Avatar of Harald_Blatand

Harald_Blatand CM

Since 2014 (Active) Chess.com ♟♟♟♟♟♟
47.5%- 42.6%- 9.9%
Bullet 2555
1391W 987L 142D
Blitz 2681
11274W 10396L 2489D
Rapid 2335
1W 0L 0D
Daily 1854
21W 2L 1D

Harald_Blatand — Candidate Master

Harald_Blatand is a Candidate Master with a reputation for clockwork tactics and marathon blitz sessions. Comfortable as both teacher and trickster, Harald blends stubborn positional play with sudden tactical fireworks. Preferred time control appears to be Daily, but if you challenge on blitz be prepared for a very long, very spicy fight.

Career highlights

  • Earned the FIDE title Candidate Master and carved out a niche as a prolific online competitor.
  • Extensive blitz résumé: over 24,000 recorded blitz decisions across a dozen high-volume years, with signature spikes into super-GM territory. 2782 (2026-02-11)
  • Peak blitz form reached recently, showing a career-high performance near the top of the online ladder.
  • Frequently faces familiar rivals. One of the most-played opponents is Volodymyr Molyboha, a match-up that reads like a serialized drama.
  • Active across all speeds but fond of Daily games for deeper, quieter battles.

Playing style

Harald_Blatand favors long, strategic manoeuvring and is not shy about long endgames. Expect:

  • High endgame frequency and long average decisive games, often testing opponents' technique.
  • A willingness to play unusual flank systems and asymmetric structures that invite chaos when the position asks for it.
  • Strong tactical recovery skills. Harald often converts difficult positions and has a notable comeback rate.

Signature openings and repertoire

Harald's opening choices are eclectic and effective. A few standouts:

  • Scandinavian Defense as Black — a go-to for unbalancing the center. Scandinavian Defense
  • London System - Poisoned Pawn Variation when White calls for a sharp trap. London System: Poisoned Pawn Variation
  • Petrov's Defense and the Closed Sicilian in blitz play for solid but counterpunching games. Petrov's Defense
  • Nimzo-Larsen and Amazon Attack lines for offbeat, practical play that frustrates prep-heavy opponents.

For a quick look at long term rating movement in blitz:

Blitz Rating280725042201189815942014: 16952017: 23742018: 24802019: 25572020: 25512021: 25032022: 26042023: 26442024: 25192025: 27062026: 265220142017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Notable stats that tell a story

  • Huge blitz experience: more than 24,000 blitz games recorded, which means very few openings feel new to Harald.
  • Exceptional Daily strength relative to peers, reflecting deep calculation when given time.
  • Strong comeback tendency and a knack for winning after material setbacks.

Fun facts and curiosities

  • Known to play long, gentle Daily games to decompress after frantic blitz marathons.
  • Has a fondness for underdog openings that look odd at first glance but keep opponents off balance.
  • Longest winning streak recorded is 16 games, and the longest losing streak is 18 games — proving drama is part of the brand.

Sample game and study

Want a tiny taste of Harald's feel for typical strategic maneuvering? Try replaying this classical-ish mini:

Or revisit a rivalry match: View Match

Where to find Harald_Blatand

If you see the username Harald_Blatand online, expect a player with deep blitz experience, a Candidate Master title, and a love of long Daily battles. Challenge, study, and bring snacks for the endgames.

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