Mark DeDona (Marks1420) — Chess Biography
Mark DeDona, who often plays under the handle Marks1420, is a seasoned and titled National Master (National). A prolific online competitor with a taste for long tactical fights and creative openings, Mark blends serious preparation with a dash of humor — the kind that makes opponents smile before they lose on move 48. Preferred time control: Daily, where his patient, endgame-minded approach shines.
Career Highlights & Identity
- Title: National Master (National)
- Username: Marks1420
- Preferred time control: Daily — slow, thoughtful play that rewards preparation and long games
- Known for long average game lengths and a high endgame frequency (games often go deep)
- Notable peak (sample): 2696 (2024-11-20) — a snapshot of peak firepower in fast play
Playing Style & Strengths
Mark’s games are often characterized by marathon endgames and a resilience that sees many comebacks. He favors complex middlegames and rarely capitulates early — opponents report a “you have to pry the rook from his cold, dead hands” feeling.
- Endgame frequency: high — Mark likes to grind (AvgMovesPerWin ≈ long games)
- Comeback rate: strong — fights back even after blunders
- Psychological profile: steady with a modest tilt factor — keeps calm after setbacks
- White win tendency is a bit higher, but he’s no slouch with Black either
Favorite Openings & Tactical Preferences
Openings tell a story, and Mark’s is eclectic: he mixes mainstream solidity with sharp sidelines. He’s particularly dangerous in Sicilian and French structures, and his experience with offbeat choices keeps opponents on their toes.
- Frequently played: Sicilian Defense, French Defense, Caro-Kann
- Notable line success: Bishop’s Opening: Vienna Hybrid, Hromádka Variation — a quirky favorite
- Strong in both tactical (Amar Gambit) and structural (Caro-Kann) positions
- Sample quick study:
Streaks, Opponents & Notable Records
- Longest winning streak: 23 games — yes, really. Bring snacks for that run.
- Current winning streak (recent): 3 games
- Most played opponent: buffybear — a rivalry with hundreds of games (Mark holds a positive record)
- Top recurring opponents include bkchess, krujjster, and brent_mccreesh
Extra Content & Interactive Placeholders
For deeper dives and quick visual summaries, these placeholders can be used by the viewer:
- Rating trend (fast games):
- Peak performance snapshot: 2581 (2024-07-09) and 2363 (2024-12-26)
- Explore the Sicilian in Mark’s games: Sicilian Defense
- Play through a teaching game or sample tactic:
Placeholder notes: these items are provided to enrich the profile view — charts and PGNs load only if your viewer supports them.
Final Notes — Personality & What to Expect
Mark DeDona is the kind of player who will patiently outprepare you, spring a tactical trap, and then apologize in chat while offering a rematch. If you enjoy long fights, creative opening choices, and the occasional surprising sacrificial motif, queue up a Daily with Marks1420 — but beware: he will make you work for every point.