Francesco Sonis - The Grandmaster's Tale (or, How the Knight Conquered)
Meet Francesco Sonis, also known in chess circles (and probably at chess.com) as francyIM. A Grandmaster by the grace of FIDE’s magic stamp, Francesco has carved a name for themselves on the 64 squares where pawns march and queens reign.
Rising Through The Ranks
Starting out with modest blitz ratings barely nudging 1600 back in 2014 (rookies be warned!), francyIM quickly stormed the rating board like an unstoppable bishop, reaching a breathtaking peak blitz rating close to 3050 by mid-2025. That’s right — if chess ratings were a rollercoaster, francyIM has hit the top of the track and is happily enjoying the ride.
A Versatile Virtuoso
Blitz? Check. Bullet? Double check. Rapid and Daily chess too? Triple check! Francesco’s play style is like a Swiss army knife — adaptable, sharp, and prepared for any time control. Their fastest-rated bullet rating touched a sizzling 2932 while their rapid skills peaked at a respectable 2691. Daily chess? A neat 1833, because sometimes even Grandmasters like to take their time (and their coffee breaks).
The Arsenal of Openings
From Top Secret openings that may or may not involve actual secret society handshakes, to the tried and true Italian Game, Caro-Kann Defense, and King's Indian Defense, Francesco’s opening repertoire is both deep and diverse. There’s even a "Giuoco Piano Game Giuoco Pianissimo Italian Four Knights Variation" tucked in there with an impressive 90% win rate. Basically, if you haven’t prepared for francyIM’s opening, you’re already half a move behind.
Mind Games and Streaks
With a longest winning streak of 18 games and a tilt factor kept (mostly) under control at 12, Francesco proves that nerves are for amateurs. Their tactical awareness shines in their astonishing 89% comeback rate after setbacks—talk about never say die!
Notable Battles and Recent Duels
One recent memorable blitz victory involved a dramatic Reti Opening, where francyIM, playing Black, emerged victorious by resignation against an opponent rated just slightly below them. Their games often feature sharp positional play and timely strikes, reflecting a mature blend of strategy and daring.
Personality & Style
Francesco’s style is a balance of patience and aggression — with an average of 82 moves per win, this is not a player to be rushed. Their games contain rich endgames, proving that francyIM enjoys the full theatrical production from opening curtain to checkmate finale.
In short, whether it’s lightning-fast bullet or the thoughtful grind of daily chess, francyIM is a formidable foe with a knack for keeping fans and opponents on edge. So, next time you face them online, be warned: this Grandmaster plays with both brains and a dash of chessboard flair.