Paul Iinuma NM

Paul Iinuma - National Master Extraordinaire

Meet Paul Iinuma, a National Master who dances gracefully through the checkered battlefield of chess. With a peak rapid rating of 2408 in May 2019 and a blitz rating soaring to 2627 in January 2022, Paul has proven time and again that they're a force not to be underestimated—whether the clock is ticking fast or slow.

Paul's chess journey is one filled with resilience and flair. Known for a comeback rate of nearly 77%, this player knows how to turn a tough spot into a triumph. With an impressive 61% win rate as White and 58% as Black, Paul isn’t just playing pieces — they're playing minds.

When it comes to openings, Paul likes to keep opponents guessing. While the Top Secret opening in rapid games offers a solid 50% success rate, their most reliable weapon might just be the Queens Gambit Declined Exchange Positional Line Reshevsky Variation with a perfect 100% win rate (albeit in a modest sample size). On the blitz front, they clutter the board with an aggressive strategy, boasting nearly 79% wins with an undefined opening – a cryptic yet effective method.

Don't be fooled by their serious stats though—there's a hint of humor and grit behind those moves. Paul has weathered a longest winning streak of 72 games, proving they can run the marathon of sharp tactics and endgames. They've also survived losing streaks, only to bounce back stronger, showcasing a tilt factor of 13—meaning they tilt like a pro but keep fighting like a champion.

Some might say Paul's secret weapon is their uncanny ability to seal victories by checkmate—over 1,000 wins ended by that elegant final blow! Their average win spans over 64 moves, showing a blend of patience and precision, perfect for those who love a good battle of wits.

In a recent shining moment from March 2025, Paul clinched a spectacular checkmate using the Scandinavian Defense Mieses-Kotrc Main Line, outmaneuvering their opponent in a rapid-fire blitz game that ended with Rh5#, proving that Paul’s mastery isn’t just in numbers—but in the beauty of the game.

Whether crushing opponents online or throwing down bold moves in tournaments, Paul Iinuma continues to inspire with both skill and an unyielding passion for chess. So next time you see piinuma on the board, prepare for a battle of brains filled with strategic surprises and maybe, just maybe, a dash of theatrical flair.