Overview
Steve Cross (stamma1) is a National Master recognized by National and a seasoned online competitor. A rapid specialist by preference, Steve combines careful opening preparation with a stubborn endgame instinct. Opponents beware: these games tend to be long, dramatic and occasionally theatrical.
Preferred time control appears to be Rapid.
Playing Style
Steve's style mixes practical strategy with a knack for tactical rescue missions. Quick highlights:
- Resilient comebacks — an impressive comeback rate near 82%.
- Endgame-focused — many games decided late, average decisive lengths in the high 60s to mid 70s.
- Stronger with White — White win rate roughly 55% compared with about 47% as Black.
- Prefers constructing advantages over immediate fireworks — first capture typically around move 6.
Favorite Openings
Steve leans on a core of Sicilian theory plus some less orthodox weapons when he wants to surprise:
- Sicilian Defense — Classical and Closed varieties show up often.
- King's Indian Defense: Averbakh Variation — excellent White results in many events.
- Slav Defense: Bonet Gambit and Amazon Attack — practical and effective surprise choices.
- Occasional Blumenfeld Countergambit and Benoni ideas when the mood strikes.
Career Highlights
- Holds the National Master title from National.
- Peak Rapid performance recorded at 2234 on 2024-11-20 and a peak Blitz of 2101 on 2025-11-30.
- Large and steady Rapid activity with sustained high-level results across multiple seasons.
Condensed rating trend:
Snapshot peak: 2234 (2024-11-20)
Notable Opponents
Steve has several frequent online rivals. A selection of head-to-head records:
- keitneee — 7 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw. (keitneee)
- viper1996 — 5 wins, 0 losses. (viper1996)
- baketarsar — 4 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw. (baketarsar)
- abcdefg1313 — 4 wins, 2 losses. (abcdefg1313)
Sample Game
Step through a compact Rapid example with a standard Sicilian struggle. Use the viewer below.
Or open a memorable match: Rapid Thriller
Training Notes & Fun Facts
- Best time of day by results: around 01:00. Night owl tactics confirmed.
- Tilt factor modest at 9. Short cool-off routines help keep precision high.
- Training tip: sharpen rook endgames and transition technique from middlegame to endgame.
- Fun fact: Steve enjoys the occasional offbeat sideline. The Amazon Attack is both charming and effective.
Quick Stats Snapshot
- Thousands of rapid and blitz games analyzed across several seasons.
- Strength adjusted win rates hover around 50% for both Blitz and Rapid.
- High endgame frequency and long average game lengths signal deep, fighting chess.
Placeholders Included
- 2234 (2024-11-20)
- Sicilian Defense
- viper1996
- Rapid Thriller