Overview
Vladimir Predein (kurganchess45) is an International Master (IM) with a reputation as a blitz specialist and an appetite for sharp, tactical battles. On the online boards he’s known for storming through time controls with confidence — and the occasional cheeky blunder that keeps spectators entertained. Preferred time control: Blitz.
- Title: International Master (FIDE)
- Username: kurganchess45
- Preferred time control: Blitz
Playing Style
Vladimir blends tactical alertness with an endgame endurance that surprises opponents who expect a one-trick blitzster. He plays long decisive games often (avg decisive length around the high 70s) and shows a strong knack for comebacks.
- Avg moves per win: ~75
- Endgame frequency: high (85.7%) — prefers to grind in the late game
- Comeback rate: impressive (about 85% reported)
- White win rate: ~53.8% — likes to take the initiative
Career Highlights
Vladimir’s online arc shows steady improvement and several peak moments. He’s driven many long streaks (longest winning streak: 15) and has repeatedly pushed his Blitz performance into the 2500–2600 zone against top opposition.
- Notable streaks: Longest winning streak — 15; longest losing streak — 11
- Blitz record (aggregated): wins 1,302 • losses 1,072 • draws 162
- Peak Blitz performance: 2639 (2025-12-16) — a peak reached during an intense run of online play
Openings & Preferences
Vladimir favors combative, double-edged systems. On the receiving end or as the instigator, he often steers games into familiar territory where tactical complexity and practical chances abound.
- Most-played openings in Blitz: Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation (131 games), Dőry Defense (104 games), Sicilian Closed (80 games)
- High win-rate systems: Dőry Defense (~61.5% win rate in Blitz), Closed Sicilian (~58.8% win rate)
- Comfortable with sharp sidelines and gambits — likes messy positions where calculation rules
Notable Game (demo)
A short illustrative sequence captures Vladimir’s taste for classical development leading into tension:
Opponent & Time Trends
Vladimir has faced a handful of frequent adversaries; his record shows competitive rivalries and some one-sided matchups. Time-of-day stats show a clear peak for him around midday and early afternoon — the “best time” listed is 13:00. Expect crisp tactics around lunchtime.
- Most-played opponents: igorchuk45 (123 games), vanya20088 (56 games)
- Best time of day: ~13:00; strong win-rates also at hours like 12:00 and 14:00
- Win rate vs lower-rated opponents: substantially higher (typical pattern)
Fun Facts & Placeholders
A few delightful extras for a profile page or study guide.
- Peak Blitz badge placeholder: 2639 (2025-12-16)
- Quick reference chart placeholder:
- Lookup key opening page: Sicilian_Defense:_Najdorf_Variation
- Example opponent profile link placeholder: igorchuk45
Closing Note
Whether you’re preparing an opening against Vladimir or just want to enjoy an entertaining blitz duel, expect a skilled IM who mixes tenacity, tactical fireworks, and a fondness for long, rich positions. He’ll punish inaccuracies — and he’ll happily laugh about the ones he makes, too.