Mark Bishop

Mark Bishop: The Enigmatic Rapid Player

Known in the chess world simply as markbishop2, Mark Bishop is a rapid chess enthusiast with an intriguing mix of strengths and quirks that make his games worth watching... or sometimes just bewildering.

Rating and Style

Mark’s rapid rating journey has seen some wild swings, peaking at 263 in 2024 before settling around 154 in 2025. Not a steady climb, but hey, who said chess was predictable? His games average nearly 40 moves per win, proving he enjoys a good long fight when things go his way. On the flip side, his losses tend to wrap up much faster, averaging just 24 moves — perhaps a result of his penchant for early resignations, clocking in at a notable 41.91%. Sometimes, Mark knows when to quit (a skill many aspire to).

The Comeback Kid (Sometimes)

Mark has a rather impressive 39.2% comeback rate. Nothing boosts morale like turning a lost position into a dazzling win—though he seems to like putting himself in those tight spots, as his one-sided loss rate is a hefty 54.08%. However, if he loses a piece, don’t count him out — he boasts a perfect 100% win rate after losing material. Maybe it’s all part of the plan.

A Tactical Mind at Work

With a win rate of about 37% playing both white and black, Mark proves he’s equally comfortable attacking or defending. Yet, despite his tactical prowess and occasional brilliance, sometimes psychological pressure gets to him—his tilt factor is around 15, meaning emotions occasionally get the best of him. But, to be fair, who doesn't get a little salty when losing to a sneaky pawn promotion?

Timing Is Everything

Mark seems to thrive when the clock strikes noon (with an impressive 51.11% win rate) and late evening sessions between 10 PM and midnight, racking up wins in the 40+% range. Early mornings? Not so much. Maybe his brain just needs its coffee first.

Famous Rivalries & Quirks

Mark’s most played opponents include maribola, joshianu, and thegoatishere69, though the results seem mixed, with some rivalries quite heated and others more friendly. Oddly enough, he wins 100% of games against certain opponents while being a complete mystery to others (looking at you, durdanexxxxxxxxx and fofinha9).

The Secret Weapon: The Opening Named "Top Secret"

Mark's favorite opening—which he jokingly calls "Top Secret"—has been played in 3,489 rapid games, yielding him 1,283 wins and a modest 36.77% win rate. It's a classic 'mystery meat' approach that keeps opponents guessing and often scratching their heads.

In Summary

Mark Bishop may not be the most predictable chess player out there, but his games are anything but boring. With dramatic swings, tactical fights, and occasional bouts of resignation-induced surrender, he embodies the rollercoaster experience of competitive rapid chess. Whether he's making a legendary comeback or giving up early to save time for a snack, Mark keeps the chess community entertained and intrigued.