Roberto Cavagnola (aka Rob976)
Meet Roberto Cavagnola, a rapid chess aficionado whose journey through the ranks is a rollercoaster of thrilling highs and challenging lows. With a peak rapid rating soaring to 1035 back in 2020, Roberto has shown resilience and determination to keep the chessboard lit with tactics and surprises.
Chess Career Highlights
- Peak Rapid Rating: 1035 (December 2020)
- Current Rapid Rating: 787 (June 2025)
- Games Played: Thousands, mainly in rapid format
- Overall Win/Loss/Draw record: 3,084 wins, 3,097 losses, and 342 draws
- Longest Winning Streak: 11 games (because miracles happen)
- Longest Losing Streak: 12 games (because even chess heroes have off days)
Playing Style & Personality
Nicknamed Rob976, Roberto is a tactician with a flair for comebacks — boasting a comeback rate of 51.23%. A true warrior on the board, he thrives in the endgame, with nearly 49% of his games going deep into the fight.
Average moves per win hover around 55, meaning he's patient and sometimes makes you wait before delivering the final checkmate punch. Roberto is a master of psychological warfare with a tilt factor of 12 — which roughly translates to "he occasionally makes questionable moves when annoyed," just like the rest of us.
Opening Repertoire
Roberto’s openings span a wide spectrum, but he truly shines with the Top Secret opening, where he has nearly 6,400 games under his belt with a near-even win rate (47.25%). He also dabbles in:
- King's Pawn Opening: A solid 55.88% win rate for a player just getting started.
- Scandinavian Defense (Mieses Kotrc Variation): His dinner-table conversation starter with a 71.43% win rate. Who said defense can't be fun?
- Queen's Pawn Horwitz Defense: A short but sweet 75% win rate in just 4 games – a sneak peek of promising potential.
Optimal Playing Times
Roberto’s best moves seem to hit the board around 8 PM, with an impressive 55.39% win rate at that hour. Early mornings? Not so much — the 5 AM matches only have a 14.29% win rate, probably due to grappling with coffee dependency.
Recent Notable Games
In his most recent 2025 rapid battles, Roberto showcased his sharpness by winning with the King's Pawn Opening - King's Knight Variation, triumphing after a fierce exchange and strategic perseverance. Even when facing losses, as documented in games versus strong opponents, Roberto demonstrates grit and a fighting spirit.
Fun Facts
- Sometimes thrives in chaos — known for daring queen sacrifices and unpredictable queen hunts.
- Has a love-hate relationship with resignations, with a 6.65% early resignation rate, proving he's both a fighter and a realist.
- Maintains a nearly equal win percentage as White (48.45%) and Black (46.12%), showing versatility with either color.
Whether you're looking for inspiration or a friendly opponent who keeps you on your toes, Roberto Cavagnola is a chess player who embodies the ups, downs, and pure joy of the game. Challenge him if you dare — just beware his penchant for late-game comebacks and cheeky openings!