too, like a tough checkmate defeat recently against "maymuni," but as his stats reveal, every setback is just fuel for an eventual comeback.
Summary
Erik Price is the kind of chess player who embodies the spirit of the game: resilient, experimental, and fiercely committed to the fight on the 64 squares. He might not have Magnus Carlsen’s rating, but he has the heart of a lion, a love for the Scandinavian Defense, and a penchant for turning around even the most dire positions. Whether you face him online or just watch his games, you’ll see a player who never gives up and always keeps the chessboard interesting.
