Shane Matthews IM

Shane Matthews - International Master (IM)

Known online as SMatthews64, Shane Matthews is not your average chess player. With the prestigious title of International Master awarded by FIDE, Shane has proven over and over that chess is less about luck and more about cunning, patience, and perhaps a little bit of wicked sense of humor.

Playing Style & Strengths

Shane’s games often resemble well-scripted chess dramas: lots of twists, unexpected sacrifices, and a knack for comebacks that would make Hollywood proud. With an impressive comeback rate of almost 74%, Shane doesn’t like to concede defeat early, showing both resilience and cheeky persistence—only resigning approximately 2.3% of games prematurely, proving that every move counts.

Endgames? Shane lives for them, with an endgame frequency hovering around 79%. It’s like watching a master artist finishing his masterpiece: intricate, deliberate, and occasionally baffling to opponents.

Rating and Performance Highlights

Starting from a solid base, Shane’s rating has seen a thrilling upward journey, recently peaking in Blitz chess at a blistering 2456 in early 2025. Bullet and Rapid ratings also boast strong numbers, with peak performances reaching 2302 and 2279 respectively. This is no one-trick pony—Shane adapts swiftly from the rapid-fire intensity of Bullet to the thoughtful pace of Rapid.

Interestingly, Shane has a slight edge when playing White (win rate ~50.15%) versus Black (~45.26%), but their opponents never feel safe—thanks to a sharp tactical eye and a willingness to play various tricky openings. The somewhat mysterious Top Secret opening features prominently in Blitz games, hinting at a chess arsenal packed with surprises.

Favorite Openings & Game Highlights

Fans have noticed Shane's fondness for the Nimzowitsch Larsen Attack in Bullet games, particularly the Classical and Indian Variations, boasting win rates over 52%. Toss in some Closed Sicilian and English variations, and you’ve got a rich repertoire that keeps opponents on their toes.

One of Shane’s most recent victories was a dazzling checkmate executed in a rapid-paced game featuring the Nimzowitsch Larsen Attack - Classical Variation. In just 47 moves, Shane turned a modest advantage into a beautiful mating net. The opponent was left with no choice but admiration (and resignation).

The Numbers & Quirks

• Total Blitz Wins: 164
• Total Bullet Wins: 1658
• Total Rapid Wins: 30
• Longest Winning Streak: 10 consecutive games
• Longest Losing Streak: 13 games (because even masters have their off days)
• Tilt Factor: 13 (a modest value, proving Shane keeps cool under pressure... mostly)

Psychological Edge & Playing Habits

Shane’s best time of day to play is reportedly around 5 AM—either Shane is an early bird or the chess genius thrives when the world’s asleep and the caffeine kicks in. The win rates slightly improve during early morning hours, reinforcing the legend of the dawn patrol chess champ.

In Summary

Shane Matthews is the kind of player who combines classical chess wisdom with a dash of unpredictability. Whether blitzing through bullet games or strategizing in longer formats, Shane keeps chess vibrant and entertaining, reminding us all that sometimes, it’s not just about the moves, but the flair with which you make them. Watch out for SMatthews64 on the battlefield of sixty-four squares—you’re in for a match, and maybe a few surprises too!