Jim McDonough

Jim McDonough (FJMcdonough) - The Resilient Chess Journeyman

Jim McDonough is a chess player whose games tell a story of perseverance, tactical tenacity, and a soft spot for the Four Knights Game Scotch Variation – because why not fight knight-for-knight in style?

Rating Highlights

• Peak Blitz Rating: 742 (January 2022)
• Peak Rapid Rating: 866 (January 2025)
• Peak Bullet Rating: 803 (October 2022)
• Peak Daily Rating: 1099 (March 2020)

Playing Style

Jim has an Early Resignation Rate of less than 3%, which means he doesn’t give up early unless he’s pretty sure his opponent castled queenside with a pawn storm incoming. With an Endgame Frequency over 56%, Jim loves a good fight in the trenches, proving that he’s not just here for flashy openings, but the gritty battle to the bitter end. His average moves per win and loss (around 54 and 59) suggest he’s in it for the long haul rather than quick knockouts.

Tactical Prowess & Psychology

With a Comeback Rate near 80%, Jim knows how to bounce back from adversity, shaking off losses like a grandmaster dusting off a blunder. However, when he loses a piece, his win rate drops to about 43%, reminding us all that losing a bishop midgame is no picnic. He’s got a tilt factor of 16, which means sometimes the losing streak gets to him — but who doesn’t melt a little inside after a brutal 16-game losing streak?

Preferred Openings

Jim’s best successes come from some classic openings:

• Four Knights Game Scotch Variation Accepted: Favored and fruitful with a win rate over 52% in blitz.
• Petrov's Defense Three Knights Game: A reliable go-to boasting nearly 57% wins.
• Vienna Game and Philidor Defense: Offering a nice mix of tactical and positional play.

Game Highlights

Jim’s recent Rapid victories have showcased his skill in sharp tactical melee, often ending games by checkmate or forcing resignations. One memorable recent win came against "apandeli" in the Indian Game, where Jim skillfully converted a complex middlegame into a decisive checkmate.

Streaks & Records

Hold onto your rooks! Jim’s longest winning streak stands at 11 games, proving he's got the magic touch when the pieces fall into place. However, he’s also experienced the darkest days with a 16-game losing streak, which he now uses as fuel for epic comebacks.

Personality & Fun Facts

Jim is not just about numbers and wins; he’s a player who fights hard, despite the odds. His win rates vary depending on the hour, with a peak performance around 10 AM — so morning caffeine might just be his secret weapon. And when it comes to daily play, Jim once hit a peak rating of 1099, giving us all hope that dedication over time pays off, especially with a little patience (and maybe some lucky blunders from opponents).

Whether battling it out in blitz or grinding serious rapid games, Jim McDonough exemplifies the spirit of chess as a never-ending journey of learning, losing, winning, and most importantly – having fun with the knights and pawns.

Ready for a challenge? You might want to bring your A-game when facing Jim McDonough!