About Norbert Sommerbauer (sommerpower)
Norbert Sommerbauer, known online as "sommerpower", is an International Master with a particular flair for fast chess. Active in 2019–2020 on the major play sites, Norbert built a reputation as a Blitz specialist — energetic, practical, and hard to catch on time. Preferred time control: Blitz.
- Title: International Master (FIDE)
- Preferred time control: Blitz (fast, tactical, and entertaining)
- Peak (Blitz): 2523 (2019-03-01) — a nice benchmark of his sharp blitz form
- Also competent in Bullet: strong short-burst results and quick instincts
Career highlights
Norbert's games often go the distance — long, strategic duels that reward preparation and endgame technique. He combines steady conversion with occasional dazzling tactical finishes.
- Notable peak form in Blitz and steady activity across 2019–2020.
- Average moves per win: about 71 — these are marathon wins rather than quick snacks.
- Endgame frequency: high (over 80%), showing preference for grinding advantages.
- Longest winning streak: 6 games; longest losing streak: 5 games.
- Psychological traits: modest tilt factor (5) and a best time of day around 07:00 — early birds beat ladders.
Playing style & habits
Norbert is a pragmatic player: he prefers to steer games toward the long haul and convert small advantages. In Blitz he is particularly effective with White, and he enjoys complex middlegames that lead to technical endgames.
- White win rate: ~64% — strong when having first move initiative.
- Black win rate: ~53% — a confident defender who counters actively.
- Avg decisive length: mid 70s moves — expect long, thoughtful battles.
- Tactical comeback rate is low — when behind he typically fights logically instead of risky fireworks.
- Early resignation rate is very low — Norbert plays to the end (and so do his opponents).
Openings & repertoire
Sommerbauer favors flexible systems: English and modern setups as White, and a sharp Sicilian Najdorf as Black. He experiments with offbeat lines too — sometimes with entertaining results.
- Standout: Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation — perfect recorded score in the sample games (3/3 in Blitz). Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation
- English Opening family (Anglo‑Indian, Agincourt, Symmetrical) — a go-to for positional pressure. English Opening
- London System (Poisoned Pawn variation) and various modern setups — versatile and practical.
- Less successful vs Benoni lines — a known weakness to exploit for daring opponents.
Notable opponents & memorable games
Norbert has a substantial head-to-head with a handful of repeat opponents; his most-played adversary from the sample data is viennacaver.
- Most-played opponent: viennacaver — 27 games (18–4–5 in Norbert's favor)
- Other frequent foes: regzryt (7 games), laico (3), arnoldminasyan (3)
- Sample memorable game: Marathon vs viennacaver — a long, tense encounter that showcases his endgame stamina.
Sample resources & placeholders
For quick visual summaries and game playback, placeholders below can be used by a viewer to show charts and replay a sample opening sequence.
- Rating trend (Blitz):
- Short Najdorf-ish sample game (playable PGN):
- Search term for repertoire pages: Sicilian_Defense_Najdorf
Personality & fun facts
Norbert is the sort of player who will grin after a tense 90-move win and immediately queue another Blitz — because why stop now? When not grinding endgames he enjoys experimenting with surprise opening moves to keep opponents on their toes.
- Favorite hour to surprise opponents: early morning (07:00 crowned "best time").
- Game lengths often require coffee breaks and patience — serious coffee consumption recommended for spectators.
- If chess had a marathon category, Norbert would podium — he loves long games and the smell of a well-played endgame.
Closing note
Norbert "sommerpower" Sommerbauer is a disciplined International Master and a true Blitz aficionado — a player to watch if you like long, technical fights punctuated by occasional tactical fireworks. For a quick replay, check the sample game above and enjoy the Najdorf spice.