Roger Derichs - The FIDE Master Known as Hurghada
Meet Roger Derichs, a FIDE Master whose chess prowess dances gracefully between the fierce strikes of bullet games and the measured battles of blitz. Known in the chess cosmos by the handle Hurghada, Roger has carved an impressive path, proving speed and strategy are both his game.
Rising swiftly through the ranks, Roger reached a peak bullet rating of 2533 in May 2024, and an astonishing blitz peak of 2552 in early 2025. His rapid chess skills, while modest in comparison with a peak of 1526, still show he can keep cool under pressure across all time controls.
Roger’s style is a tapestry of resilience and patience, featuring an 86.2% comeback rate and a solid preference for endgames, appearing in over 83% of his matches. He likes to stretch battles out with an average of nearly 80 moves per win—a true marathoner in a sport often decided in sprints.
Known for avoiding the early resignation trap (a mere 15% rate), Roger keeps fighting—even when behind. His psychological tilt factor is impressively low, showing a cool head when others might panic. The cherry on top? He plays his best chess in the witching hours of 2 AM, when most mortals are dreaming of checkmate-free sleep.
Opening Adventures and Tactical Flair
Armed with an array of openings—some mysterious, some well-rehearsed—Roger’s secret weapon includes the Nimzowitsch Larsen Attack Modern Variation, boasting a whopping 79% win rate. His top-secret openings keep opponents guessing and frequently on the run.
Recent games show Roger’s finesse in the English and French defenses. For instance, in a classic 2025 clash using the English Opening Agincourt Defense, he masterfully forced his opponent’s resignation in a complex endgame dance. This shows not only deep theoretical knowledge but practical muscle right when it counts.
Records & Rivalries
While Roger has faced some fierce rivals like “2011king” and “justinuuan” multiple times, his most comfortable victories come against lesser foes—or at least, those who don’t match his relentless grit. He's undefeated against players like “weechessing” and “dark_attack,” proving his defensive and offensive bricks are solid as a castle wall.
Fun Facts
- Roger has survived and triumphed through streaks of 13 straight wins and braved losing streaks as long as 10 games. Talk about resilience!
- True night owl: His best game performances come at hours when most are asleep—or dreaming of losing their queen.
- He’s a master of turning the tide, with nearly half of his wins coming after losing a piece—a true champion never gives up a fight.
Whether it's blitz or bullet, rapid or marathon matches, Roger Derichs a.k.a. Hurghada continues to charm, outwit, and outplay opponents with style and substance. Keep an eye on this FIDE Master—chessboards tremble when he’s on the clock!