Mateus Sá

Mateus Sá — The Chess Adventurer

Meet Mateus Sá, also cunningly known online as samateus, a determined chess enthusiast who has been navigating the royal game’s labyrinth since at least 2020. Mateus may not be storming grandmaster titles just yet, but his journey is filled with both heroic wins and valiant battles, making him a true adventurer on the 64 squares.

Rating: The Rollercoaster Ride

Mateus peaked at a rapid rating of 1087 back in December 2020, showing flashes of brilliance that hinted at a hidden grandmaster lurking within. His blitz peak stood at a respectable 882, achieved around the same time. Since then, his rating has seen its ups and downs, recently stabilizing around the 700s in rapid. Like any good chess tale, not every move landed perfectly, but every game showcased his persistence and love for the game.

Playing Style: A Mix of Caution and Combat

Mateus favors methodical, longer games with an average of about 59 moves per win. Not exactly lightning-fast, but definitely a strategist who loves a rigorous battle, reflected by a solid 52% win rate as White, wielding the first move advantage with confidence. Playing with Black is tougher, but he still manages to snatch victories, even if less frequently. His early resignation rate is impressively low at just around 5.6%, which means he’s rarely one to give up early—even if the position looks grim!

Favorite Openings: The Mystery and the Chigorin Charm

Ever the enigma, Mateus’s most frequent opening is intriguingly listed as "Top Secret", where he’s logged over 250 games with a nearly 45% win rate. When he reveals his hand, he often dances with the Queen's Pawn Opening, especially the Chigorin Variation, boasting a winning record over 60% in rapid games. Other curiosities include dabbling in the Bishop's Opening and the Italian Game, where, well... let’s just say he’s still learning the ropes.

Psychological Quirks & Tactical Prowess

Mateus’s comeback rate is a gutsy 73%—he doesn’t shy away from fighting back after losing a piece, with a respectable 40% win rate in those tricky positions. However, he admits to a mild tilt factor (7/100), meaning a rough loss might sting, but he bounces back quickly. Also interesting: his best time to play is at 7 PM, so if you see him online in the evening, better bring your A-game.

Recent Battles and Highlights

One of Mateus’s recent crowning moments was a nicely played checkmate victory in May 2025 using the Queen’s Pawn Opening Chigorin Variation. His games reveal a fierce determination and creativity, as seen by his ability to force opponents into resignation or decisive checkmate after long, strategic tussles.

Overall

Mateus Sá is a player who embodies the true spirit of chess: learning, adapting, and always pushing forward, even when the foe proves tough. Whether plotting secret openings or engaging in tactical comebacks, Mateus is here for the love of the game—and to remind us all that every defeat is just a prelude to the next victory.