Matthew Foot (mattjfoo) - The Relentless Blitz Battler
Matthew Foot, known online by the mischievous handle mattjfoo, is a rapidly rising chess enthusiast who brings both grit and unexpected flair to the virtual board. Despite his modest historical ratings—peaking at 683 in Blitz, 779 in Rapid, and an impressive 1081 in Daily games—Matthew’s passion for the game is anything but average.
Playing Style & Approach
Matthew’s style could be summarized as "fearless pragmatism with a dash of tactical sparkle." With an impressive comeback rate of over 74%, this player refuses to bow out easily—even when the position looks grim. If you thought giving up early was for the weak, you'd better re-think that after seeing mattjfoo’s early resignation rate hovering at a humble 3%. When it comes to endgames, Matthew is no stranger, engaging in around 44% of his games with the final grit of a seasoned gladiator.
Strengths and Quirks
- Peak Daily Rating: 1081 (April 2025) - Daily is where Matthew truly shines, methodically grinding opponents with steady consistency.
- Rapid and Blitz: His rapid rating approaches 720, reflecting a growing prowess at faster time controls.
- Opening Preferences: A connoisseur of the Vienna Game (especially the Falkbeer Vienna Gambit) and the Caro-Kann Defense. Those variations bring out his best work, with win rates up to 65.7% in some lines.
- Clock Wizard: Matthew plays some of his best games at some unexpected hours, with absolute perfection in the wee hours (3 AM being his “best time to play”). If you ever want to catch him off guard, try challenging him early in the morning—this opponent is ready to strike when you’re still in dreamland.
The Saga of Wins, Losses, and the Occasional Draw
Matthew has logged nearly a thousand games across all time controls and proudly boasts over 480 wins in Blitz alone, only to be narrowly outpaced by losses, adding to the thrill and motivation to improve. His less-than-perfect record reveals a chess journey full of learning, resilience, and humor. After all, what’s a few losses on the road to glory?
Recent Battle Highlights
Coming fresh from the battlefield, Matthew recently secured a stunning checkmate victory in a Vienna Game Falkbeer Vienna Gambit match. It's safe to say surrender by resignation is never on mattjfoo’s agenda unless... well, you just got outplayed sufficiently.
Of course, every warrior faces setbacks; his latest loss came via resignation in a gritty Caro-Kann Defense encounter, proving even the savviest gladiators can have an off day.
Conclusion
Whether he's cleverly maneuvering through openings or staging a comeback in the toughest positions, Matthew Foot combines solid chess fundamentals with a scrappy fighting spirit. The chess world awaits to see how far this dedicated player will rise. Maybe next time you log in, you’ll find yourself facing mattjfoo—after all, the thrill of the game is guaranteed!
Keep an eye on mattjfoo. He’s just getting started.
