Álvaro Valdés IM

Álvaro Valdés - International Master

Álvaro Valdés, known in the chess world as Escanor89, is an International Master recognized by FIDE, weaving strategy and tactics with the flair of a grandmaster-in-the-making. With a peak blitz rating soaring up to an impressive 2653, Álvaro is no stranger to the fast-paced intensity of timed chess battles.

Playing Style & Strengths

Álvaro’s games often feature deep endgames, with an average of over 79 moves per win, showing both resilience and finesse. Quick to spot tactical opportunities, Álvaro has an exceptional comeback rate of nearly 82% after trailing, earning a reputation as a tenacious fighter who rarely throws in the towel early—only resigning about 2.5% of the time.

Despite the pressure, Álvaro’s psychological “tilt factor” is kept in check at a modest 8%, proving that even under fire, calm and collected thinking prevails. His best hours to play are between noon and mid-afternoon, with an especially sharp edge around 1 PM, making him a formidable opponent in daytime duels.

Chess Battles and Stats

• Total Blitz games: Over 1,100 games with a win rate just above 51%, showing consistent dominance.
• Bullet master: A peak bullet rating of 2585 testifies to Álvaro’s lightning-fast intuition and nerves of steel.
• Rapid performance: Though fewer games played here, Álvaro shows solid form with a peak of 2098 and strategic patience.
• Favorite opening: The allusive “Top Secret” strategy, winning more than half of the time—mysterious, indeed!
• Longest winning streak: A cool 20 wins in a row, proving that when the pieces align, Álvaro doesn’t just play—he conquers.

Notable Traits and Fun Facts

Álvaro's opponents know him as a tricky tactician with a penchant for creative play, illustrated by his affection for Chess960 variants where randomness meets skill—his recent victories showcase nimble thinking under unusual setups.

He exhibits a nearly even-handed performance with White and Black, boasting a slight preference to win when playing the white pieces (about 53% success rate), yet remaining just as dangerous with the dark side of the board.

In the vast sea of opponents, Álvaro has carved out perfect win records against a surprising number of usernames—clearly, patience and precision pay off.

A Final Word

Whether blitzing through firestorms or engaging in marathon endgame duels, Álvaro Valdés battles with an intense mix of skill, strategy, and perhaps a dash of wizardry. He might be an International Master, but against him, even grandmasters better keep their wits about them. If chess had a secret agent, Escanor89 would be a top candidate—with a penchant for checkmates delivered with style and speed.