Michael Walder (aka FlightsOfFancy)
Title: National Master
Known in the chess world by the whimsical moniker FlightsOfFancy, Michael Walder is a National Master who dances gracefully over the 64 squares with a blend of tactical wizardry and strategic depth. From humble beginnings and a blitz rating of just 1362 in 2014, Michael has soared to rapid rating heights exceeding 2200, proving that even in chess, fantasies can take flight!
Playing Style and Strengths
Michael has a penchant for endgames, diving deep into complex finales with an average of over 66 moves per win, which shows patience that would make even the most seasoned monks envious. His comeback rate? A staggering 83.85%, combined with an unbelievable 100% win rate after losing a piece—proof that Michael never gives up, even when things look grim.
White pieces or Black, Michael's win rates hover above 50%, with a slight preference for White, boasting a 56.37% success rate. Oh, and if you're thinking about trying to shake his calm, be warned: his tilt factor is a mere 8—he keeps his cool like a grandmaster on a cold Siberian night.
Statistics at a Glance
- Blitz Record: 625 wins, 514 losses, 71 draws out of 1,210+ games
- Rapid Record: 207 wins, 86 losses, 48 draws with a solid 60.7% win rate in openings marked as "Top Secret"
- Daily Chess: Undefeated in over 12 games with an 83.3% win rate
- Longest Winning Streak: 10 games (surely an epic run fueled by caffeine and sheer willpower)
Anecdotes from the Board
When Michael plays, opponents often find themselves defeated by his "Top Secret" arsenal of openings—his record shows zero losses recorded under this mysterious label. Whether it's a blitz battle or a rapid duel, Michael’s creativity and resilience often leave his opponents resigned, sometimes to their chess agony, other times to admiration.
Memorable Games
On August 20, 2021, in a rapid game on Chess.com, FlightsOfFancy crushed an opponent named SoulCrushingDefeat with a precise mix of Sicilian Defense mastery and timely aggression, finishing with a resignation victory after a 43-move fight. Clearly, the username didn't lie!
Personality
Michael's username, FlightsOfFancy, is no accident: his games suggest a mind that loves exploring unexpected ideas and inventing new tactical tricks. Yet behind the creativity lies a disciplined strategist who embraces long endgames and never surrenders easily. Despite a somewhat low early resignation rate (0.5%), this player clearly prefers to explore every nook and cranny on the chessboard before bowing out—unless, of course, the coffee runs out.
In Summary
Michael Walder is not just a National Master, but a relentless fighter and imaginative tactician who turns every game into a story worth telling. Whether grinding out victories in the deep endgame trenches or unleashing dazzling combos in rapid time controls, FlightsOfFancy brings flair and determination that can inspire both fellow competitors and fans alike.