Blaz Bratovic - International Master (a.k.a. fractal1234)
Meet Blaz Bratovic, the International Master whose blitz games are faster than your morning coffee kick. Holding the prestigious IM title from FIDE, Blaz combines sharp tactical awareness with a quirky charm, proving that chess mastery doesn't have to be boring.
Career Highlights & Style
Since 2020, Blaz has been storming blitz chess with a peak rating of 2586 in May 2025. Whether it's bullet, rapid, or blitz, the name fractal1234 resonates as a fierce competitor. His explosive return rate after losing a piece sits impressively at nearly 55%, showcasing his knack for comebacks and mind games.
With an average of over 76 moves per win in his games, Blaz is no hurry to finish early—unless the board screams "checkmate!" And when it comes to psychological resilience, a tilt factor of 6 means he’s human, but with a sublime ability to keep his cool and win games even after setbacks.
Playing Style & Preferred Openings
Endgames feature heavily in Blaz's play, showing up in nearly 84% of his games—a sign he loves to squeeze out advantages in the late-game grind. His White win rate is a solid 61%, while his Black pieces yield an admirable 51%. Known for wielding the “Top Secret” opening with a win rate north of 56% in blitz, he also throws in some spice with variations like the Caro-Kann Advance Tal Variation boasting a 75% success rate and a reliable Sicilian Canal Attack.
Fun Facts
- Longest winning streak: 15 games. That’s longer than most TV show seasons!
- Best time to challenge Blaz? Around 7 PM, when his win rate peaks spectacularly over 76%.
- An avid converter of opponent frustration into wins, with a comeback rate swaying around 90%.
- Conquers opponents online with a 56% higher rated win difference than casual play – clearly serious on the virtual battleground.
Recent Battles
In his latest fiery clash on June 3rd, 2025, Blaz (playing black) tactfully defeated Guliev_Gasan by resignation in a sharp Dutch Defense, Korchnoi Attack. The dazzling combination and swift pressure forced the opponent to wave the white flag after only 17 moves. Not every day you get crushed so stylishly!
Of course, even a top IM loses once in a while. On the same day, Blaz suffered a hard-fought defeat to the_blue_pill, falling on time in a tense Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense. As they say, no one flies without sometimes hitting turbulence.
More than a Player
Behind the username fractal1234 lies a chess aficionado who approaches the 64 squares with passion, precision, and a dash of humor. Blaz Bratovic reminds us that chess is not just a game of kings, but also a place for creative madness and relentless pursuit of improvement.
Keep an eye on this rising star — the chessboard is his playground, and the world his audience.