Brandon Zhu

Brandon Zhu - The Chess Virtuoso Known as "New-world"

Brandon Zhu, playing under the chess alias New-world, is a fascinating figure in the world of online chess, blending impressive skill with a touch of unpredictability. With peak ratings soaring to 2341 in Bullet, 2274 in Blitz, and 2129 in Rapid, Brandon has proven time and again that he is a formidable opponent — especially when the clocks are ticking furiously.

Early Days and Rise through the Ranks

Starting from humble beginnings with a Rapid rating of 1200 in early 2019, Brandon rapidly climbed the ladder to a solid 2100+ rating by the end of 2020, boasting a win rate north of 68% in his favorite "Top Secret" openings in Rapid games. His Blitz career is even more dazzling, eclipsing the 2200 mark with frequent battles against the best online competitors, sometimes winning, sometimes learning – which in chess, might as well be the same thing.

Playing Style: Caution and Brilliance

Known for a daring but sometimes temperamental approach, Brandon’s games often reveal a player unafraid to dive into complications but who prefers to avoid drawn-out endgames, as suggested by a nearly 43% early resignation rate. His average lengths for wins and losses hover around 40-45 moves, indicating intense midgame battles where his tactical sharpness truly shines.

Tactical Wizardry and Comebacks

Brendan’s come-from-behind abilities are legendary among his peers, with a striking comeback rate of over 58%. Even when losing a piece, New-world keeps his cool, winning more than half the time afterwards – a testament to his remarkable resilience and flair for tactical middlegame fireworks.

The Psychological Game

In true human fashion, Brandon does experience the infamous “tilt,” but with a relatively low tilt factor of 25%, he manages to keep frustrations at bay more effectively than many of us mere mortals. His best performances tend to come late at night, around 11 PM—perfect timing for late-night brain battles and possibly a snack or two.

Records and Rivalries

Over his extensive Blitz career with more than 4800 games, Brandon’s wins surpass 2500, facing off regularly against opponents like kaydenzzzz and h777, maintaining strong win rates against nearly all. Though chess is serious business, Brandon’s record shows a playful spirit – with an 18-game longest winning streak and a knack for scoring gametime memories wrapped in memorable moves.

Recent Triumph: A Checkmate to Remember

In his most recent game, New-world executed a thrilling checkmate against medpencil in a Rapid match featuring the Queen's Pawn Opening. Showcasing aggressive bishop sacrifices and precise queen maneuvers, Brandon sealed the deal with a final brilliant Qe8# at move 87, illustrating one of many epic tales in his career.

In Summary

Brandon Zhu is not just a chess player; he's an experience—a whirlwind of strategy, calculated risks, and moments of genius that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether playing Bullet, Blitz, or Rapid, New-world continues to carve his legacy one move at a time, proving that the New World of chess is bright, exciting, and full of surprises. If you haven't faced him yet, be prepared—he might just outfox you before you blink!