Hugo ten Hertog GM

Hugo ten Hertog - The Grandmaster Enigma

Meet Hugo ten Hertog, known in the chess world and online as Federtiu, a Grandmaster who has mesmerized opponents with a mind sharper than a freshly sharpened bishop. With a FIDE title that demands respect, Hugo's game is a striking blend of tactical wizardry and strategic patience.

Rise to the Top

Starting from humble beginnings with a Blitz rating just over 1000, Hugo skyrocketed to a peak Blitz rating of 2803 in July 2022 and a Bullet peak of 2836 as recently as November 2023. This giant leap didn't happen by accident: it was crafted over thousands of intense battles played, often at lightning speed and with nerves of steel.

Playing Style & Persona

Hugo's patience on the board is legendary — his average winning game stretches over 69 moves, showing he’s nobody’s rush job. Known for excelling in endgames, he plays a long game with an astonishing come-back rate of over 80%, proving that giving up is not in his vocabulary. Opponents have noted his calm even under pressure, though his tilt factor hints he’s human after all (only 12%, keep guessing when those rare blunders happen).

His favorite time to dominate the chessboard? 1 AM — while most of us are dreaming, Hugo is scheming. With a win rate of about 54% with White and 51% with Black, Federtiu can handle the board no matter which side they’re on.

Notable Streaks & Stats

• Longest winning streak: 24 games
• Currently on a winning streak (at least 1 game!)
• Known for decisive finishes: over 1800 wins by checkmate
• Rarely quits early: early resignation rate is under 1%

Favorite Openings

Ask Hugo about openings and you get a cryptic smile — much like a magician guarding a secret spell book. For both Blitz and Bullet, performances show a “Top Secret” repertoire that keeps opponents guessing and often leads to victory.

Recent Battles & Highlights

One memorable recent victory was a swift checkmate achieved against Feel_Special in October 2024, a game showcasing Hugo's command of the Modern Defense (ECO B06). When it comes to clashes under pressure, whether winning by attrition or by the sharpest knockouts, Federtiu proves why the Grandmaster title is no joke.

Off the Board

When not slaying chess positions at insane speeds, Hugo’s penchant for psychological insights shines through: their known weaknesses arguably include playing a little less well around 3-4 AM and the occasional heavily distracted hour. But then again, who isn’t?

Hugo ten Hertog’s profile is that of a relentless competitor with a playful streak, mixing the precision of a surgeon with the indomitable spirit of a chess gladiator. Whether you face him online or in a tournament hall, expect fierce battles, clever traps, and a show of masterclass chess.