Sander van Eijk (aka Luipaard)
International Master
Sander van Eijk, better known in the chess world as Luipaard, is an accomplished International Master who blends deep strategic understanding with a playful tactical flair. With a peak blitz rating soaring to 2549 and a bullet peak of 2367, Sander’s eye for lightning-fast calculation is matched only by his knack for creative, resourceful play.
Starting from humble beginnings, Sander quickly climbed the ranks, mastering the art of rapid and blitz formats. His reputation for outwitting opponents in time scrambles is legendary, boasting nearly a 53% win rate in bullet and over 52% in blitz, with an impressive rapid win rate close to 88%. While some falter under pressure, Sander’s psychological resilience shines with an astonishing 88.4% comeback rate when trailing and a tilt factor so low it could probably be measured with a ruler and a smile.
Playing Style & Strengths
- Endgame Specialist: Playing deep into games with an average of 75 moves per win, Sander’s patience and precision make every endgame a thrilling finale.
- Tactical Awareness: An uncanny ability to bounce back after losing pieces — winning more than half such games — showcases his fighting spirit.
- Favorite Openings: Among his many weapons in the opening arsenal, the Sicilian Defense and its many colorful branches (like the Scheveningen Sozin Attack) are often his battleground of choice.
- Peak Performances: Peak blitz rating of 2549 in 2021, bullet best of 2367, and rapid all the way up to 2150 — not shy of speed, but no casual blitz player!
Recent Adventures Over the Board
Always hungry for victories, Sander’s recent wins sparkle with high drama. Whether it’s snatching a checkmate in the Sicilian Defense Open Classical Variation or outmaneuvering rivals employing tricky English Opening lines, his games read like chess thrillers. The most recent masterpiece? A stunning checkmate against 'knyaz13' in a 2025 live chess battle, displaying both tactical explosiveness and steely nerves.
Quirks & Fun Facts
When not playing, Sander might be pondering how many cups of coffee it takes to maintain peak blitz focus or debating the philosophical question: “Is resigning early a crime or a divine mercy?” With an early resignation rate of just 25%, he clearly prefers to enjoy the full ride, mistakes and all!
A day in the life of Luipaard often involves blitz sessions around 7-9 PM, his statistically strongest hours, where he effortlessly combines speed, strategy, and occasionally, a cheeky grin.
In sum, Sander van Eijk is the kind of chess player who not only commands respect for his titles and ratings but also entertains and inspires chess lovers with his fearless style and sportsmanship. Expect magic, expect tenacity — expect the unexpected from Luipaard.
