Richard Wessman - International Master Extraordinaire
Known in the chess world by the handle RichardWe, Richard Wessman is a formidable force on the 64-square battlefield. Earning the esteemed title of International Master from FIDE, Richard combines tactical sharpness with dogged perseverance—evidenced by his astounding 88.73% comeback rate after setbacks. When life knocks him down, he doesn't just stand up; he delivers a checkmate.
Chess Career Highlights
- Peak Blitz Rating: 2631 (April 2023) - chess.com's version of "too fast, too furious".
- Peak Rapid Rating: 2177 (July 2019) - because waiting is overrated.
- Peak Daily Rating: 1464 (July 2023) - proving that even patient players can hustle.
Playing Style
Richard's games are like great novels: long, thoughtful, and full of twists. His average moves per win and loss hover around the mid-70s and low-80s, reflecting epic battles that test both strategy and stamina. With an Endgame Frequency of 83.76%, he's comfortable grinding opponents down when the board gets sparse—and his opponents have good reason to be wary.
He prefers to keep his opponents guessing, often avoiding early resignations (a mere 0.4% rate), favoring dogged resistance over quick escapes. His white pieces give him a slight edge in wins (~52%), but don’t let his black pieces fool you—he commands the dark squares with nearly 47% win rate.
Statistics & Achievements
- A whopping 13-game winning streak once dazzled fans, possibly fueled by an endless supply of coffee and clever maneuvers.
- Almost 14,000 blitz wins recorded, and counting—no wonder his mouse has muscles.
- Usually the sharpest player between 5 AM and 6 AM, so if you see Richard online that early, consider stepping up your game or grabbing some coffee yourself.
- Despite a tilt factor of 11, proving even grandmasters sometimes get emotional; luckily, he bounces back stronger!
Recent Highlights
On May 7, 2024, Richard demonstrated his mastery in a thrilling game against "Capa98,” securing a neat checkmate victory in a Queens Pawn Opening Symmetrical Variation. His games often incorporate intricate positional play blended with tactical fireworks, making sure every opponent keeps their king awake at night.
Behind the Scenes
Whether speed-blitzing opponents within moments or outlasting rivals in daily contests, Richard’s dedication to chess is undeniable. Known among peers for an impressive psychological resilience and a tendency to extract wins even when down material, his journey continues upward.
He has faced numerous opponents multiple times, including "fastfaun" and "goran_galiot," showing persistent rivalry and sport. His opening repertoire remains a bit of a top secret, but effective nonetheless.
In Summary
Richard Wessman is not just an International Master—he’s a chess journeyman who blends strategic wisdom, resilience, and a hint of mystery. His games tell a story of patience, comeback, and the occasional ruthless checkmate. Opponents beware: when Richard hits the board, it’s a battle of wits you might prefer to avoid... or at least prepare for with a strong cup of tea.