Hub Runcle - The Puzzle of Blitz
Known by many as Hobruncle in the digital arena, Hub Runcle is a chess force to be reckoned with... or at least thoroughly entertained by. His journey is peppered with moments of brilliance, occasional setbacks, and a win-to-loss ratio that whispers, "Never count me out... or maybe just keep an eye."
Rating & Performance
Since 2013, Hub has been hustling on the blitz battlefield, climbing from a humble rating near 1300 to a formidable peak of 2155 by October 2022. His blitz chess is his forte, having played over 19,000 games in the mystery-shrouded opening "Top Secret" category, boasting a respectable 44.63% win rate — which, considering the volume, is nothing short of legendary dedication sprinkled with healthy chaos.
Rapid, Bullet, and Daily chess formats have seen Hub dabble with varying success, with his highest mark in Rapid touching 1810 and a bullet peak of 1521. Daily chess? One game played and a perfect score, proving that when it comes to long, thoughtful games, Hub can totally bring it.
Playing Style & Tendencies
Hub's games tend to be marathons, with an average of around 73 moves in victories and just a notch fewer in losses. Don't be fooled by the length; Hub shows a flair for comebacks with a remarkable 85.81% rate after being behind and a 42.76% win rate even after losing a piece. Talk about fighting spirit!
However, once the pressure's on, Hub is not shy to resign early or occasionally fall prey to those pesky one-sided losses (about 2% of the time). Tilt factor is a modest 17, suggesting some frustration but nothing a deep breath and a sip of coffee can't fix.
Favorite Openings
Hub plays his cards close to the chest, especially loving the mysterious and highly classified "Top Secret" opening series. Beyond that, he gets delightfully Sicilian — especially the Alapin Sicilian Defense where he boasts a winning 61.29% success, and the Sicilian Defense Sozin Attack with a spicy 64.29%.
Notable Games
One recent shining moment was his victory over colourcomplex in a tense 46-move battle in June 2025, executed masterfully on the clock as his opponent fell victim to time pressure. Hub’s resume includes dramatic wins by checkmate, time pressure, and resignation — all signs of a player who commands the board and the clock.
Fun Facts & Quirks
- Despite countless battles, Hub’s win rate is higher against those rated below him, showing a knack for taking care of business when favored.
- His best time of day for chess is 8 AM — early riser or just a caffeinated genius, you decide.
- With openings named "Top Secret," he might actually be a chess spy disguised as a humble player.
- Possesses a longest winning streak of 12 games and a losing streak that will remind you to never bet against him in a comeback.
Overall Impression
Hub Runcle is a relentless blitz adventurer, who balances skill and spirit with a penchant for high-volume play. His games are lengthy jousts filled with surprises, fights from behind, and the occasional early bow to circumstances (and time). Not the Grandmaster you'll see in textbooks, but definitely the kind of competitor you want on your team for a wild, thrilling chess ride.
Whether you encounter him on chess.com or across the virtual board, be prepared for a challenging, entertaining, and occasionally mystifying foe. And if you catch him at 8 AM, maybe offer a coffee before the game — it might just tip the scales.