Greg Shahade - International Master Extraordinaire
Meet Greg Shahade, a chess dynamo who proudly holds the title of International Master from FIDE. With a brain fueled by strategy and a heart set on checkmates, Greg has been battling wits on the 64 squares for years, often leaving opponents wondering if their kings were just born to be sacrificed.
Rating Rollercoaster: Bullet to Blitz and Beyond
Greg’s bullet rating has soared as high as 2659 in May 2022, proving that he’s not just fast on his feet but lightning-quick on the mouse too. In blitz chess, he’s hit a jaw-dropping peak rating of 2792, flirting dangerously close to grandmaster territory. Rapid and daily formats aren’t left out either, with highlights of 2729 and 2250 respectively.
Playing Style: Deliberate, Tactical, and Sometimes Ruthlessly Efficient
With an average of 80 moves per win, Greg loves a good long game, soaking up the tension like a true endgame connoisseur. His win rates hover nicely above 50% for both White and Black, showing his versatility regardless of color. And with an 89.66% comeback rate after setbacks, never count out Greg when the chips are down — this guy knows how to turn a disaster into a victory dance.
Opening Repertoire – A Tale of Mystery and Italian Charm
Unsurprisingly, the Giuoco Piano Game is one of Greg’s signature openings, where he boasts a perfect win record in some blitz duels. He's also dabbed in the Caro Kann Defense with a solid record — a mix of classical charm and tactical venom. But the real secret weapon? A huge chunk of his games fall under 'Top Secret', so perhaps the details are classified for a reason.
Career Highlights and Streaks
With a longest winning streak hitting 30 games, Greg once went on quite a tear — probably leaving his opponents questioning reality (and their opening choices). His psychological fortitude is notable, with a low tilt factor of 13, meaning when the going gets tough, Greg keeps his cool instead of flipping the board.
The Recent Gambits
As recently as June 4th, 2025, Greg delivered a stunning checkmate using the Giuoco Piano Game against FM Volodymyr Sakun, showcasing that his classical approach still reigns supreme in modern times. Of course, even legends stumble — Greg’s latest losses happened in intense battles where every pawn and minute on the clock mattered.
Fun Facts
- Plays best at 9 AM — yes, mornings are not just for coffee!
- Known to resign early at times (1.21% early resignation rate) — even the best can smell trouble.
- More often than not, Greg’s games finish with a resignation or a checkmate, because winning with style > drawing like a pro.
In short, Greg Shahade is a chess strategist, a tactical wizard, and a contender who continues to impress. With a balanced blend of speed, skill, and patience, Greg proves every day that the pen (or should we say the knight) is mightier than the sword.