Overview
Daniel Malkiel (also known online as ObligatePawnivore) is a titled chess player, holding the National Master title awarded by National. An energetic competitor who prefers fast play, Daniel has made a name for himself in Blitz events while keeping a serious Rapid presence as well.
Favorite time control: Blitz. He treats the clock like a small, demanding pet and somehow still finds time for long endgames.
Playing Style
Daniel combines tactical persistence with a fondness for long, complex endgames. He rarely resigns early and often grinds into the late middlegame and endgame phases.
- Endgame frequency: high, with long average decisive games
- Avg moves per win: about 74, avg moves per loss: about 65
- Strong comeback ability: comeback rate around 74%
- Likes to provoke checks, with the queen often delivering pressure
Statistics Snapshot
Daniel is active in both Blitz and Rapid, with a clear Blitz leaning. Below are concise stats that capture his competitive profile.
- Preferred time control: Blitz
- Blitz record: 24 wins, 40 losses, 1 draw
- Rapid record: 7 wins, 17 losses, 1 draw
- Notable streaks: longest winning streak 4 games, longest losing streak 11 games
- Strength adjusted win rates: Blitz ~57%, Rapid ~52%
Peak ratings: 1872 (2021-02-23) and 2256 (2023-04-24).
Openings and Preferred Lines
Daniel favors flank play and flexible setups as White, with recurring ventures into the English Opening family. As Black he fields a variety of defenses, including French and Nimzo ideas.
- Common White choices: English Opening and its Four Knights systems
- Common Black choices: French Defense variations and the Nimzo-Indian Defense in faster games
- Opening analysis summary: mixed win rates, standout strength versus certain Nimzo lines in Blitz
Visualize win rates and opening breakdown:
Career Highlights & Memorable Notes
- Earned the National Master title from National, a milestone earned through consistent tournament play.
- Peak Blitz surge and a Rapid peak recorded in recent competitive seasons.
- Strong record against several frequent opponents, including tidy results versus r1g3l and kielinkei.
- Best time of day to play: around noon, because coffee and the board are a powerful combo.
Streaks, Opponents, and Trends
Daniel has faced some opponents repeatedly. The most-played rival is pawneatingzombie, a matchup that has been a grind. He tends to perform better versus lower-rated opponents and shows resilience after material losses.
- Most played opponent: pawneatingzombie
- Notable positive records: r1g3l, tigranthegreat, hamsterchucv2
- Win rate by day: strongest on Sunday and around midday
Sample Game & Interactive Items
Enjoy a short, illustrative game fragment that captures Daniel's taste for long manoeuvres and queen-led pressure.
Watch Daniel's recent performance trend:
Look up common terms: English Opening | Nimzo-Indian Defense
Personality & Final Notes
Off the board Daniel is witty, self-aware, and likely to make a chess joke at any opportunity. On the board he is stubborn, tenacious, and willing to trade quick points for long-term pressure. Expect tough endgames, creative defenses, and the occasional pun in the chat.
For a concise visual of openings and ratings, use the interactive widgets above. Good luck if you face ObligatePawnivore at the board, and remember to bring both strategy and snacks.