Michael Duncan

Michael Duncan (aka HoosierDaddy1)

Meet Michael Duncan, a chess enthusiast whose rating journey is a rollercoaster worthy of a thriller movie script. Starting in 2021 with a Daily rating around 1050, Michael showed the true spirit of resilience—enduring nail-biting losses before climbing steadily to achieve a peak rating of 1280 by the end of that year. Not too shabby for someone whose longest losing streak was a punishing 5 games, but whose longest winning streak proves he's capable of real sparks on the board with 4 consecutive victories.

A self-styled tactician, Michael prefers the "Top Secret" opening—because why share your favorite moves with the world? While this strategy boasts a win rate just shy of 43%, it’s clear Michael isn’t afraid to tango with risk, facing down opponents like deepchang (11 times!) and managing a respectable 36% win rate there, plus a solid 67% success rate against sbkellogg. Sounds like Michael’s got a few favorite sparring partners, always ready for the next skirmish.

Michael’s playing style can be described as a curious cocktail: a 12.5% early resignation rate (sometimes cutting losses short), but an impressive 64% frequency of making it to the endgame. This is a fighter who values endurance and long-term strategy, often averaging about 67 moves in games he wins—a true marathoner of the chessboard.

Psychologically, this player demonstrates admirable fortitude. With a low tilt factor of 5, Michael keeps a cool head even when the chips are down, often staging comebacks at a remarkable rate of 67%. His best performances come late at night—specifically around 11 PM—when his win rate hits a perfect 100%. Clearly, Michael is a night owl, prowling the midnight ranks and catching opponents off guard.

One cannot overlook his flair for wins by resignation—5 victories procured by opponents throwing in the towel—an indication that Michael’s relentless pressure can be downright terrifying. Meanwhile, his one checkmate win is a trophy in a collection waiting to grow.

Fun fact:

Despite a somewhat humble rating, Michael’s games often push well past the 50-move mark before a final sigh is heard on the board, proving that he’s not here to give up easily—even if his early games sometimes say otherwise!

So, if you catch HoosierDaddy1 online sometime around 11 PM, be warned: you might just be in for a long, strategic skirmish where the underdog refuses to quit. Whether it’s a fierce loss or a hard-fought win, Michael Duncan embodies the perseverance and unpredictability that makes chess endlessly fascinating.