Biography
Samuel Malka, known online as Samatsa, is a FIDE Master and a popular chess streamer who has carved out a name in the fast-paced world of Bullet chess. His play blends tactical bravado with practical endgames, a combination that often leaves opponents scrambling in the clock’s final seconds.
Certified as a FIDE Master by FIDE, he has built a following for entertaining streams that mix sharp analysis with a friendly, coaching-minded style. Since 2021 he’s been a constant presence in online events, culminating in peak Bullet ratings around 2700 in mid-2025 and a formidable Blitz presence that helped him climb the ladder quickly.
Opening repertoire and playing style
Samatsa is renowned for navigating chaotic time scrambles with poise. His Blitz and Bullet performances show a preference for dynamic, counter-punch openings and strong endgame technique. Notable lines in his repertoire include:
- Kings Indian Defense: Accelerated Averbakh Variation — a robust, space-grabbing choice that fuels his aggressive play.
- Catalan Opening — long-form strategic battles where he converts small advantages in the endgame.
- DDG: 4...f5 — sharp, offbeat lines that test opponents’ preparation.
- Australian Defense — practical and flexible against a range of setups.
Beyond these, his rapid-play results in the Sicilian and Queen's Gambit Declined show a willingness to experiment while staying grounded in solid fundamentals.
Streaming and community
As a streamer, Samuel Malka brings insights, commentary, and a dash of humor to his audience. He explains ideas live, analyzes key moments, and engages with viewers who want to learn how to think under pressure. See his profile for more content: Samuel Malka.
Notable moments
His peak figures capture the speed of his rise: a Bullet peak around 2700 in July 2025 and a Blitz peak near 2656 in October 2025. A notable streak of 29 consecutive wins demonstrates his capacity to keep pressure on opponents when the clock tightens.