Avatar of Matthew Stefanou

Matthew Stefanou

mattewcs Athens Since 2025 (Active) Chess.com ♟♟
48.1%- 43.1%- 8.8%
Bullet 1005
310W 233L 24D
Blitz 959
1125W 1040L 230D
Rapid 1065
752W 694L 150D
Daily 987
18W 12L 0D

Matthew Stefanou (mattewcs) - Chess Profile

Matthew Stefanou, who plays online as mattewcs, is a fast-moving chess player known for sharp instincts in short time controls and a fondness for endgames. A self-described Bullet specialist, Matthew mixes classic defenses with a few cheeky gambits and a habit of grinding opponents down in long, tactical scrambles. This bio highlights playing style, favorite openings, and a few stats that tell the story.

Peak ratings include Rapid 1069 (2026-02-20) and Bullet 923 (2026-03-08). For a quick visual, see a recent Bullet trend below.

Bullet Rating9239169089018932025: 9032026: 91320252026

Career Highlights

  • Over 4,500 rated games across time controls, with a relentless appetite for play and practice.
  • Most-played and most-favored opponent record: a perfect 24-0 versus lightofdemand.
  • Strong short-game pedigree: Preferred time control is Bullet and the Strength Adjusted Win Rate is highest in Bullet.
  • Notable streaks: longest winning run 14 games, longest losing run 15 games, and currently on a 3 game winning streak.

Opening Repertoire and Style

Matthew balances sound defense with surprise weaponry. He often returns to time-tested setups but is not shy of gambits when the position calls for blood.

  • Favored defenses with Black: Caro-Kann Defense and Scandinavian Defense.
  • With White: loves the Vienna Gambit and the Four Knights Game - Spanish Variation for lively, concrete play.
  • Wildcard entries: Amar Gambit and Amazon Attack appear regularly for fun and chaos.

Bullet opening highlights include solid results with the Caro-Kann and an especially high win rate in the Vienna Gambit when White.

Playing Habits and Strengths

  • Preferred time control: Bullet. Quick decisions, fast tactics, and practical resourcefulness win games.
  • Endgame-focused: high endgame frequency suggests many games reach long, technical conclusions.
  • Resilience: Comeback rate is excellent, showing strong recovery after setbacks.
  • Best time to challenge: early morning; Matthew's best hour is about 06:00 local time.
  • Psychology notes: moderate tilt factor, but usually bounces back quickly.

Quick Stats Snapshot

  • All-time recorded games: about 4,565 analyzed games.
  • Win totals by time control: Bullet 297, Blitz 1,113, Rapid 764, Daily 18.
  • Average decisive game length: roughly 66 to 72 moves, meaning Matthew plays deep into the middlegame and endgame.
  • Tactical awareness: high Win Rate After Losing Piece and a strong ability to salvage or turn around difficult positions.

Sample Game Viewer

Here is a short sample for study and amusement. Try to keep up, Bullet fans.

Fun Facts

  • Average moves per win: about 65. That is not a quick gobble and run. Expect long fights.
  • Most common checking piece historically: the Queen. Yes, queen checks do a lot of the heavy lifting.
  • Likes to surprise: the Amar Gambit and Amazon Attack show a playful side that keeps opponents on their toes.
  • If you want to be demolished quietly, open with e4. Matthew is heavily biased toward meeting e4 with prepared replies.

Want to Play?

Challenge Matthew at his username: Matthew Stefanou. Best times for a friendly-but-serious Bullet match are early mornings. Bring speed, bring puzzles, and do not forget your endgame boots.

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