Norman Weinstein - International Master
Norman Weinstein, donning the chess robes of an International Master, is a force to be reckoned with on the 64 squares. Known to friends and foes alike as NormWeinstein, he has danced the dizzying dance of blitz chess with remarkable flair and a sprinkle of well-timed sarcasm.
Rating Journey & Style
Starting with a modest Blitz rating of 1683 back in 2016, Norman’s rapid ascent saw him breach the 2500 mark by 2019, peaking at an impressive 2607 in May 2024. While his Bullet and Daily ratings are less flamboyant (likely because he finds it hard to keep up with lightning-fast time controls), his Blitz prowess is the stuff of legend.
His playing style leans heavily towards the endgame with a frequent appearance on the battlefield after the dust settles (Endgame Frequency: 83.65%). He's a tenacious fighter—his impressive comeback rate (87.54%) shows he never gives up, even when the odds—and sometimes his pieces—are against him.
Opening Repertoire Highlights
- Sicilian Defense: His signature weapon, wielded with a serious 54.37% win rate.
- French Defense Kings Indian Attack: Because even kings deserve an Indian vacation.
- Closed Sicilian Defense - Traditional Line: Showing there's more than one way to storm the castle.
A Tale of Triumphs & Trials
With over 9,000 wins and a slightly less enviable number of losses in Blitz, Norman has shown resilience and the willingness to test his nerves repeatedly. His games frequently end by resignation, as opponents learn quickly the futility of resisting his onslaught.
Not one to shy from adversity, his longest winning streak reached a solid 13 games, while his longest losing streak—a humbling 18—just sharpened his tactical wits for the next bout. The psychological battlefield is another arena he navigates carefully, clocking the lowest tilt factor you'd expect from a zen master.
The Man Behind the Moves
When not busy plotting knight forks and queen sacrifices, Norman's favorite hour to strike is around 9 AM sharp—just in case the coffee hasn't kicked in yet, so his opponents feel a bit more comfortable. Friendly but fierce, he’s tasted both victory and defeat recently, often winning by resignation with crafty openings like the Trompowsky and Caro-Kann Panov Attack.
Whether you meet him on the board or online as NormWeinstein, beware: behind that calm facade is a master tactician ready to turn your plans into dust. Legend has it he's also the reason why teachers tell students, "Always be careful what you resign; Norman might be watching!"
“In chess, as in life, it's all about the next move.”
– Norman Weinstein