Alexey Kolmagorov CM

Alexey Kolmagorov - Candidate Master & Chess Enthusiast

Alexey Kolmagorov, also known in the chess circles as Fritz1K, proudly holds the prestigious title of Candidate Master from FIDE. A player whose rating journey reads like a thrilling novel, Alexey's chess life has been a rollercoaster of ups, occasional downs, and plenty of dramatic turnarounds.

From Humble Beginnings to Blitz Stardom

Starting with modest blitz ratings around 1400 in 2018, Alexey's tenacity and tactical acumen quickly propelled him to an impressive peak rating above 2700 in blitz by August 2024—a feat few mortals can boast about. This journey wasn’t without setbacks, but his 87% comeback rate makes clear: when the chips are down, Alexey somehow finds a way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Playing Style & Strengths

Alexey is no stranger to long, tension-filled battles, with an average of nearly 86 moves per win, proving he's a fighter through and through. His approach is versatile, favoring solid structures like the Indian Game and tricky sidelines such as the Trompowsky Attack, often catching opponents off guard with a near 58% win rate. A subtle player too, he seems to excel in endgames, engaging in them more than 86% of his games, always ready for the final showdown.

Favorite Openings & Tactical Flair

When choosing openings, Alexey doesn't stick to a script. With a stable success using the Indian Game and the Caro Kann Defense, and an adventurous streak in the Sicilian Defense Taimanov Bastrikov Variation, he keeps opponents guessing. His bullet games tell a similar story; launching into the Modern Defense or scoring big with the Closed Sicilian Defense, he blends speed and strategy seamlessly.

Chess Personality & Quirks

Known for his psychological resilience, Alexey's tilt factor is impressively low at 8, though even the best have their off days. His most productive hour? A surprising time: 3 AM—proving either that chess is truly a game of night owls or that he simply thrives when everyone else is asleep. Indeed, Alexey achieves an astonishing 63% win rate between 2 AM and 5 AM. Early resignation is a rare affair—less than half a percent—because giving up is simply not his style.

Recent Battles & Memorable Games

In recent competition, Alexey’s resilience shines through with a recent win where he confidently converted a promotion on move 32, forcing his opponent to resign. On the flip side, he's faced some tough battles resulting in losses by checkmate and resignation against high-level peers, including a memorable endgame where a queen sacrifice didn't go his way. Each match adds new depth to his ever-evolving chess narrative.

Final Thoughts

With a solid foundation, a never-give-up attitude, and a playful approach to openings, Alexey Kolmagorov is not just a Candidate Master by title but a true master of the game's mental and psychological facets. Whether blitzing at dawn or strategizing deep into a long game, the chessboard is his playground—and every opponent, a new story.

Keep an eye out for the enigmatic Fritz1K; he’s as unpredictable as a knight’s fork and twice as sharp!