Kaustuv Kundu - The International Master with a Killer Instinct
Known online as shadow_master99, Kaustuv Kundu proudly wears the title of International Master, earned through sheer tactical brilliance and unwavering dedication. A formidable force on the chessboard, Kaustuv combines strategic depth with a dash of unpredictability, making opponents constantly second-guess their next move.
Career Highlights & Style
Kaustuv reached a peak blitz rating of 2743 back in July 2020 — a level where even grandmasters start to sweat. His bullet rating climbed up to a striking 2647 in April 2025, proving that speed and precision are among his greatest weapons. And let’s not forget his rapid peak of 2512, showcasing his versatility across all time controls.
Playing style? Expect both patience and fire. With an average of over 77 moves per win in his games, he thrives in long, grueling battles, but those who watch closely know he’s got a nearly unstoppable comeback rate of 83% when the chips are down. If a piece is lost, don’t count him out—Kaustuv's win rate after losing a piece is a solid 55%. Resigning early is rare for him, only about 2% of the time; he fights to the bitter end.
The Openings Mystery
His preferred opening in blitz? The enigmatic and humorously named "Top Secret" which yields him a solid 65% win rate over more than 400 games. When he isn't revealing trade secrets, he dabbles in the Reti Opening and the English Opening, showing he’s not just a one-trick magician but a grandmaster of disguise.
Opponent Dynamics
Kaustuv’s rivalry record reads like an epic saga. Some opponents like manmish2, kevingeorgemicheal, and albayo have never tasted victory against him. But like any great chess story, there are nemeses too—players such as manitodeplomo and yurovskykh_oleksandr currently have his number with zero wins against them.
Psychological Edge & Timing
Morning bird? Night owl? Kaustuv shines brightest early in the day, with his best time to play being exactly 6:00 AM — when most of us can barely find our car keys! His tilt factor is modest at 8, meaning he can handle pressure like a champ without throwing pieces around in frustration... most of the time.
Recent Memorable Clash
One of his latest victories was a beautiful blitz game showcasing surgical precision against carokannlover213. In this Reti Opening with Pirc Invitation variation, Kaustuv orchestrated a masterful queen and rook attack leading to a winning position before opponent ran out of time. You can admire the final position here.
In Summary
Kaustuv Kundu's chess journey is that of a relentless fighter armed with a calm mind, deep knowledge, and a flair for dramatic comebacks. Whether blitz, bullet, or rapid, opponents beware: shadow_master99 lurks quietly, ready to pounce with his “Top Secret” moves and tactical surprises.
In the world of 64 squares, Kaustuv is no mere player—he's a dazzling strategist who plays with both heart and humor!