Overview
Jernej Skuhala (jerry_77) is a FIDE Master and a prolific online chess player known for deep, long games and an appetite for the Caro‑Kann. Though a fearsome blitz and bullet competitor, Jernej’s preferred time control is Daily — the slow, cinematic chess where plans mature like fine sourdough. This profile highlights playing style, key openings, notable opponents and a few quirky stats every fan should know.
Career highlights
- FIDE Master title holder — an official stamp of seriousness (and worse opening puns).
- Peak competitive performances include elite bursts online — see 2820 (2025-10-09) and 2722 (2024-05-14) for quick peak markers.
- Longest documented winning streak: 17 games — when everything clicks, it really clicks.
- Extremely active seasons: massive game volume in 2023–2025 demonstrating endurance and consistency.
Playing style & strengths
Jernej mixes patience and tactical alertness: average decisive games last roughly 76 moves, and endgames appear frequently (Endgame Frequency ~77%). He’s a noted comeback specialist — high Comeback Rate — and converts tricky positions well after material losses (Win Rate After Losing Piece ~46%). Early resignations are rare, and games often go long, rewarding deep preparation and practical technique.
- Preferred time control: Daily (slower chess, deeper ideas).
- Average moves per decisive game: ~76 (marathon, not sprint).
- Composure trait: strong comeback rate and resilience under pressure.
Top openings & repertoire (what Jernej plays and beats)
Jernej favors solid, strategic openings and occasionally surprises opponents with sharp gambits. Below are recurring choices across time controls.
- Bullet highlights: Caro-Kann Defense (many games), Modern, Scandinavian, and the cheeky Amar Gambit (respectable win rate).
- Blitz staples: Caro‑Kann, Sicilian Najdorf, Alapin variations, and frequent use of the Czech Defense and English Agincourt lines.
- Daily repertoire: French Defense (Advance & normal), Alapin/Sherzer lines in the Sicilian and an eclectic set of one-off systems.
Want a quick dive into the Caro‑Kann ideas he plays? Try this: Caro-Kann Defense.
Notable opponents & records
Jernej has faced many repeat challengers online. A few of the most-played rivals:
- benkenobi1 — played 120 games (record: 70–46–4).
- zuraazmai — played 102 games (record: 53–39–10).
- mattack9999 — played 97 games (record: 48–30–19).
- larajanzelj — played 72 games (record: 46–18–8).
Jump to one of these rivals’ profiles: Bruno Makovec (example).
Time & habit trends
- Best hour to challenge Jernej: early morning around 08:00 shows a top win rate — consider coffee and a board.
- Most consistent day: Mondays and weekends show slightly better win percentages (useful for scheduling training games).
- Psychological notes: low tilt tolerance overall, but when tilt hits the TiltFactor registers — humans, still.
Streaks, quirks & trivia
- Longest winning streak: 17 games. Longest losing streak recorded: 12 games — both dramatic chapters in an active online career.
- Average first capture happens around move ~6 — early tension and piece trades are common.
- Fun stat: Jernej plays marathons — long average game lengths make his games great reading for students of the endgame.
Sample game & interactive extras
Peek at a compact illustrative game (move list viewer):
Want a quick rating trend glimpse? Small historical chart (Blitz 2012–2025):
Why follow Jernej Skuhala?
For fans of long, instructive games, resilient comebacks, and serious opening study, Jernej offers a rich library of modern online practice. He’s part theoretician, part grinder, and part entertainer — expect sharp fights and instructive endgames. If you’re studying the Caro‑Kann or want inspiration on turning lost material into practical chances, Jernej’s games are worth a bookmark.
Placeholders & quick links
- Profile / rival example: Bruno Makovec
- Opening glossary link example: Caro-Kann Defense
- Peak snapshot example: 2722 (2024-05-14)
- Interactive chart example: