Overview
Ben Shu is a relentless Rapid specialist with a taste for unusual first moves and long, strategic fights. A marathoner of the 15–30 minute time control, Ben blends curiosity (b3/e3 openings) with a stubborn endgame focus — plenty of games go the distance. Preferred time control: Rapid.
Career highlights
Ben has built a huge Rapid ledger over many seasons — a true grinder who has played tens of thousands of online games and at one point climbed to an outstanding peak. Notable milestone: reached a Rapid peak of 2169 (2026-01-20).
- Massive Rapid experience: well over 17,800 Rapid decisions (wins+losses+draws).
- Peak Rapid achievement: 2169 (2026-01-20) (seasonal high).
- Thrives in long decisive games — average decisive lengths often exceed 70 moves.
Signature openings
Ben is fond of offbeat but sound setups. The Nimzo‑Larsen Attack anchors much of the repertoire — it’s used as a primary weapon across time controls. Other favorites include the Amar Gambit and Barnes Defense when looking to mix things up.
- Favorite: Nimzo-Larsen Attack — highest usage across Rapid play.
- Often employs: Amar Gambit, Barnes Defense, Australian Defense, and the French when transpositions suit.
- As White: frequent early b3/e3 pushes (a quirky prep habit that has paid off).
Playing style & tactics
Ben’s profile reads like a blueprint for long strategic tussles and gritty comebacks. He rarely resigns early and loves to wring wins out of endgames.
- Endgame-focused: high endgame frequency; many games resolve after protracted strategic play.
- Moves-per-result: long average games (AvgMovesPerWin ≈ 76).
- Tactical resilience: remarkable comeback numbers — strong WinRateAfterLosingPiece and a high ComebackRate.
- Psych: tilt factor exists (human!), but the best time-of-day for Ben seems to be late evening.
Rivalries & notable opponents
Ben has recurring duels with several regulars online — a mix of friendly revenge matches and blood-feuds that keep the rating graphs lively.
- Most-played: kaynos — many meetings and a lopsided positive record.
- Other frequent foes: unoderipollet, brayner001987, clarogarciasr, badumme.
- Head-to-head example: vs. kaynos — heavy sample with a strong win portion (a rivalry to watch).
Recent form & streaks
Ben’s history shows energetic surges and some rough patches — classic of high-volume players. He’s had long winning streaks and some tough losing runs, but generally bounces back.
- Longest winning streak: 12 games.
- Longest losing streak: 15 games.
- Current momentum: typically fluctuates — rapid play keeps the swings coming.
Fun corner
Ben’s profile is full of personality quirks that make his games entertaining:
- First-move eccentric: b3/e3 are common — a signature move that forces opponents into less-charted waters.
- Goes long: if you like long, strategic endgames, Ben’s games are a masterclass in patience.
- Comic note: expect the occasional dramatic Amar Gambit or Barnes trap when Ben wants to keep things spicy.
Sample mini-game (move sequence preview):
Placeholders & deeper dive
Charts and interactive views are available in the viewer. Useful quick links and widgets:
- Rating history (Rapid):
- Peak Rapid rating: 2169 (2026-01-20)
- Look up a frequent rival: kaynos
- Search terms: Nimzo-Larsen Attack