Benjamin Haccoun (aka kahNeb) - Chess Adventurer
Meet Benjamin Haccoun, a gritty and passionate chess player who fearlessly dives into the bustling world of online chess. Known in the chess circles as kahNeb, Benjamin’s journey is a rollercoaster of exciting victories, tough lessons, and above all, a never-say-die spirit.
Benjamin’s peak rapid rating is an intriguing 533 (achieved in January 2024), which perfectly captures his hunger for growth even if his current rating hovers around the mid-300s. His blitz adventures saw a sparkling max rating of 439 in May 2025, and though bullet chess has been a fleeting affair, his resolve remains steadfast.
“Winning by resignation” is Benjamin’s favorite way to conclude a battle — with a whopping 117 wins by resignation, he tends to make his opponents throw in the towel before the final checkmate happens. When it comes to openings, Benjamin prefers the Van 't Kruijs Opening, boasting a stellar 73.33% win rate there. So, if you're facing him and see e3 on the board, better be ready for some serious chess fireworks.
Benjamin’s style combines patience (with an average of about 51 moves per game) and unyielding tactical awareness — his 63.59% comeback rate after setbacks is the envy of many. And while the occasional brutal losing streak can last up to 10 games, his tilt factor is fairly low at 10%, meaning frustration rarely gets the better of him.
Playing mostly in the evening (his best hours for wins are around 22:00 and 17:00), Benjamin prefers the thrill of a long rapid duel but isn’t shy about blitzing through when necessary. With nearly 430 rapid games under his belt, he’s a seasoned warrior who respects the grind and loves the unpredictable nature of online chess.
Facing opponents like phantomizerist and jamesgeorgee, Benjamin has shown he's a formidable foe—winning 100% against some tough opponents. At the same time, he knows well the pain of defeat, especially against players like kofirobifufu, whose checkmate marked one of the most recent battles.
“I might lose, I might win, but I never quit – at least not without a dramatic resignation from my opponent.”
From humble beginnings to gritty duels and memorable victories, Benjamin Haccoun’s chess story reminds us all that numbers and ratings tell part of the tale — but passion, character, and a love for the game write the true biography.
