Shiyam Thavandiran IM

Shiyam Thavandiran (aka Houdinovic)

International Master of Chess

Meet Shiyam Thavandiran, fondly known in the chess universe as Houdinovic – a magician not with rabbits and hats, but with rooks and pawns! Awarded the prestigious title of International Master by FIDE, Shiyam has demonstrated wizardry on the 64 squares that would make even the toughest opponents start second-guessing their life choices.

Rise of a Blitz Beast

Starting off their blitz journey with a modest rating of 1359 in 2013, Shiyam rapidly accelerated to a peak blitz rating of an astonishing 2827 by March 2025. That's higher than most people’s phone numbers! With over 2,100 blitz games logged, and a nearly balanced war record of 1,114 wins to 961 losses (plus a handful of draws for suspense), Shiyam is the storm you never predict but always remember.

Bullet and Beyond

If speed chess were a superpower, Shiyam would be the Flash. Their bullet peak rating peaked at a staggering 2832 in early 2021, showcasing lightning-fast reflexes and cold-blooded tactical strikes. Shiyam’s bullet record is a nail-biter: 352 wins, 347 losses, and 59 draws — talk about living on the edge!

Count the Daily and Rapid Adventures

Not all magic happens in a blink-of-an-eye format. Shiyam also dabbles in daily chess, with a peak rating over 2300, and rapid games where creativity shines a bit longer, hitting a pretty impressive 2434. Though rapid results hint at fierce battles (10 wins, 15 losses, 5 draws), it shows a player never afraid to mix it up and occasionally lose spectacularly.

Favorite Openings: Top Secret? Not Really.

Like any grand strategist, Shiyam guards their secret weapon closely, humorously labeling the majority of their openings as Top Secret. But sneak peeks reveal a special fondness for the Caro-Kann Defense in blitz — boasting a 100% win record in select games. This opening is basically their “checkmate recipe,” served hot and relentless.

Streaks, Comebacks, and the Psychology of Play

Everyone has ups and downs, and Shiyam is no exception: the longest winning and losing streaks stand evenly at 16 games each. But the true magic lies in bouncing back, boasting an astonishing 85% comeback rate after adverse positions—because quitting is for amateurs! A self-confessed afternoon player, they excel around 2 PM, when the mind is sharp, coffee is fresh, and tactics flow effortlessly.

Playing Style

With an average of 78 moves in winning games, Shiyam is not here for quick wins but for epic battles. A cool 1.33% early resignation rate hints at persistence, while an impressive endgame frequency above 83% proves they love the cerebral grind. Playing white brings a slight edge with a winning percentage of nearly 52%, but their black pieces fight fiercely at nearly 46% victories.

Recent Highlights

In their latest notable game, Shiyam (playing White) masterfully employed the Caro-Kann Defense pawn advance, outmaneuvering BurgersAreBetter in a tense battle that ended with a victory by resignation. From subtle pawn pushes to dazzling queen maneuvers, the game is a testament to their strategic depth and patience.

The Legend Behind the Name

"Houdinovic" isn't just a username—it's a declaration. Just like the legendary escape artist Houdini, Shiyam dazzles with unexpected escapes, crafty tactics, and mind-boggling turns of events on the board. Opponents who think they've cornered this master soon find themselves mystified by yet another vanishing act.

In sum, Shiyam Thavandiran is not just a chess player; they’re an experience—a whirlwind of calculation, speed, and mental fortitude wrapped in an International Master’s cloak of honor. Be ready to have your mind bent and your rook captured with lightning speed!