John Kraemer

John Kraemer — The Reluctant Chess Warrior

Meet John Kraemer, known in the chess realms as JFKraemer, a player whose journey through the 64 squares is as captivating as a thriller with a surprise ending (and sometimes a plot twist involving a blunder!). John's chess odyssey is a rich tapestry woven with fierce battles, heroic comebacks, and the occasional "Oops, did I just blunder my queen?" moment.

Playing Style & Strengths

John is a strategist who enjoys the long game — his average winning game lasts over 55 moves. He's not one to throw in the towel early either, boasting a remarkably low early resignation rate of just 1.46%. When life (or the opponent) takes a piece from him, John’s comeback rate is an impressive 67%, proving he's not easily rattled — unless it’s past 3 AM. Black or White, he plays with nearly equal vigor, maintaining a solid win rate close to 48% on the white side and 47% on black.

Favorite Openings

John is clearly a fan of the classics, with the Italian Game leading his repertoire — a cozy 446 games played and a near 50% win rate. But if you’ve faced him, you might have encountered his trusty Giuoco Piano or the tricky King's Knight Variation, where he holds a winning record with over 56% success. Whether it's sharp or positional play, John can sprinkle in variations like a chef adding secret spices.

Peak Form & Recent Battles

John reached his rapid rating peak of 1393 back in February 2021, which is pretty respectable for someone who clearly values both tactics and the occasional coffee break during games. Lately, his rapid rating hovers near 800–900, reflecting his love-hate relationship with the game — sometimes brilliant, sometimes bewildering.

His most recent wins showcase his fight-to-the-finish spirit, clinching victories through resignations and checkmates in thrilling live chess battles. In one recent game against Donbo, John masterminded a classic Italian Game attack, culminating in a well-earned resignation after pushing his pawn to queen — talk about turning pawns into power moves!

Fun Facts & Quirks

• John’s chess clock nemesis? The dreaded tilt, which strikes a modest 13% of the time — so stay nice to him after some tough losses!
• His best time to play? Oh, that's a passionate 3 PM, when the coffee kicks in and the brain cells start clicking.
• Despite a sharp mind, John has a penchant for long, grueling endgames, engaging in them over 55% of the time — endurance is his middle name.
• His longest winning streak sits at an admirable 16 games. The chess gods must have been smiling down.

Opponent Stories

John’s played many memorable opponents, including “alexislikesreindeer” and “christ04m,” sometimes prevailing, sometimes learning — but always with a smile. His record is a rollercoaster: 3584 wins, 3669 losses, and 220 draws in rapid games alone — a testament to his unwavering chess spirit.

Chess Wisdom

If you ever find yourself facing John at the board, beware of his sneaky tactics and calculated charm. Sure, his win-rate against higher-rated opponents dips, but for those of equal or lower rating, he turns into a formidable force. Whether you play his beloved Italian Game or face him in a tense endgame, John Kraemer reminds us all that chess is as much about resilience and fun as it is about conquest.

“Check, mate, and coffee break — that’s how I roll.” — John Kraemer