Overview
Raphael Felix, also known online as Iron_Punch, is a FIDE Master and a specialist in fast chess. Best known for his Blitz play, Raphael built a reputation for long, tactical games that often reach complex endgames. This biography highlights his style, favorite openings, and a few memorable rivalries.
Career Highlights
- Title: FIDE Master (FM).
- Blitz specialist with a peak performance that broke the 2500 barrier. 2524 (2026-01-19)
- Also a strong Bullet player with a notable peak late in 2025. 2391 (2025-11-30)
- Longest winning streak: 5 games. Longest losing streak: 12 games. Known for dramatic comebacks with a high comeback rate.
- Average decisive game length is long for fast chess, reflecting deep endgame play and patience.
Playing Style and Preferences
Raphael favors Blitz above all and often shines in the most chaotic minutes on the clock. He plays long games for a fast-player, with an endgame frequency near 81 percent and average moves per win around 82. That combination makes him a dangerous opponent who grinds wins from technically complex positions rather than quick tactical sparks.
- Preferred time control: Blitz. Blitz
- Best time of day to play: evenings, around 18:00.
- Notable strengths: comeback ability, resilience after material loss, and strong endgame technique.
- Psychology: can tilt occasionally, but often bounces back quickly.
Openings and Notable Lines
Raphael experiments with offbeat and sharp systems as well as classical structures. He mixes gambits and mainstream theory to keep opponents uncomfortable.
- Frequently employed as White: Four Knights and Ruy Lopez Closed, with excellent results in those lines.
- As Black he often faces and plays the Sicilian Najdorf and a spicy selection of gambits like the Amar Gambit. Sicilian_Najdorf Amar_Gambit
- Highest single-line win rates include a QGD line and some Modern setups where he converts complex middlegames into technical wins.
- Openness to unusual choices makes him unpredictable in online arenas.
Notable Matches and Rivalries
Raphael has logged many online battles. One notable rivalry is with thechessprodigy_2014, a frequent opponent who has been a tough matchup historically. thechessprodigy_2014
- Head-to-head vs thechessprodigy_2014: a lopsided series that reads like a soap opera of missed tactics and heroic recoveries.
- Sample game to explore: View Game
- Study example in the viewer:
Statistics Snapshot
Raphael's numbers tell a story of an aggressive, patient Blitz player who loves long fights and converts often against lower rated opponents. Key quick facts:
- Preferred time control: Blitz (specialist).
- High endgame frequency and long average game length.
- Outstanding comeback rate but susceptible to occasional losing streaks.
Fun Facts
- Nickname in chat: Iron_Punch, though his games are more iron-clad than punchy.
- Plays long endgames even in Blitz - like a bartender insisting on leaving after closing time but staying to finish a single drink.
- Favored hour to perform: 18:00, when coffee meets calculation.
Interactive
Explore rating trends and peak moments:
- Recent Blitz rating trend:
- Peak ratings: Blitz and Bullet highs available above. 2524 (2026-01-19) 2391 (2025-11-30)