Rafael Ventura dos Santos — known online as Rafael_Ventura — is a FIDE Master (title awarded by FIDE) and a blitz specialist who prefers the crackling, pulse-raising time control of Blitz. Part swordsman, part speed-reader of positions, Rafael_Ventura has built a reputation for sharp tactics, fast decisions and a habit of turning chaotic positions into trophies. 2619 (2025-11-15)
Career highlights
Earned the FIDE Master title (FIDE).
Extensive online experience: thousands of recorded blitz games with long periods of sustained play and several peaks in performance.
Longest recorded winning streak: 26 consecutive wins — proof that when the engine is happy, the keyboard is dangerous.
Regular competitor in Bullet, Rapid and Blitz: strong cross-time-control play that leans toward fast tactical battles.
Frequent rivalries: hundreds of games against top online opponents such as Daniel Rangel (119–119–14 record).
Playing style
Rafael_Ventura plays like someone who set a countdown timer and a fire alarm as mood music. The style is aggressive, tactically alert and often decisive:
Favours sharp, dynamic openings and complex middlegames (high EndgameFrequency and strong WinRateAfterLosingPiece).
Comeback rate around 37.6% — a player not to be written off even after a blunder.
Early-resignation rate is notable (a pragmatic nod to time scrambles and brutal computer analyses).
White win rate ~53.7% and Black win rate ~52% — reliable results from both sides of the board.
Opening preferences
Rafael_Ventura loves variety but trusts a few reliable weapons in fast games:
As Black: Sicilian Defense — often Najdorf or Dragon ideas in blitz skirmishes.
As Black/Surprise: Alekhine Defense — very high win rates in Bullet and Blitz when the opponent stumbles out of the opening.
As White: fluid e4 systems and aggressive sidelines including the Amazon Attack: Siberian Attack in shorter time controls.
Also well-practiced: Caro-Kann Defense and a taste for offbeat gambits that create immediate chances.
Memorable (blitz) game — viewer
Here’s a representative rapid-fire battle you can replay. Spoiler: someone sacrificed sanity for initiative.
Notable opponents & rivalries
Most-played opponent: Daniel Rangel — tightly contested with a 119–119–14 record (a true nemesis-match).
Other frequent foes include h-chess28 and hopefulwin — a steady diet of rematches that sharpen instincts.
Fun facts & trivia
Preferred time of day to play: early morning (best results around 05:00) — apparently caffeine plus silence equals brilliance.
Tilt factor and psychology: like many speed-chess grinders, emotional swings happen — but comebacks are part of the brand.
Sometimes resigns early in hopeless positions — efficiency over drama (EarlyResignationRate ~60%).
Has a soft spot for the Alekhine and the odd Amazon Attack — opponents beware of quirky traps.
Data & trend placeholders
Explore Rafael_Ventura’s rating trend and seasonal swings (Blitz-focused):
Because watching a FIDE Master play blitz is like watching a chef prepare street food at lightning speed: the technique is serious, the flair is showy, and you will probably learn a trick — or at least enjoy the theatrics. For fans of fast tactics, unpredictable openings and spirited online rivalries, Rafael_Ventura is a must-watch.
