Johnny Cortes (aka Hmnotanatix)
Johnny Cortes, known online as Hmnotanatix, is a formidable force in the world of blitz and bullet chess, combining tactical prowess with the endurance of a chess marathon runner. Starting with a modest blitz rating of about 1000 in 2018, Johnny's explosive growth to a peak blitz rating surpassing 2500 by 2025 is nothing short of legendary. His bullet rating hovers similarly proudly in the mid-2400s, proving he's not just fast but also consistently sharp.
Playing Style & Strengths
Johnny’s style could be described as a beautiful blend of strategic subtlety and tactical fireworks. His average moves per win or loss cluster around 84 moves, indicating a preference for long fights—which explains why his endgame frequency is an impressive 87.7%! Not one to surrender lightly, his comeback rate is a staggering 94%, and he boasts a 100% win rate after losing a piece. In other words: if you think you’ve caught him off guard, think again—this player thrives in the chaos.
While Johnny rarely resigns early (less than 1% early resignations), his psychological tenacity shows up in a respectable tilt factor of 19, proving that even grandmasters silently scream when a blunder sneaks in.
Record Highlights
- Blitz Win/Loss/Draw: 5708 / 4528 / 767
- Bullet Win/Loss: 26 / 10 (no draws in bullet!)
- Longest Winning Streak: 17 games
- Current Winning Streak: 7 games (rolling strong!)
Favorite Openings
Johnny has a curios case of a “Top Secret” opening repertoire, dominating over 10,700 blitz games with it and winning more than half. When he reveals his cards, expect the Sicilian Defense McDonnell Attack, French Defense Advance Variation, and a love for the Caro Kann Defense Advance Variation—with win rates ranging from 60% up to a blistering 82%! Clearly, Johnny isn’t shy about defending the king’s domain with style and grit.
Recent Memorable Games
Just recently, Johnny delivered a beautiful checkmate in only 30 moves against a strong opponent, utilizing the Modern Defense to perfection. Another game showed his mastery in a tense endgame, winning on time after a prolonged battle of wits in the Scandinavian Defense. Even in losses, Johnny’s games are lessons in resilience and complex tactical awareness.
On and Off the Board
Off the board, Johnny’s humor (and stubbornness) are as legendary as his chess skills. Friends joke that he's the kind of player who will "win after losing a queen" and "blame it on the bishop that looked at him funny." Known for his unbreakable spirit, his motto might well be: "You may take my blunder, but you'll never take my will to fight."
Whether you’re facing Johnny Cortes over the board or just spectating, you’re guaranteed a thrilling display of chess wizardry—and likely a few laughs along the way.