Michael Ryan Gustafson (aka Orderkid)
Once a humble pawn in the sprawling universe of online chess, Michael Ryan Gustafson, better known by his enigmatic username Orderkid, has navigated the complex battlefield of checkered war with surprising flair and a dash of unpredictable charm. From his earliest forays into fast-paced Bullet games in 2010, where victories were as elusive as a well-defended king, to reaching a blistering peak Blitz rating of 1989 in 2018, Michael's chess journey is a rollercoaster packed with thrilling turns, cunning stratagems, and the occasional knight sacrifice that would make grandmasters nod in respect.
Playing Style & Strength
Michael is not your average player who shies away from the heat of rapid and chaotic battles. With a striking comeback rate of 80.35%, he's the comeback kid who refuses to surrender his pawns or his dignity easily. Known for his conservative early resignation rate of just 1.75% (because giving up early is for mortals), he showcases impressive endurance with an average of over 65 moves per game — whether winning or losing — proving patience is indeed a virtue. His strength is evident from his psychological resilience; he manages to keep his tilt factor relatively low at 11, which means he handles the agony of defeat better than most after making questionable knight maneuvers.
Favorite Openings
Michael treats chess openings like a secret recipe, especially in Bullet and Blitz formats, where he dominates with his Top Secret opening (not so secret anymore!), boasting a solid win rate above 54% across formats. However, his true recipe for victory lies in more classical approaches like the Queen's Gambit Declined — particularly the Queen's Knight Variation with a perfect record — and the Pirc Defense Antal Defense, showing his versatile command of both classic and hypermodern lines.
Notable Achievements
- Peak Rapid rating of 2088 (2022) – So close to grandmaster territory, scientists believe the extra points were lost in the coffee break.
- Impressive Daily rating peak at 2050 back in 2009, proving his staying power as a long-term strategist.
- Longest winning streak of 25 games — a chess marathon only a passionate strategist could attempt.
Recent Games & Memorable Moments
In a recent thrilling encounter from June 5, 2025, playing Black, Michael (Orderkid) executed a surgical endgame against Verizon-Wireless, culminating in a classic resignation right before the rook invasion sealed the deal. His fierce handling of the Queen's Pawn Opening Tartakower Variation showcased both strategic and tactical prowess, as described in his last winning PGN.
And let’s not dwell too long on his losses; after all, even Orderkid faces a longest losing streak of 11, reminding us mere mortals that even chess ninjas have off days.
Personality & Playing Hours
Michael is a creature of habit, finding his best form around 11 AM—right when many of us are scrambling for coffee, he’s plotting brilliant checkmates. His weekday win rates hover happily around the mid-50s, nudging near 60% on Friday and Wednesday, making him the ultimate midweek warrior and weekend strategist.
Despite his intense focus, he occasionally indulges in the odd quick game, but has demonstrated tremendous patience and strategic depth over longer Daily time controls. He’s the player who can switch moods quicker than you can say "Castling kingside," balancing speed with enduring tactical acumen.
In Summary
Michael Ryan Gustafson, with the alias Orderkid, is a proficient and versatile chess player with a penchant for dynamic play across all time controls. His journey from modest beginnings to a sturdy presence on the online chess battlefield is marked by determination, tactical foresight, and a playful yet sharp mind. Whether you're facing him on a lightning-fast Bullet showdown or a grinding Daily duel, expect a well-rounded challenge seasoned with a pinch of grace and a splash of cheeky brilliance.
