Pete Hoggan (aka Mean_as_custard)
Known on the virtual 64 squares as Mean_as_custard, Pete Hoggan is a chess enthusiast whose journey is anything but ordinary. Starting at a modest Daily rating of 1346 back in 2014, Pete has since battled through the ranks of Bullet, Blitz, and Rapid chess with a spirited mix of triumphs, near misses, and the occasional “what was I thinking?” moment.
Rating & Performance
By 2025, Pete’s Bullet rating peaked at 1302, Blitz at 1239, and Rapid at a respectable 1476. Not one to shy away from the pressure, his average Bullet rating steadily climbed from just over 1100 to above 1200, proving that persistence beats panic every time. However, in the more relaxed Daily format, Pete’s win rate humorously dipped to a chilly 14%, which suggests his brain prefers lightning-fast tactics to slow-cooked endgames.
Playing Style & Stats
Pete’s average winning game tends to stretch to nearly 70 moves — so don’t expect him to quit early; he’s a marathon runner trapped in a sprint race. Also, with a comeback rate of nearly 79%, this is a player who doesn’t know when to give up — perfect for exhausting opponents into blunders. Interestingly, Pete has a perfect 100% win rate after losing a piece, which could be due to his opponents overconfidently celebrating a gain... only to get checkmated shortly after.
Personality & Tendencies
Unlike some who rage-quit at the first setback, Pete’s tilt factor sits at a manageable 10, meaning the keyboard and mouse remain intact, at least most of the time. His willingness to face tough opponents repeatedly is evident from his varied win rates against top foes — some are outright victims, while others keep Pete on his toes.
Anecdotes & Fun Facts
- Longest winning streak? A solid 9 games. Not too shabby for someone who sometimes loses all games in a Daily tournament.
- His opening book is a "Top Secret" strategy, so secret that even Pete sometimes forgets what he’s playing.
- He’s surprisingly more successful playing White, boasting a 51.5% win rate, while Black games hover around 43.2%.
- His peak tactical moment might just be converting losses into victories — quite literally.
In summary, Pete Hoggan plays chess like a rollercoaster: thrilling highs, unexpected twists, and the occasional scream (internally, of course). Mean_as_custard may not be a grandmaster just yet, but his passion, perseverance, and peculiar charm make him a formidable and entertaining presence over the board.
