Mikhail M Ivanov - Grandmaster Extraordinaire
Meet Mikhail M Ivanov, aka Mikhail646464, a chess Grandmaster with a penchant for turning pawns into kings (and sometimes kings into mere pawns). With a FIDE title as shiny as his opening repertoire, Mikhail has navigated the battlegrounds of blitz, bullet, rapid, and daily chess with a mix of genius, grit, and a dash of good humor.
Career Highlights & Stats
- Highest Blitz rating: 2388 (Feb 2024)
- Peak Bullet rating: 2200 (Dec 2016)
- Top Rapid rating: 2311 (Apr 2025)
- Daily Chess pinnacle: 2269 (Jan 2016)
Mikhail’s blitz battles have been particularly impressive, amassing over 1,000 games with a commendable 51% win rate. In fact, his favorite opening is shrouded in "Top Secret," which likely leaves opponents scratching their heads while he confidently plans a checkmate.
Playing Style
Known for an 80.54% comeback rate, Mikhail never gives up — a losing piece is merely a plot twist, not the end of the story. He averages around 65 moves to win, showing his strategic endurance. When wielding the white pieces, he boasts an impressive 55.73% win rate, while playing black maintains a solid 51.8%. Early resignation is his least favorite option, as he prefers to squeeze every opportunity out of the endgame arena.
Quirks & Fun Facts
- Longest winning streak: 21 games — quite the dragon in the den!
- Longest losing streak: 33 games — hey, even geniuses have off days.
- Best time of day to play? 4:00 AM. Who needs sleep when you can dominate the chessboard?
- Likes to play openings with cryptic names — perhaps to confuse opponents or keep the secrets safe.
Notable Recent Game
In April 2025, Mikhail showcased his tactical prowess against GonomoBoss in a rapid duel. Playing the nimble Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack, Mikhail patiently dismantled his opponent’s defenses, culminating in a resignation win after 23 moves. You can review this masterclass here.
Against the Field
With an opponent network spanning over thousands of games, Mikhail’s competitive spirit shines brightest against numerous players, often scoring near-perfect win rates against the likes of hichemhamila, jjberry, and others who bravely dared to face him.
Final Thoughts
Whether blazing through games in blitz, strategizing long daily matches, or conquering rapid battles, Mikhail M Ivanov embodies the spirit of a true Grandmaster: resilience, wit, and a wicked sense of timing — a player who proves that chess isn’t just a game, but an art form where every move tells a story.