Ward Al-Tarboush: The FIDE Master and Tactical Maestro
Meet Ward Al-Tarboush, better known in chess circles by the fierce username Lion-Al-Messi. A proud holder of the FIDE Master title, Ward blends strategic genius with a pinch of unpredictability that keeps opponents on their toes — or completely off-balance.
Starting with bullet chess, Ward’s journey is nothing short of a rollercoaster. From humble beginnings at a rating just shy of 1270 in mid-2019, Ward zoomed to a jaw-dropping peak of 2711 by early 2022. That’s like going from a weekend player to blitzing grandmasters in no time! Their average bullet win rate hovers at a respectable 48%, proving that while Ward doesn’t always win, they make sure every game is a thrill ride.
Blitz chess shows Ward at their absolute best—topping out at an electrifying 2662 rating and boasting a winning percentage above 50%. It’s said that Ward's blitz games are a whirlwind of brilliant sacrifices, cunning traps, and lightning-fast knight forks that bewilder even the quickest grandmasters. And don’t even get us started on the legendary "Top Secret" opening repertoire—no one knows exactly what’s coming next, but everyone knows it’s dangerous.
Rapid and daily games reveal a slightly more laid-back Ward, enjoying the more classical pace with ratings in the 2300 and 1200 range respectively, still outwitting opponents with the precision of a seasoned tactician. Their comeback rate is a staggering 90%, which means if you knock down one of Ward’s pieces, don’t expect them to stay down — they’ll bounce back stronger than ever.
Ward’s style? Long games with a love of endgames (81% of games go deep) and plenty of moves—an average of nearly 80 moves per win or loss, because why win quickly when you can make your opponent suffer through an epic battle? Early resignation is rare here—just 2.7%—Ward likes to wring every drop out of the competition.
When asked about their preferred time to strike, 8 AM is Ward’s secret weapon. That’s right—morning sushi and sharp tactics tend to make quite the combo. Beware any opponent facing Ward before coffee time!
Memorable Moments
Among Ward’s recent triumphs, a brilliant checkmate delivered in a live blitz match on May 27, 2025, showcased their mastery over the French Defense’s Classical Burn Morozevich Line. The opponent was left helpless as Ward’s pieces converged for a king hunt culminating in a decisive Rc1#. Victory snatched not by brute force but by patient positional squeezing.
But even lions have off days. One memorable loss that same day came in a battle of wits where Ward was outmaneuvered and eventually resigned. Chess at this level is not for the faint-hearted!
Ward Al-Tarboush isn’t just a chess player—they’re a captivating riddle wrapped in an enigma, sprinkled with a little madness. Opponents never know if Ward will storm the board with ferocious aggression or quietly set up a tactical masterpiece that unfolds over dozens of moves. One thing’s certain: every game featuring Ward is a chess story worth telling.
"In the jungle of chess, Ward Al-Tarboush reigns supreme — a Lion whispering moves that only the bold can hear."