francisco costa

Francisco Costa (aka Franciscovoo)

In the ever-dynamic world of rapid-fire chess battles, Francisco Costa, known online as Franciscovoo, has carved out a unique niche. With a peak rapid rating of 220 in March 2025, Francisco’s journey resembles a thrilling rollercoaster more than a steady climb. From a blazing start to some humbling dips (hello 100 rating months!), every game is an adventure.

Playing Style and Personality

Franciscovoo embraces boldness and drama. Known for a startling early resignation rate of 30%, he’s no stranger to calling it quits when the heat’s too much—though sometimes, it might be a tactical pause disguised as surrender. His opponents beware: he packs a respectable comeback rate of 48% which means if you think the game's over, think again!

Games tend to end in about 22 to 25 moves whether he wins or loses, indicating a penchant for decisive, action-packed encounters. Average winning rates hover around 26.79% playing White and 22.61% playing Black, showing he's always up for a challenge regardless of color.

Favorite Openings

Franciscovoo dabbles in a colorful opening palette, though not always with the best returns—kind of like a daring chef trying every seasoning in the cabinet:

• King’s Pawn Opening: Played a whopping 23 rapid games with a 17% win rate.
• Scandinavian Defense: Slightly better at 30.77% win rate in rapid.
• Bird’s Opening Dutch Variation: Where he recently achieved a victory in bullet mode—proof he can strike like a bird of prey.
• Sicilian Defense: A tough nut to crack for him, with no wins in 6 rapid games—practice makes perfect!

Competitive Spirit

With over 170 rapid games logged in 2025 alone, Francisco is clearly an enthusiast who values experience over easy wins. His longest winning streak came in at 4 games, but the infamous longest losing streak of 17 games reminds us that resilience is the true champion’s virtue. Currently, after a rough patch, the streak clock reads a modest 0 wins and 5 losses—yet every grandmaster had humble beginnings!

Memorable Wins & Moments

One of Francisco’s most recent memorable victories came using the Bird’s Opening Dutch Variation, where he won on time despite a fierce, tactical melee against an opponent rated almost twice his score. Talk about playing with heart!

Chess Clock and Mood

The best hour for Francisco’s game is surprisingly 3 PM when the mind is clear, and the fingers are nimble—likely fueled by a strategic coffee or two. Mondays and Fridays bring his best win rates, suggesting an early-in-the-week hustle mixed with Friday’s last push before the weekend chess hiatus.