Profile: Hussein Mahmoud (aka Hussein-e4)
Meet Hussein Mahmoud, a chess enthusiast whose username "Hussein-e4" says it all — a lover of the King's Pawn Opening and all the fiery battles that spring from it. Rising from modest beginnings in 2021 with a Rapid rating shy of 850, Hussein has since unleashed a steady upward charge on the chessboard that would give any Sicilian Defense pause.
With a peak Rapid rating of 1801 reached in August 2024, Hussein proves he’s no stranger to tactical skirmishes and strategic mastery. His Blitz and Bullet play echo this prowess with highs of 1462 and 1430 respectively, showcasing his ability to think fast and strike faster — or occasionally, just fast enough to bluff his way through.
Hussein is fond of testing the waters in various openings, but he particularly shines in his trusted defense structures like the Caro-Kann Defense and the Philidor Defense. His bullet matchups reveal a potent success with the Caro-Kann Exchange Variation, boasting nearly a 70% win rate—clearly turning this solid defense into an aggressive weapon. When playing rapid games, he juggles the King's Pawn Opening variations and the sometimes whimsical Bishop's Opening with almost equal flair.
Don't let his love for certain openings fool you — Hussein's strength lies in his resilience and tactical brilliance. With a comeback rate over 75%, he’s the kind of player who might lose a piece but wins the crowd with determination and funky moves that leave opponents scratching their heads. On the downside, his longest losing streak of 21 games shows that even the best sometimes get swallowed by the 64 squares’ chaos.
Hussein’s endgames are an epic saga averaging over 60 moves per victory — apparently, he prefers to enjoy the battle right until the bishops go home. His games aren’t quick sacrifices and capitulations; they’re chess marathons filled with perseverance and strategic plotting.
When it comes to psychological quirks, Hussein has a tilt factor of 21, meaning the chess gods sometimes remind him who's boss. However, his ideal hour to conquer the opposition is around 3 AM — a perfect time for the nocturnal grandmaster lurking within.
Recent Highlight
In a thrilling Rapid game played in May 2025, Hussein delivered a smooth checkmate in just 22 moves against JeromeG92 using the famous Caro-Kann Defense Exchange Variation. With calm precision, Hussein’s queen delivered the coup de grâce, reminding everyone that quick victories can still be classy.
Fun Fact
Hussein’s win rates vary with the day of the week, but Sunday appears to be his lucky day with a 53.74% win rate — perfect for brunch chess or Sunday night showdowns. Also, if you want to challenge him, the odds might just be better before dawn, at his prime playing hour.
Whether you’re facing off in Bullet, Blitz, or Rapid, expect a mix of solid defense, tactical fireworks, and occasional endgame marathons. Hussein Mahmoud is a player who proves that chess is not just a game but a lifelong journey — sometimes frustrating, often thrilling, always unpredictable.