Andrew Horton IM

Andrew Horton: International Master of Lightning and Thunder

Andrew Horton, known in the virtual chess world as SmoothAsAHedgehog, isn't your average player. Holding the esteemed title of International Master awarded by FIDE, Andrew has proven time and again that speed and strategy are a deadly combination.

Starting from humble beginnings in 2014, with a blitz rating of just about 1394, Andrew’s fiery passion and relentless practice catapulted him to a blitz peak above 2700 by 2023—a rating few can claim and fewer can challenge with. Bullet chess? Even quicker! His bullet prowess peaked around 2800 in 2024, lightning-fast moves leaving opponents scratching their heads (or their mouses).

Known for a never-give-up attitude, his tactical awareness shines brightest during comebacks—Andrew boasts a jaw-dropping 91.5% comeback rate and a phenomenal 99.2% win rate after losing a piece. Opponents beware: this hedgehog knows how to prick you with deadly precision even when the odds seem against him.

Average game length might be around 86 moves per win, but don’t mistake this for a slowpoke—matches are fiercely fought with clever endgames, as Andrew values endgame practice nearly 88% of the time. Whether wielding white pieces or black, his consistent win rates above 53% reveal a balanced and flexible fighter.

However, even the calmest hedgehog has its moments of frustration—Andrew’s tilt factor hovers modestly at 23%, reminding everyone he’s only human after all. But given his steady streaks and unafraid approach to challenges, you can be sure he bounces right back.

When not battling the clock, Andrew remains a fierce competitor with a monumental record spanning thousands of games with top-secret opening strategies—a veritable mystery to spectators and foes alike. With a long winning streak that once soared to 24 games and a huge fanbase cheering (mostly from the sidelines), he embodies the spirit of resilience, wit, and a pinch of charm.

In short: Andrew Horton is not just playing chess; he’s setting the board on fire, one hedgehog-smooth move at a time.