Richard Polaczek (RIPOL)
International Master - FIDE
Richard Polaczek, known online as RIPOL, is a force to be reckoned with on the 64 squares. Holding the prestigious title of International Master awarded by FIDE, RIPOL blends strategic depth with a dash of flamboyance — making every game more of a chess saga than just a match.
Starting from humble beginnings around a 1800 daily rating in early 2021, Richard’s steady climb pushed him into the elite 2400+ club in daily chess by 2024 and beyond, with a peak rating soaring to 2432 in April 2025. That's a journey of grit, brains, and a few well-placed queen sacrifices!
RIPOL shines brightest in the Daily category, where his win rate near 75% in his signature "Top Secret" opening repertoire has made him a nightmare for opponents. Rapid and bullet formats also showcase his tactical prowess, with bullet wins striking at a remarkable 76.75%. Blitz chess? Let’s just say his peak blitz rating of 2476 confirms he’s no slouch when the clock speeds up.
Richard’s playing style features a healthy dose of endgames—nearly two-thirds of his games go deep into those crucibles of mental endurance. With an average of almost 60 moves per win, patience is clearly a virtue, and RIPOL has it in spades. When the going gets tough, RIPOL rarely folds early, maintaining a comebacks rate of 68%, a testament to his resilience and tactical acumen.
One could joke that RIPOL’s psychological tilt factor is as minimal as a beginner’s blunder rate—just 5 out of 100. He’s proven that the best time to make your move might just be midnight—the hour when inspiration reportedly strikes like a knight fork out of nowhere.
A glance at recent games tells the tale of a champion who battles fiercely till the last pawn falls: his last winning game was a masterful Chess960 encounter decided by resignation, where strategy and stamina won out over chaos. Even his losses showcase intense fights, often decided only after complex maneuvering.
Off the board, Richard is known to be as enigmatic as his opening repertoire’s name suggests—“Top Secret.” But on the board, he’s a beacon to aspiring players, embodying a chess journey that’s as much about steady mastery as it is about daring tactical adventures.