Robin Giamblanco (aka Joban42)
Robin Giamblanco, known in the chess world by the intriguing moniker Joban42, is a rapid chess enthusiast whose rating rollercoaster is nothing short of a thrilling ride. At their peak rapid rating of 683 in November 2021, Robin demonstrated a knack for dramatic comebacks and a stubborn refusal to resign quietly — their comeback rate sits impressively at 64.12%. More than just a stats wizard, Robin’s style is a cocktail of patience and precision, averaging over 43 moves to win, and notably more to lose — showing battles that are fought as much with grit as with brains.
Playing Style & Strengths
- Win rates: Nearly equal with white (49.38%) and black (49.36%) pieces, proving versatility and adaptability.
- Favorite openings: The King’s Pawn Opening and its bold cousin the Italian Game are Robin’s playgrounds, with a respectable 45-50% win rate and a penchant for tactical melee.
- Petrov’s Defense: Robin strikes gold here with a 66.67% win rate — a refuge for the strategic mind.
- Early resignation rate: Just 7.01%, because Robin believes in fighting to the last pawn.
A Tale of Triumph and Trials
Robin’s journey isn’t without its epic battles. Their longest winning streak clocks in at 7 games, and the longest losing streak... also 7, a perfect reminder that every chess hero has their off days. Their current victorious run includes three consecutive wins — momentum is on their side!
Memorable Moments
In a recent rapid duel against "desarraga," Robin dazzled with the Italian Game, sewing tactical threats starting on move 4 with the infamous Bxf7+ sacrifice, which eventually forced the opponent’s resignation by move 31. This victory exemplifies the classic Joban42 style: daring, strategic, and just a little bit cheeky.
Chess and Humor
Robin's chess motto could be: "Why resign early, when you can keep the audience on the edge of their seat?" With a tilt factor of 7 (out of 100, probably), this player knows that sometimes, you just have to laugh at the chaos on the board — and maybe blame your losses on an inconvenient snack interruption or a mysterious blip in the matrix.
Fun Facts & Stats
- Total Rapid games played: 783, winning slightly more than half (387 wins).
- Daily chess peak rating: 516 (achieved in May 2025) — showing consistent growth over time.
- Bullet chess: Not Joban42’s arena, with a peak rating of 264 and an 0-3 win/loss record, proving sometimes speed is not Robin’s friend.
- Best time to play: Oddly enough, 5 AM seems to be Robin’s secret weapon for peak performance. Early riser for the win!
- Win rates fluctuate by hour: At 22:00 hours, Robin wins nearly 65% of games — night owl sharpening those tactical claws.
With a chess journey full of strategic battles, amusing ups and downs, and a sprinkle of calculated risk, Robin Giamblanco remains a player to watch — if you dare face the mysterious Joban42 across the 64 squares, prepare for a game full of surprises!
