polaroidsmiles WFM

Minda Chen - Woman FIDE Master & Chess Dynamo

Meet Minda Chen, aka polaroidsmiles, a chess player with a style as captivating as her username suggests. Holding the prestigious title of Woman FIDE Master, Minda has steadily climbed the ranks with a blend of tenacity, wizardry, and just a sprinkle of strategic mischief.

Since burst onto the bullet chess scene in 2022 with a rating just shy of 1400, Minda rapidly catapulted to an exhilarating peak rating of 2369 in 2024 — a climb that would make even a rook blink twice. Her blitz rating looks just as sharp, hitting a high of 2220 and maintaining impressive consistency.

A true tactician, Minda boasts a comeback rate near 87%, and an impeccable 100% win rate after losing a piece, which means she’s never afraid to battle back from the brink. Opponents beware! She’s known to unleash crushing endgames nearly 80% of the time with graceful patience, engaging in 60+ move marathons that test even the most resilient challengers.

With a win record fueled by a killer streak of 13 consecutive wins, Minda shines brightest in the late hours and early mornings—so set those alarms, because 3 AM and 1 AM might just be her prime time to crush pawns and egos alike. She also displays a charming winning smile on Tuesdays and Fridays, her best days according to her stats.

Her opening repertoire remains shrouded in mystery — literally dubbed “Top Secret” — treating her opponents like they’re caught in a Houdini escape act. With over 190 games played using this secret weapon in bullet chess, she converts over 63% of those into victories. Talk about keeping the competition guessing!

Off the board, Minda seems immune to the tilt monster, maintaining a low tilt factor of 4 while performing 61% better in rated games compared to casual plays — talk about rising to the occasion!

Whether facing longtime rivals like izmail (where she holds a respectable 40% win rate) or previously undefeated opponents, Minda’s versatility and fighting spirit ensure she's always a formidable presence. She’s a player who blends resilience, skill, and a dash of humor — because who says chess can’t be fun while you're checkmating foes?

Whether you encounter her online or at a tournament, expect a game that’s fiercely tactical, unpredictably creative, and sprinkled with that unforgettable polaroid smile.