Harkishan

Harkishan (aka Harkishantalati)

Meet Harkishan, a chess enthusiast whose journey is a rollercoaster ride through the ranks of rapid, blitz, bullet, and daily chess battles. With a peak rapid rating soaring to an impressive 1427 in September 2024, Harkishan has demonstrated a growing mastery over the board, especially shining in rapid time controls.

Chess Journey & Style

Starting with a modest rapid rating of 771 in early 2020, Harkishan's persistence and strategic growth pushed this number well beyond the 1300s by mid-2025. Not one to shy from complexity, Harkishan’s average rapid games often stretch beyond 60 moves, proving that endurance and tactical depth are key tools in his arsenal.

With a remarkable comeback rate of 80.4% and a tendency to keep the endgame alive in over 74% of his games, Harkishan’s playstyle can be summed up as gritty and resilient. Early resignation is rare at just 0.66%, showing a fighting spirit well beyond casual skirmishes.

Whether playing White or Black, his win rates hover just under 48%, reflecting balanced prowess on both sides of the board. Interestingly, his best time to strike? The mystical hour of 1 AM — proving that nocturnal brilliance is not a myth.

Preferred Openings & Tactics

Harkishan is no one-trick pony; he diversifies comfortably among the Italian Game, King’s Pawn Opening, and the classic Philidor Defense. He’s even flirted with a “Top Secret” opening, keeping opponents guessing! The Caro-Kann Defense is a favorite too, boasting a win rate of over 53%. His opening adventures make for a colorful repertoire, one fit for both surprise attacks and solid defense.

Record & Rivals

With over 5700 rapid games under his belt, Harkishan’s win-loss record tells a tale of fierce competition: 2872 wins versus 2940 losses and 305 draws. His losses sometimes stack up, but with a longest winning streak of 11 games and a tactical alertness that often flips the script after losing a piece (winning nearly 43% of such encounters), he’s always ready for a comeback – a true chess warrior!

Memorable Moments

Among his recent notable games, Harkishan secured wins by both resignation and the sweet sting of checkmate, showcasing versatility in ending battles—whether by wearing opponents down or delivering a decisive finish. And when the chips are down, expect some dramatic turns; a longest losing streak of 12 games might make anyone tilt, but with a tilt factor of only 12%, Harkishan keeps his cool better than a grandmaster sipping iced tea in a sauna.

Fun Facts

• Only 0.66% of games end with early resignation – patience is a virtue!
• The peak blitz rating is a feisty 886, proving speed isn’t a weakness.
• Despite a rocky start with bullet chess, with a peak at 866, bullet games remain a casual playground for experimentation and laughs.
• Most active days to play are around Thursday evenings when intuition apparently peaks (a 50.85% win rate).

In short, Harkishan is not just playing chess; he’s living it, laughing through losses, savouring wins, and consistently sharpening his pawns, knights, and wits. Whether you’re a fellow player or a fan, keep an eye on Harkishantalati – he’s definitely a rising star with a few sneaky tricks up his sleeve!