Jonathan Adshead

Jonathan Adshead: The Quiet Storm of the Chessboard

Jonathan Adshead, also known in chess circles as jonathanadshead, is a player who’s been steadily climbing the ranks with the persistence of a grandmaster-in-the-making and the humor of a humble pawn. Starting from a modest rapid rating of 255 in May 2021, Jonathan skyrocketed to a peak of an impressive 1676 in April 2024, proving that even the longest journeys begin with small, strategic steps.

Whether wielding the rapid or blitz sword, Jonathan has amassed thousands of battles under his belt, with a near-even split between wins and losses but a relentless drive that shines in his comeback rate of 77%. He’s no stranger to fierce duels, boasting over 2400 rapid wins and pushing his blitz victories past the 1600 mark.

Known for his calculated patience, Jonathan averages about 66 moves when winning in rapid chess—clearly not one to rush to checkmate but happy to drag it out and test his opponent's willpower. He loves endgames (over 62% frequency) and, if needed, won't hesitate to resign early (a modest 2.3% early resignation rate) to come back stronger next time. And just when you think you have him cornered, his tactical awareness surfaces as he turns losses into unexpected wins.

Hours of the day? Dawn and early morning are his sweet spots, with a special affinity for 4:00 AM where his win rate peaks. You might even catch him sneaking in a game when most of us are still dreaming of pawn moves.

Playing Style & Openings

Jonathan prefers secrecy with his openings — the “Top Secret” approach has been tested in over 5000 rapid games! When he does reveal his hand, expect a trusty blend of the King’s Indian Defense, Alapin Sicilian, or the ever-mysterious Philidor Defense. His win rates in these vary, but the one constant is his trademark unpredictability.

Notable Victory (May 28, 2025)

In one of his recent spectacular victories, Jonathan displayed impeccable technique in a tense King's Indian Defense Zinnowitz Variation match, culminating in a resignation by his opponent. The game featured precise maneuvering and tactical blows over 56 moves — a true testament to his endgame prowess and fighting spirit.

The Human Behind the Moves

Beyond the numbers, Jonathan embodies the true spirit of chess: perseverance, a sprinkle of humor, and an ever-curious mind. He’s the kind of player who would probably trade a Queen for a well-executed joke, proving that while every knight and bishop has its move, a great player also knows when to laugh at the game's beautiful chaos.

Keep an eye on Jonathan Adshead — he’s not just playing for rating, he’s playing for the love of the game, and maybe a little bit for the bragging rights too.