Philipp Kylakov

Philipp Kylakov - Chess Enthusiast Extraordinaire

Known online by his moniker Filipp1278, Philipp is a chess player whose journey reads like a rollercoaster ride on 64 squares. From lofty peaks to humbling troughs, his rapid rating once soared to a respectable 921 in November 2020, showcasing flashes of brilliance and tactical acumen that dazzled opponents. Yet, like any grand adventure, there were moments when the chips fell a bit less favorably — dipping into the mid-400s in 2024 — proving that even the best in the game have to lace up their boots and grind through slumps.

Philipp’s blitz and daily battles paint the picture of a strategic thinker who loves the slow dance of daily chess as much as the lightning-fast blitz duels. His daily peak rating of 1203 in April 2019 hints at a player who really knows how to seize critical moments, while his blitz peak of 1000 in mid-2022 confirms he doesn’t shy away from the adrenaline rush.

When it comes to opening repertoire, Philipp plays a well-rounded game with a penchant for the King’s Pawn Opening and the Scandinavian Defense, regularly mixing mixes in variations like the Mieses-Kotrc and Van 't Kruijs Opening — the latter apparently a personal favorite, boasting his highest rapid win rate at 56.38%. A crafty strategist with a slight taste for chess history and some obscure lines, he likes to keep his opponents guessing.

Not just a tactician, Philipp's psychological stats reveal a player with a 59.61% comeback rate — a chess phoenix to be reckoned with! Despite a moderate “tilt factor” of 8 (yes, he’s human), he keeps his cool especially during the 10 PM hour, which he claims is his prime time to put on a checkmating clinic.

Philipp’s recent games illustrate his fighting spirit. His latest triumph involved a strategic tussle featuring the Van 't Kruijs Opening where he clinched victory in an intense battle of wits. Though he occasionally stumbles — such as a recent loss to nimble players employing the Nimzowitsch Defense — Philipp’s passion for the game is undeterred.

With over 614 rapid wins and a playstyle marked by patience (average moves per win: ~48) and resilience, Philipp is proof that chess is as much about perseverance as it is about genius. Whether it's methodically dismantling defenses or sacrificing pawns to keep the pressure, he’s not just playing a game — he’s living the grandmaster dream, one move at a time.

In the words of Philipp himself: “Chess is like life, full of unexpected twists — sometimes you win, sometimes you learn, and sometimes you just have to resign early and prepare for the next round.”

Follow his journey, cheer his comebacks, and maybe don’t get caught off-guard by his favorite “sneaky” openings!