Ignacio Sainz Aguirre NM

Ignacio Sainz Aguirre (isainz)

National Master - The Maestro of Mischief on the 64 Squares

Ignacio Sainz Aguirre, better known in the chess realm as isainz, wears the prestigious title of National Master with a sly grin and a twinkle in his eye. This player, whose cunning on the board is rivaled only by his ability to keep opponents guessing, has been thrilling chess fans since at least 2018. Ignacio’s journey from a hopeful contender to a formidable National Master is paved with daring openings, strategic brilliance, and a hearty share of battle scars – because every gladiator faces losses before mastering the arena.

Chess Style & Achievements

• Peak Blitz Rating: 2298 (August 2019) – dabbling close to grandmaster territory, but with just enough room left to intimidate.
• Peak Rapid Rating: 2020 (February 2025) – a nod to fiery quick thinking with classical finesse.
• Peak Bullet Rating: 1778 (January 2020) – lightning-quick reflexes that would make any bullet train jealous.
• Longest Winning Streak: 17 games – enough to make opponents suspect some secret training regimen involving caffeine and chess puzzles.
• Most Played Opening: Giuoco Piano Game and various rich Sicilian Defense variations – because who says you can’t mix classical elegance with spicy counterattacks?

Playing Personality

Ignacio is no stranger to resilience; boasting a comeback rate of nearly 79%, he keeps fighting even when his pieces take an unexpected holiday. His tilt factor, a modest 28, reveals a player who occasionally lets frustration peek through but primarily keeps a cool head, especially during his prime playing hour around 4 PM. Known for ending games with intricate endgames (almost 70% frequency), Ignacio prefers the slow burn over quick snaps, trading finesse for drama.

Fun Facts & Rivalries

• White Star: He wins slightly more often with White pieces (50.88%) while holding his ground well with Black (50.19%).
• Chess Rollercoaster: Despite a decent losing streak record (28 in a row at worst), he’s proven he bounces back stronger and wiser.
• Notorious Opponents: Faces off most often against 'julianoom' and 'colins1964', tuning the rivalry to a thrilling 6 matches each.
• Signature Victory: A recent brutal victory on June 3, 2025, in a Sicilian Defense Kan Maroczy Bind Formation, where he tactically dismantled Gabo84CPAV – resignation was the polite way out.

A Word on Ignacio’s Games

Ignacio’s games are a symphony of strategy and surprise. Whether it’s grinding out complex Sicilian structures or switching gears to the classy French Defense variations, he’s a player who never stops learning - even after thousands of games. His tendency to resign early is low (just over 2%), showing he’s often in it for the long haul. And when the pressure mounts, his tactical awareness shines, nearly half the time winning even after losing a piece!

In short? Ignacio Sainz Aguirre is a chess gladiator who blends experience, tactical flair, and a touch of humor to keep the 64 squares his personal playground. Opponents beware: he’s as capable of a cheerful gambit as he is a ruthless checkmate.

“Chess is like a comedy show. Sometimes you’re the punchline, sometimes you’re the one delivering knockout moves.” – isainz