Shiyam Thavandiran, Known as Houdinovic
Shiyam Thavandiran, who plays online under the username Houdinovic, is a FIDE International Master with a clear preference for fast, complicated chess. In the world of online competition, the clock is not merely a timekeeper for Houdinovic. It is another opponent sitting beside the board.
A Blitz Specialist
Blitz is Houdinovic's natural habitat. Across the recorded blitz games, the score stands at 1,448 wins, 1,305 losses, and 216 draws. That nearly even balance hides a player who is remarkably comfortable in long tactical battles, with games often stretching well beyond the point where most people would sensibly start making tea.
Houdinovic has also produced a longest winning streak of 16 games and shows a notable comeback rate. Losing a piece, apparently, is not always a crisis. Sometimes it is simply the opening paragraph of a Houdinovic counterattack.
Opening Repertoire
The Caro-Kann Defense is a major feature of Houdinovic's blitz repertoire, appearing in hundreds of games. The French Defense is another recurring choice, reflecting a willingness to defend patiently before looking for tactical opportunities.
As White, Houdinovic frequently begins with 1.e4 and has shown particular success with sharp Sicilian Defense positions. The repertoire is broad, practical, and occasionally adventurous enough to make opening databases wonder whether they are being tested.
Playing Style
- Prefers blitz and thrives under time pressure.
- Plays long, fighting games, with wins averaging more than 77 moves.
- Checks are most often delivered by the queen, followed closely by the rook.
- Shows strong resilience after falling behind materially.
- Performs best around 13:00, when apparently the chessboard is fully awake.
Legacy at the Board
Houdinovic's profile is that of a seasoned International Master who combines serious opening knowledge with practical online energy. Whether navigating the strategic structures of the Caro-Kann Defense or launching a tactical storm in the Sicilian Defense, Shiyam Thavandiran brings the same signature ingredient: making the opponent solve difficult problems quickly, preferably before the clock solves them first.