Chris O'Connell (aka SmokinOke)
Chris O'Connell, known around the chess boards and online lobbies as SmokinOke, is an enduring figure in the chess world whose journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster—sometimes winning, sometimes learning, but always entertaining.
Rating and Style
Chris's peak rapid rating was a respectable 1249 achieved in September 2020, with blitz reaching an impressive 901 in April 2025. While bullet may not be Chris's playground (with a highest rating of 1009 back in 2017 but fewer games overall), rapid and blitz formats clearly are.
Known for a patient style, Chris's games tend to stretch out—averaging nearly 59 moves in victories and almost 67 moves in defeats. His endgame skills shine through, featuring in over 64% of his matches. Despite a tilt factor of 13 (hey, everyone has their off days!), he boasts a comeback rate of nearly 80% and a respectable win rate (44%) even after losing a piece. So, early resignations? Rarely (just 6.25%).
Opening Arsenal
Chris's opening repertoire is wide and eclectic, with a fondness for the Van t Kruijs Opening and both the King's and Queen's Pawn Openings. He's not shy about diving into French Defense variations either, where his win rates hover around the 50% mark—giving the French a run for its money. Fun fact: Chris seems to say, "Why stick to the classics?" with his frequent use of less conventional openings like the Van t Kruijs, proving that chess can still surprise.
Chess Life & Stats
Over the years, Chris has amassed thousands of games across different formats:
- Rapid: 3,415 wins, 3,446 losses, and 305 draws.
- Blitz: A near 50/50 split with 2,856 wins and 2,851 losses.
- Bullet: A modest 0 wins out of 4, but hey—everyone needs a challenge.
- Daily: The lone game played was a win, proving consistency even in slow motion.
Moments to Remember
Chris's most recent triumphs are as colorful as his username, featuring creative plays that led to wins by checkmate and resignation. For example, in a recent rapid game, SmokinOke staged a gripping attack starting with an unconventional h4 and a5 opening, eventually forcing his opponent to resign.
Personality & Approach
Whether it's an early morning game at 7 AM (his clearly favored hour), or a late night blitz, Chris approaches chess with a mix of passion, humor, and a bit of spicy flair. His win rates on Saturdays and Fridays peak close to 50%, suggesting weekend warriors beware. Also, with a penchant for long fights, don't expect SmokinOke to quit easily—he's the comeback kid!
In Summary
Chris O’Connell’s chess tale is that of perseverance, sprinkled with some signature charm. With a playful handle like SmokinOke and a game history full of battles, blunders, and brilliance, he embodies the heart and soul of chess enthusiasts worldwide. Whether storming with the French Defense or surprising opponents with quirky openings, Chris keeps the spirit of the game smoldering.