FIDE Master Mark Van Ojik (granjeroverde)
Mark Van Ojik, better known in the chess world as granjeroverde, has earned the prestigious title of FIDE Master, a mark of solid mastery in the royal game. With a peak blitz rating soaring to an impressive 2580 in September 2019, Mark proves that rapid-fire tactics and brainy gambits are second nature.
Playing Style & Strengths
Known for his endurance in long battles, Mark’s games average around 78 moves per victory—clearly he’s not one for quick checkmates unless the position demands it. He’s a late bloomer in the realm of endgames, featuring high endgame frequency at 73.3%, and boasts a comeback rate near 89%, showing he never truly gives up—even when the chips are down.
Psychologically, Mark has a tilt factor of 12, which in human terms means he keeps his cool better than most, especially when playing at dawn (his best time of day to play is 5 AM). Not a morning person? Maybe, but Mark turns early risers into victims on the board.
Opening Repertoire
- Indian Game and Variations: Mark dances effortlessly through the Indian Game family, maintaining a steady win rate around 45-48%, especially favoring the Slav Defense’s Modern Three Knights Variation with a healthy 56% win rate.
- Alekhine’s Defense: With a cheeky 53% win record, Mark shows off his counter-attacking skills by inviting opponents to overextend.
- London System & Caro-Kann: Reliable and sturdy, these openings come with over 50% success, proving that Mark respects positional solidity.
- Less Successful but Dynamic: The Sicilian Najdorf is a bit more challenging with around 39% wins, but hey, who doesn’t love a good bloodbath?
Record & Rivalries
With over 17,900 blitz games played, Mark’s record tells a story of relentless energy: 8,703 wins, 8,110 losses, and 1,127 draws. Mark has faced opponents like "cruz29" 77 times and "uasloboda" 56 times, with many fierce contests that kept the chess community on the edge of their seats.
Notable Highlights
Mark’s most recent recorded triumph was a classic “Morphy Defense” Ruy Lopez victory, winning on time after 59 intense moves. His bullet peak of 2116 rating in April 2020 also demonstrates his quick-reflex skills in time scrambles, while his rapid peak of 1681 suggests he can calmly sip his coffee and still outplay the competition.
Fun Facts
- He has an early resignation rate of just 1.21%, meaning Mark is as stubborn as a mule and rarely throws in the towel early.
- His favorite trick? Turning losses into wins at nearly an 89% comeback rate—Mark doesn't just play chess, he plays psychological warfare.
- Playing at 5 in the morning might not be for everyone, but Mark’s best hour ranges around that time, so if you want to catch him, set your alarm!
Whether taking on the blitz battlefield or mastering the quiet depths of endgames, Mark Van Ojik offers a blend of resilience, high-level technique, and a dash of cheeky finesse that keeps opponents guessing and fans entertained.
In the grande game of life, Mark’s motto might as well be: "Checkmate before breakfast."