Overview — Jose Sande, FIDE Master and Blitz specialist
Jose Sande (username: josesande) is a FIDE Master known for a fast, practical approach to chess—especially at Blitz time controls. A longtime adherent of the English Opening and a fearless tester of the Modern Defense (Pterodactyl), Jose mixes deep preparation with quick intuition. This biography captures playing style, signature openings, notable streaks, and a short sample game for fans and opponents alike.
Career highlights & profile summary
- Title: FIDE Master — competes primarily online and excels in rapid-decisions at Blitz.
- Preferred time control: Blitz (speed, tactics, and imperfect miracles).
- Lifetime Blitz record (summary): Wins 3,690 • Losses 3,561 • Draws 503 — a workhorse with a near-even ledger and an appetite for long events.
- Peak Blitz figure (for display): 2547 (2025-12-17)
- Favorite first move: c4 — the English dominates Jose’s move choices year after year.
- Handy chart of recent rating history:
Playing style & tendencies
Jose blends positional patience with tactical alertness. The numbers tell the tale:
- Endgame frequency is high (games often go deep)—Jose enjoys grinding in long, technical wins.
- Average moves per win: ~71; per loss: ~80 — games are decisive but rarely short.
- Early resignation rate ~42% — if the position collapses, Jose spares both players the agony (or the comedy).
- Strong comeback ability: high comeback rate and respectable win rate after losing material—never count Jose out.
- Psychology: Tilt factor ≈10 (keeps emotions in check most of the time), best playing hours around 08:00 local for clarity, but produces some late-night masterpieces as well.
Openings & repertoire
Jose’s repertoire tilts toward c4 systems and flexible setups that invite both maneuvering and tactical shots. Highlights from Blitz practice:
- English Opening (overall) — a core system; strong performance across many sub-variations. English Opening
- English Opening: Agincourt Defense — frequent and successful choice, consistently high win rates.
- English Opening: Drill Variation and Symmetrical/Botvinnik systems — practical and tested in hundreds of games.
- Modern Defense: Pterodactyl Variation — used often as a counterpunch; many razor-close battles here.
- Sicilian Defense (Closed & Accelerated Dragon/Maróczy Bind) — secondary but well-practiced weapons.
Notable streaks, opponents & anecdotes
- Longest winning streak: 28 games — a run that probably included coffee and a small parade.
- Longest losing streak: 10 games; current losing streak: 1 — Jose bounces back quickly.
- Most-played opponent: kenjim-upc — 125 games; Jose leads the match: 73–46–6. (Profile link: kenjim-upc)
- Special mention: against tommy-salami Jose is a perfect 18–0 — either perfect preparation or unbeatable snack timing.
- Best days/hours: Sunday win rate slightly lower; killer hours include midnight and early morning in some months—an unpredictable clockwork player.
Notable stats & season trends
- Strength-adjusted win rates (recent): Blitz ≈ 50.47% — solid against similarly rated fields.
- Yearly trends show sustained growth and deep activity: c4 remains the dominant first move in 2023–2025.
- Termination pattern: many decisive games go the distance (long average lengths), reflecting battle-hardened endgame skills.
Sample game (illustrative)
Below is a short illustrative Blitz game (moves only). Use the embedded viewer to step through it.
Quick commentary: a familiar Ruy‑Lopez-ish structure played in a hurry; Jose often reaches middlegames like this and converts with patient piece play.
Final notes — how to follow Jose Sande
If you’re studying Blitz technique, Jose is a great model for consistent practice, deep endgames, and a reliable English repertoire. Expect long fights, clever maneuvering, and occasional tactical fireworks. For opponents, prepare for c4, don’t underestimate the Pterodactyl, and keep your snacks within arm’s reach.