Kevin Su NM

Overview — Kevin Su (PapaJohns), National Master

Kevin Su, known online as PapaJohns, is a National Master and a ferocious online bullet specialist. A prolific competitor in ultra-fast time controls, Kevin’s play blends tactical fireworks with surprisingly deep endgame chops — the kind of player who wins with a swashbuckling sacrifice and then grinds out a pawn ending. Preferred time control: Bullet. Peak online Bullet rating: .

Track recent Bullet form visually:

Playing Style & Match Temperament

Kevin’s games are a study in contrasts: incredibly sharp tactics early on, then stubborn endgame play when the dust settles. He finishes many games — and often fast — but is no stranger to long technical battles.

• Preferred time control: Bullet (explosive calculation and nerve).
• Early resignation rate: very high (a cheeky 95% — he knows when to fold and when to flair).
• Endgame frequency: high (plays the long game well; enjoys piece-and-pawn duels).
• Avg moves per win: ~74; avg moves per loss: ~79 — marathon skirmishes are common.
• Best time of day to play: 05:00 (yes, Kevin is a dawn predator).

Favorite Openings & Practical Results

Kevin favors sharp, practical systems that create imbalances quickly. He’s comfortable on both sides of the board and often steers games into lines he knows well.

• Amar Gambit — Bullets: 1,589 games, 58% win rate (a weaponized chaos engine).
• Australian Defense — 477 games, 54% win rate (solid and sneaky).
• Caro-Kann Defense — 473 games, 53% win rate (practical counterpunching).
• London System: Poisoned Pawn Variation — 251 games, 60% win rate (poisonous and effective).
• Czech Defense — 236 games, 57% win rate (flexible and reliable).

Streaks, Records & Rivalries

Kevin has experienced roaring streaks and humbling slumps — both are part of the grind.

• Longest winning streak: 22 games.
• Longest losing streak: 27 games.
• Current winning streak: 3 games (momentum is building).
• Most-played online opponents: Kent Slate (437 games), Ismayil Gurbanov (379), joshuagarry (333).
• Favorite rivalry: a heavy sample vs. joshuagarry — strong positive record and many tactical slugfests.

Sample Bullet Puzzle — A Quick Game

Inspect one of Kevin’s typical lightning games (interactive viewer):

Behind the Scenes — Personality & Prep

Kevin is part gladiator, part analyst. He thrives on chaos (hence the Amar Gambit love) but is also methodical: median prep depth has grown, and he often arrives at surprising technical endgames. He’s known to be ruthless late-night and alarmingly effective at 05:00.

• Tilt factor: 27 (some emotional swings, handled with humor).
• Cameback rate: ~20% — when behind, he still finds ways to fight back.
• Rated vs casual: performs a bit better in casual settings than in rated; rated games sharpen the nerves.

Quick Links & Highlights

• Visual Bullet rating trend:
• Top opponent profile: Kent Slate
• Study the Amar Gambit: Amar Gambit
• Peek at a classic opening line: Australian Defense

Want to follow Kevin’s games or challenge him in Bullet? He’s happiest when the clock is ticking.