Noah Thomforde-Toates NM

Noah Thomforde-Toates (NoHeThTo)

National Master Extraordinaire

Noah Thomforde-Toates, better known by the enigmatic handle NoHeThTo, is a National Master who dances through the chessboard with elegance and a touch of mischief. Starting at a modest rapid rating in the low 1300s back in 2015, Noah's journey has been nothing short of a thrilling rollercoaster through ranks and ratings - hitting a peak rapid rating of 2600 by early 2025, proving that persistence (and possibly many cups of coffee) pays off.

Specializing in the rapid and bullet formats, Noah’s blitz games are a spectacle of blitzkrieg tactics and strategic wizardry, boasting peak blitz ratings above 2800 and an astonishing bullet peak near 2940. Whether it’s outwitting opponents in lightning-fast bullet duels or grinding deep in rapid play, Noah’s tactical awareness shines, boasting a remarkable comeback rate of over 87%, meaning never count them out—even when it looks grim.

Noah’s style? Well, these stats show a player who rarely resigns early (under 0.5% early resignation rate) and adores the endgame, with endgame frequency above 84%. They prefer games that keep you hooked until the very last pawn promotion or tricky king maneuver. Average winning games last close to 80 moves, yet losses tend to be a bit longer - showing the grit to fight fiercely and the grace to sometimes get caught in a last-ditch tactical skirmish.

Notably, Noah’s opening repertoire remains a closely guarded secret - aptly named “Top Secret” in performance charts - which yields a solid win rate around 56% in rapid. However, some glimpses at preferred openings show an affinity for Sicilian variations, Indian Games, and even the esoteric Maroczy Bind, making opponents’ preparation a guessing game.

Chess Personality & Quirks

• Most formidable during early mornings, peaking at 6 AM - probably fueled by sheer determination or really good breakfast.
• Prefers to play on Saturdays and Mondays, with winning rates nudging just over 51% on those days.
• Average game length and a penchant for deep endgames means Noah clearly enjoys a good mental marathon over a quick sprint.
• Has a tilt factor of 11, suggesting even the best have their moments of frustration – but Noah bounces back with impressive tactical comebacks.

Recent Highlights

Noah’s latest victories demonstrate calm precision. In a recent live game dated June 3, 2025, Noah crushed the Sicilian Hyperaccelerated Dragon Fianchetto Variation opponent’s hopes after a sharp middlegame tussle by forcing resignation, ending the game decisively in under 21 moves! Links to these fights of wit and willpower can be found on their Chess.com profile, a treasure trove for chess enthusiasts craving inspiration or a sneak peek at a master at work.

Despite a collection of impressive wins, every champion has to swallow defeat now and then. Noah’s losses often come against equally ambitious rivals, proving the competitive grind in chess is never dull. From defeating top-tier foes to brushing off tough losses, Noah's journey is a chess saga where resilience and brilliance go hand in hand.