Matthew Buss (mavrickvillian)
Matthew Buss, known in the online chess realms as mavrickvillian, is a determined rapid and blitz battler who clearly enjoys a rollercoaster ride on the rating charts. Starting off around 1013 rapid rating in 2014, Matthew reached a personal peak of 1515 in rapid chess back in 2016. While his journey has been filled with ups and downs — including a humbling longest losing streak of 50 games — his resilience shines with an impressive comeback rate of 68.29%, proving that setbacks are just setups for greater comebacks.
His playing style features a love for lengthy, probing battles, averaging nearly 46 moves per win and over 52 moves in defeat — the sort of marathoner who prefers chess marathons over quick sprints. With a tactical awareness that makes him bounce back after a loss, Matthew sometimes admits to a bit of impatience, resigning early in about 6.25% of his games. But hey, who can blame him when the opponent’s queen comes for a surprise tea party at the back rank?
Opening Preferences & Performance
- Rapid Play Faves: Queens Pawn Chigorin Variation leads the pack, boasting nearly 70% win rate; Caro Kann and Scandinavian defenses also feature prominently.
- Blitz Openings: An eclectic mix – Queens Pawn, Caro Kann, and accelerated London system, with near 45-56% win rates.
- Bullet Battles: Often dances with the Caro Kann and Englund Gambit, where he holds nearly 45-53% wins.
Stats That Tell A Story
Matthew’s blitz record shows a warrior’s heart — 1269 wins against 1933 losses, fighting all-comers across thousands of games. Bullet mode? An admirable 1285 wins with 1689 losses, because sometimes speed comes with its own risks. In rapid chess, his win and loss counts practically balance like a perfectly poised knight on d5 — 215 wins, 216 losses, and a handful of draws.
Not one to shy away from intense time scrambles, Matthew’s best time to unleash his skills is around 8 PM, when his win rate spikes to nearly 48%. Whether grinding on a weekend or hustling during weekday nights, he’s clearly a player who knows when to bring the heat.
Psychological Quirks & Highlights
With a tilt factor of 50, Matthew is equally prone to rage-quitting or holding his nerve – making each game a little adventure for both him and his opponent. He thrives on comebacks but pitches a tent when it comes to opponents rated above him, where winning drops to a humble 25%, yet he excels convincingly against slightly weaker foes.
Memorable Moments
His most recent victories often end with swift checkmates — a testament to his attacking flair and opportunistic mindset. For instance, a recent triumph saw him dismantle an opponent with a dramatic queen and rook battery culminating in a checkmate at move 25. Conversely, losses occasionally come from time scrambles or high-pressure moments — but each defeat is just a stepping stone for his next strategic fury.
Fun Fact
With usernames like "mavrickvillian", you can't help but imagine Matthew as the charming rogue of online chess — always ready to challenge conventions, swing a knight in unexpected ways, and keep opponents guessing. Just don’t let him catch you napping, or you’ll be starring in his next victory story!
