Lou Wadleigh

Lou Wadleigh (aka GM-Loo)

Meet Lou Wadleigh, a rapid chess enthusiast whose journey on the 64 squares is as colorful as it is challenging. While Lou's current rapid rating hovers around the mid-400s, with a peak that once soared near 700, each game tells a story of grit, perseverance, and the occasional tactical misstep.

Chess Career Highlights

Lou's rapid rating history from early 2025 reveals a rollercoaster ride: starting with a solid 583 in January, touching the peak 698 in March, and then facing some turbulence leading to a rating near 395 in May. With 50 games played in recent months, Lou's record stands at 15 wins, 32 losses, and 3 draws—proof that every loss is simply a plot twist waiting for the comeback.

Opening Repertoire

Ever the secretive strategist, Lou favors the enigmatic Top Secret opening (if only everyone knew what it was!). This opening boasts a near 40% win rate in 38 games, making it somewhat effective and certainly mysterious.
Other openings like the Caro Kann Defense and French Defense Variations have been tried, though they often ended in defeat—chess progress is about experimenting, after all. Lou’s games also feature eclectic choices like the Pirc Defense Maroczy Defense and the Van Geet Opening, reminding us that variety is the spice of chess life.

Playing Style & Psychology

Lou averages around 59 moves in wins and 55 in losses, showing a liking for long battles on the board. With a 50% endgame frequency, Lou’s games often stretch deep into the dying embers of chess contests. A cautious player perhaps, as the early resignation rate is a modest 6.25%.
Interestingly, Lou is a comeback artist with a remarkable 86.67% comeback rate after falling behind—a true fighter who refuses to go down without a tactical fight. The best time to catch Lou in top form? Around 3 AM, when the chess brain apparently awakens, despite the obvious reason to nap.

Famous Games

One of Lou’s most glorious moments came in April 2025, when they checkmated opponent jxel-1 in a dramatic finish, employing the lively Three Knights Opening. You can relive this victory here.

Rivalries and Opponents

Lou has tangled most frequently with justtogud (11 games) and split wins evenly with biwee2. Interestingly, Lou’s win rate varies drastically by opponent—from perfect 100% triumphs against many challengers to a flat 0% versus some less forgiving foes. This rollercoaster rivalry reflects a player still mastering their chess destiny.

In Conclusion

Lou Wadleigh might not be the grandmaster lighting up today's leaderboards, but the spirit of the game pulses strong. Whether rallying in the darkest hours or embracing the unpredictable dance of openings, Lou’s chess saga is a reminder: It's not just about winning; it’s about never losing the love for the game.