Overview
Radislav Atanassov (Radislav_Atanasov) is a National Master and a blitz specialist known for long, scrappy endgames and a knack for comebacks. Preferring fast time controls, Radislav has concentrated most of their activity in blitz play and climbed to a career peak in mid 2024. 2442 (2024-07-09)
- Title: National Master (National)
- Preferred time control: Blitz
- Peak blitz performance reached in July 2024
Playing Style
Radislav is practical, patient, and tenacious. Their games often go deep into endgames where technique and nerve win the day. They are especially dangerous when behind on the clock because of a very high comeback rate.
- Endgame frequency is high - many games are decided in long, technical play
- Average moves per decisive game: about 63 moves
- Comeback rate: very strong - over 80 percent
- Tilt factor: notable - Radislav experiences swings, so momentum matters
- Best time of day to play: around 03:00, according to the stats
Openings and Preferences
Radislav favors sharp but reliable choices. On both colors they demonstrate clear favorites and excellent preparation in certain sidelines.
- Signature choice as White: Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation - frequent and successful
- Reliable systems: French Defense: Exchange Variation and Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Tartakower Variation
- Black weapon of choice with very high success: Benoni Defense: Classical Variation and the Dory Defense
Notable opening win rates (blitz):
- Sicilian - Alapin: ~54% win rate overall in blitz
- French Exchange: ~67% win rate in blitz
- Benoni Classical (as Black): ~79% win rate in blitz
Memorable Runs and Patterns
Radislav has had streaks that show both streaky brilliance and the occasional rough patch.
- Longest winning streak: 12 games
- Longest losing streak: 9 games
- Current losing streak: 3 games
View the trajectory of blitz performance over recent seasons:
Opponents and Notable Games
Radislav has a handful of frequent opponents. Records show fierce rivalries and some one-sided matchups.
- Most played opponent: bukovyna (17 games)
- Other repeated opponents: qangelika, sp3cte, raphaelgilles, proleksandr
- Strong records versus proleksandr and faetont; tougher runs versus qangelika
Sample notable game from Radislav's recent peak period:
Fun Facts and Extras
Radislav's profile is full of playable curiosities and entertaining tendencies.
- High check activity - the queen delivers many of Radislav's checks and pressure moments
- White win rate significantly higher than Black win rate, reflecting aggressive opening choices as White
- Radislav's toolkit includes both mainstream theory and offbeat weapons - expect surprises
Try replaying a typical Radislav mini-slapfest from the opening to the first trades:
Where to Watch More
To explore more games and follow Radislav's continuing blitz adventures, check the profile and recent games.
- Profile: Radislav Atanassov
- Try searching for games that feature the Alapin for a masterclass in handling nuanced positions