Handenur Sahin — Woman Candidate Master and Blitz Specialist
Handenur Sahin (username laraine12) is a titled player recognized as a Woman Candidate Master by FIDE. A true Blitz specialist, Handenur mixes tactical firepower with marathon endurance, making for exciting and often theatrical games. This profile highlights playing style, favorite openings, and a few fun facts for fans and opponents alike.
Playing Style & Strengths
Handenur favors fast-paced Blitz and is known for long, sharp battles. Opponents should expect persistent pressure, frequent checks from the queen and rook, and a remarkable ability to bounce back when behind.
- Preferred time control: Blitz — the arena where Handenur shines.
- Endgame frequency: very high. Many games reach complex endgames rather than quick resignations.
- Avg moves per win: about 66. Handenur plays long decisive games.
- Comeback rate: impressive at 87.13 percent. Losing material is never a full stop.
- Top tactical trait: often recovers after losing a piece with a 44.22 percent win rate in those situations.
- Best time to face Handenur: around 19:00 local time, when results peak.
Openings and Repertoire
Handenur has a wide toolbox and enjoys both mainstream theory and cheeky traps. Below are some signature openings and standout performances.
- Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation — most played weapon with many battles and steady results, a testing ground for practical play.
- Caro-Kann Defense: Exchange Variation — high win rate and a reliable choice when Handenur wants solidity with counterpunching potential.
- Blackburne Shilling Gambit — used successfully as a surprise weapon, especially in Blitz.
- Other favorites include London System ideas and occasional Four Knights and Italian Game nuances.
Explore a rating trend for the Blitz years:
Memorable Games & Moments
Handenur has produced many exciting finishes and gritty comebacks. Here is a clickable highlight and a quick sample mini-game for the viewer.
- Notable Blitz finish: Brilliant Blitz Finish
- Quick playable snippet (try it in the board viewer):
Notable Opponents & Records
Handenur has faced a roster of familiar foes and keeps close tabs on repeat opponents. A few frequently encountered usernames:
- Most played: anatolihakobyan — multiple encounters and heated fights.
- Other regulars: gs47, alexmantes, tonibell.
- Fun stat: Handenur tends to perform best on weekends and evenings, with Saturday and 19:00 hour showing particularly strong results.
Personality, Tactics, and Trivia
A mixed bag of grit and grin, Handenur combines reliable preparation with a taste for practical complications. Expect long struggles, surprising tactical rescues, and the occasional cheeky trap. A few quick items:
- Nickname-ready trait: resilient. Comebacks are a signature.
- Favorite checking pieces: queen first, rook close behind.
- Endgame lover: many games go the distance, so stamina is a must.
- Peak Blitz moment: a career highlight on the rapid-fire battlefield. 2330 (2020-06-17)
Want to Follow or Study Games?
For coaches, fans, and curious opponents: study the Sicilian Alapin and Caro-Kann Exchange lines to prepare. If you want a quick rematch, find Handenur around prime Blitz hours.
- Study a sample game above with the embedded PGN viewer.
- Check recurring opponents to learn typical schemes and tactical themes.