Markus Illig

Markus Illig: The Chess Journeyman with a Tactical Twist

Markus Illig, famously known online as goonie1246, isn't your average chess player—if average means comfortably winning or losing in neat proportions. With a rapid rating that likes to swing between a humble 367 and an ambitious 778 in 2025, Markus keeps his opponents guessing and his fans entertained.

Playing Style & Strategy

Markus’ chess style is a cocktail of patience and surprises. He averages 62 moves to win but only about 40 moves to lose, which means he sometimes runs the marathon of an endgame but can also hit quick exits (just 15.59% early resignations, so he's no quitter!). His endgame appearances happen almost half the time, hinting at a player who loves the theater of late-game tension.

White pieces give him a slight edge with a win rate near 50%, while Black is a tougher nut to crack but still respectable with about 46% success.

The Tactical Houdini

The comeback king? Definitely. Markus sports a comeback rate of almost 76% and an astonishing 100% win rate after losing a piece. Opponents might think they have him on the ropes, but don’t count this player out—his game is often a rollercoaster, twisting in his favor just at the right moment.

Beware: his one-sided loss rate stands at 21.78%, so sometimes his luck runs thinner than his patience! Even Markus has off days.

Battle-Tested Across Time & Formats

Markus is no stranger to the chaos of different time controls. In 2025, he played over 1,200 blitz games with a peak blitz rating of 609 and a win rate just shy of 49%. His rapid and bullet games show a player who enjoys the fast and the furious, with a top bullet rating of 400 and a nicely competitive win rate over 54% in bullet at his favorite secret opening (yes, “Top Secret” is what he calls it—don't ask!).

Marked by Moments

Markus’ longest winning streak is a respectable 9 games, proving he has bursts of brilliance. Yet, he’s no stranger to the grind—his current streak might be taking a coffee break, but given his resilient spirit, it could start roaring any day.

Psychological Edge & Quirks

His tilt factor is a modest 10, meaning he keeps his cool more often than not. Markus shines bright during the morning and early afternoon hours (watch out between 8 AM and 3 PM!), while midnight or early dawn aren’t his strongest moments—those 100% win rates at 4 AM might be anecdotal or just Markus channeling his inner nocturnal grandmaster.

Looking Ahead

With continuous improvement, secret openings, and a comeback energy that could rival a superhero, Markus Illig is a chess player to keep an eye on. Whether he’s dazzling in blitz or grinding it out in rapid, he’s always up for the next challenge—and maybe a joke or two along the way.

"It's not about winning every game, it's about making every game interesting." – Markus Illig (probably).