Overview
Robert Tustanowski (aka MrAnnihilation) is a National Master and a fearsome force in fast chess. A Bullet specialist with a strong Blitz record, Robert mixes tactical bravado with long endgames, proving that speed and patience can live in the same brain. His play has climbed steadily through 2023 to 2026, peaking in Blitz and remaining elite in Bullet play.
Playing Style and Strengths
Robert is unusual for a speed demon. He prefers short time controls yet plays long battles. Key traits:
- Endgame frequency high - many games reach complex endgames.
- Average moves per decisive game near 80 - Robert does not like shortcuts.
- Strong tactical resilience - comeback rate approximately 86 percent.
- Good even when down material - wins after losing a piece nearly half the time.
- Early resignation rate is notable - he respects doomed positions and spares both players extra ticking seconds.
White win rate is about 54 percent while Black sits around 42 percent, showing an edge when he gets the first move.
Favorite Openings
Robert has a reputation for surprising opponents with offbeat ideas and solid Sicilian work. His most-played and most-successful systems include:
- Sicilian Defense - a staple when dynamic imbalance is required.
- Czech Defense - especially effective in Bullet with a high win rate.
- Blackburne Shilling Gambit - cheeky and surprisingly profitable in practice.
- Philidor Defense and French Defense - dependable choices that score well in faster time controls.
He often turns to the Sicilian Alapin Sherzer lines when he wants a technical, tricky fight as White.
Career Highlights
- Title: National Master.
- Peak Blitz performance shown here: 2572 (2026-02-22) (achieved in 2026).
- Peak Bullet performance shown here: 2533 (2026-03-12) (achieved in 2026).
- Longest winning streak: 15 games. Longest losing run: 8 games.
- Strength adjusted win rates: Bullet notably strong compared to other controls.
Notable Opponents
Robert has battled a long list of frequent rivals. A few of the most-played:
- lovethatjoker - 26 games, a close rivalry.
- Roman Kozelov - 14 games, favorable score for Robert.
- 7xt9r - 14 games, many dramatic finishes.
- yahir_fc10 and Benjamin Hercules - regular opponents who know his repertoire well.
Time, Tilt and Psychology
Robert has interesting temporal quirks. His best hour to play is around 02:00, which might explain surprising late-night streaks. Tilt factor is modest but real. He performs slightly better in rated games and has a knack for returning from bad positions.
- Best time of day to play: 02:00.
- Tilt factor: 8 (keep calm and offer coffee).
- Notable hour stats: a few hours show perfect records, which probably deserve a ceremonial plaque or at least a coffee mug.
Fun Facts
- Despite being a Bullet fan, many of Robert's wins end after long strategic fights rather than instant tactical wins.
- He enjoys the occasional cheeky trap; the Blackburne Shilling Gambit has been a reliable mischief tool.
- His games often feature many checks delivered by queens and rooks, so beware back-rank fantasies.
Charts, Games and Analysis
Interactive placeholders below show Robert's rating trends, opening win rates and a sample game for study. Use these to explore form and repertoire.
- Rating trend (Blitz):
- Rating trend (Bullet):
- Win rate by opening:
- Peak rating quick stats: 2572 (2026-02-22) and 2533 (2026-03-12)
- Sample game to replay:
Want to Explore More?
Search for Robert Tustanowski or MrAnnihilation to study his openings, drills and long endgame technique. If you are preparing to face him, check the Sicilian and Czech lines first and do not underestimate trick systems like the Blackburne Shilling Gambit.