Jean Bonbeurre

Jean Bonbeurre (aka Rexou) - Chess Enthusiast Extraordinaire

Jean Bonbeurre, better known online as Rexou, is a relentless Blitz player with a flair for dramatic battles and an impressive streak of resilience. Since bursting onto the scene in 2013 with a modest 1200 rating, Jean has climbed the rating ladder to a personal best Blitz rating of 1587 in early 2017, with a Rapid peak just above at 1602. His chess journey is a rollercoaster of thrilling highs and challenging lows, marked by a staggering 21-game losing streak at one point — a testament to his unwavering persistence and love for the game.

Playing Style and Tactics

Rexou is infamous for an early resignation rate close to 99%, suggesting he either keeps the flame burning bright... or taps out with style when the odds stack up against him. Despite this, he has an impressive endgame frequency of nearly 65%, showing a fondness for the long grind rather than quick finishes. His average game length stretches into the 60+ move territory, proving that when he decides to stick around, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Always the fighter, Jean boasts an extraordinary 80.77% comeback rate after losing material, revealing a clever tactical awareness—an ace up his sleeve for turning the tide. Yet, with only around 17.65% win rate after losing a piece, the road to glory is steep but never boring.

Favored Openings (Or Glorious Experimentation)

• Trompowsky Attack: Played 8 times, though Rexou has yet to claim a win here. Mastering this may be his next grand adventure.
• French Defense variations: His varied attempts in the Exchange, Advance Paulsen Attack, and Winawer Positional Variation reflect a curiosity for the French Defense’s rich complexity.
• Queen’s Pawn English Defense: A rare gem where he holds a 33% win rate, culminating in his most recent victory in 2017 using this elegant opening.

Notable Stats & Quirks

Jean tends to shine brightest on Thursdays and late mornings, posting win rates over 50% and even hitting a flawless 100% win rate at hour 14:00 — his undoubtedly “golden hour”. He’s more comfortable playing against lower-rated opponents, where his win rate jumps to an admirable 80.77%, in stark contrast to the uphill battles presented by stronger competition.

Though he’s faced the toughest foes repeatedly—his nemesis oursemare with 92 games played—this one remains an elusive target, as Rexou has yet to notch a single win against them. There’s always tomorrow’s game!

A Memorable Game

One of Jean’s most recent triumphs came in February 2017, where playing Black against chesshack59, he clinched victory by resignation after a strategic grind in the Queen’s Pawn English Defense. The victory not only marked his peak Blitz rating but also showcased his resilience and tactical patience.

For fans looking to study Rexou’s style, this game is a classic example of his trademark perseverance and grit.

The Verdict

Jean Bonbeurre may not yet be a grandmaster, but his journey through the volatile realms of Blitz and Rapid chess is inspiring. With a mix of stubbornness, quirky openings, and the ability to bounce back from adversity, Rexou embodies the fighting spirit of the amateur chess battler—always ready to roll the dice on the next game, keeping both friends and foes on their toes.