Juan Henao (juanetes1322) - Chess Enthusiast & Relentless Fighter
Juan Henao, better known in the chess world as juanetes1322, is a dedicated online chess player with a playing style that balances careful endgame strategy and tactical resilience. Though his peak blitz rating harks back to 2019 with a respectable 1149, Juan's true strength shines in rapid chess, where he achieved a peak rating of 803 in mid-2025. This showcases an admirable capacity for thoughtful planning under pressure—just don’t ask him to bullet!
Playing Style and Strengths
Known for a comeback rate of almost 75%, Juan refuses to let early setbacks rattle his game, frequently turning the tables after losing material. His games tend to be modestly long, averaging about 62 moves per win, proving he's not one to rush to a quick victory nor give up early, boasting a rather low early resignation rate of 5%. Whether wielding the white or black pieces, he pushes for victory with a slight edge when playing white (52.26% win rate) and holds his ground fairly well on black (45.42%).
Opening Repertoire
Juan keeps his opponents guessing with a broad repertoire but fondly revisits the Queens Pawn Opening variations and Englund Gambit—the latter yielding a surprising 72–75% win rate in rapid and blitz formats respectively. Other favorites include the Dutch Defense and Colle System, which often bring sparks to the board and some witty banter in post-game chats.
Competitive Spirit
With nearly 1400 rapid games played and a healthy battle record (686 wins to 633 losses), Juan clearly enjoys the thrill of the competition. His most-played opponent is johnacm, with over 75 games shared—so many skirmishes that they probably have a secret handshake by now. His win rate varies widely by opponent, but he’s notorious for turning even the direst positions around, as his tactical awareness proves time and again.
Remarkable Recent Victories
Just recently, Juan walked away victorious in multiple thrilling matches. One notable win featured a classic Queen-side fianchetto battle leading to a resignation (ECO A04 - Reti Opening Queenside Fianchetto Variation), while another saw him deliver a crushing checkmate employing the intriguing Englund Gambit. His ingenuity and fighting spirit make for great watching—and even better learning for his followers.
Fun Facts
- Juan's best time to play is around 10:00 AM, proving mornings are for mind games and checkmates.
- His preferred time controls are rapid and daily games, where deep thought triumphs over quick blitz rushes.
- Despite occasional losing streaks (his longest spans 8 games), his current winning streak reminds us he’s always ready for a comeback.
- With an impressive 50+% win rate on Thursdays and evenings between 8 PM and 10 PM, it seems Juan’s chess mojo is somewhat tied to his mood—and coffee breaks.
Whether a casual challenger or a fierce rival, players facing juanetes1322 should brace themselves. He may not top the ratings just yet, but his love for the game, fighting spirit, and knack for surprising tactical shots make Juan a delightful and unpredictable player on any chessboard.
