Craig Clawitter - National Master (NMChessToImpress)
Craig Clawitter, a National Master known online as NMChessToImpress, is the charming blend of dedication, tactical prowess, and a good dash of humor that every chess enthusiast admires. Earning the respected National Master title, Craig’s journey through the checkerboard trenches has been nothing short of impressive.
Rating and Style
From humble beginnings with a Blitz rating around the 1300s in 2010, Craig rocketed to a peak Blitz rating of 2379 by 2025, showcasing relentless improvement and unyielding passion. His Bullet and Rapid ratings have been equally formidable, with Bullet maxing out above 2200 and Rapid reaching highs in the mid-2300s — not bad for a player whose personal motto might be “Blunder bravely, but come back stronger.”
Playing Personality
Known for a strong endgame focus (Craig finds himself in the endgame over 70% of the time) and an impressive average of nearly 63 moves per win, this player certainly enjoys the long strategic battle. Early resignations are rare (just 2.47%), proving he fights for every pawn and every square on the board.
Tactical Wizardry
If anyone’s good at bouncing back, it’s Craig. With a stunning 78% comeback rate and a win rate above 98% after losing a piece, he’s like a chess superhero who finds strength in adversity. Let’s just say, losing a piece to Craig is the first step to losing the game entirely.
Record and Rivalries
Over 15,000 wins in Blitz alone and thousands more in Bullet, Daily, and Rapid formats, Craig has faced opponents aplenty. He keeps a special eye on regulars like bikingbrian and aragorn043, but also shares friendly rivalries with "thedoubleh" and "ingrobwetrust".
Chess Highlights
- Longest winning streak: 22 games (the chess gods must have been watching)
- Consistent performer in Blitz and Bullet, with win rates close to 52% and 56% respectively
- Loves openings classified as "Top Secret" — because every great player keeps some moves under wraps!
- Generally better with White pieces (55.7% win rate) but holds his own well with Black (51.34%).
Fun Facts
Craig’s sweet spot for playing seems to be around 10 A.M., boasting a win rate soaring over 70% — early risers get the queen! Fridays are his luckiest day, with nearly 60% wins. Even at an hour as late as 11 P.M., Craig holds a respectable win rate above 56%. A true chess night owl!
His psychological resilience is notable, with a low tilt factor of 16 — clearly, Craig doesn’t let a bad move send him spiraling (unless he’s secretly plotting his revenge in the next game!).
Legacy
Whether online or offline, in rapid skirmishes or marathon endgames, Craig Clawitter’s name stands as a testament to perseverance, strategy, and the joy of the game. If you ever face him, prepare for a battle marked by tactical depth, strategic endgames, and possibly some witty banter. After all, magic on the board should come with a smile off it.