Profile snapshot
Shaolong Du is a titled chess player who earned the National Master title from National. Renowned for a fearless, fast-paced style, they excel in bullet and blitz where quick decisions matter. A strong improviser, Shaolong enjoys the thrill of rapid games and carries that energy into longer events as well.
Preferred time control: Bullet.
Career highlights
- National Master title awarded by National.
- Peak Blitz rating: 2758 (2024-12).
- Peak Bullet rating: 2808 (2025-05).
- Longest winning streak: 12 games.
- Active presence across Blitz, Rapid and Bullet circuits with consistent improvement from 2022 through 2025.
Playing style and philosophy
Du is known for his endurance in long games and tenacious endgame play. Endgames make up a large portion of his battles, and he thrives on turning small advantages into victories. His comeback rate is high, reflecting resilience in the face of adversity. He blends sharp tactics with solid fundamentals, maintaining steady pressure in the late middlegame.
Opening repertoire
In blitz and bullet alike, Du often starts with 1.e4, establishing an aggressive, open style. He shows versatility across many defenses, with frequent successes in the Sicilian Dragon/Accelerated Dragon, Caro-Kann, French, and a range of modern systems. His results emphasize a willingness to explore dynamic lines while remaining solid in quieter setups when needed.
Personality on the board
Off the board, he’s known for a warm grin and a stubborn refusal to abandon a good endgame. He treats every bullet game as a chess sprint—fast, focused, and oddly poetic in how a ticking clock can become a better teacher than any grandmaster lecture.