Stanisław Żyłka — The Calculating International Master
Meet Stanisław Żyłka, or as the online world fondly knows him, stasiek18, an International Master whose chess career is as dynamic and unpredictable as a blitz game on a caffeine rush.
Awarded the International Master title by FIDE, Stanisław has demonstrated a chess prowess that few can match. His blitz rating peaked at a scorching 2717 in April 2025, proving that when the clock ticks fast, he ticks faster.
Journey Through the Ratings
Starting from humble beginnings with a blitz rating a modest 1008 in 2017, Stanisław's meteoric rise showcases sheer determination and countless hours of endgame study (80.5% endgame frequency, no less!). Winning streaks as long as 21 games reflect his ability to hypnotize opponents into submission.
Favorite Arsenal 🎯
His opening repertoire is as versatile as a Swiss army knife. In blitz, the Modern Defense Standard Line is his playground, boasting a solid 58% win rate. Sometimes, he sneaks in the Scandinavian Defense or the sneaky Trompowsky Attack for good measure, keeping foes guessing and panic-stricken.
Playing Style & Personality
Stanisław’s games are tactical thrill rides with an impressive 85.5% comeback rate, meaning never count him out — even when down a piece. Draws are rare; he prefers decisive action, evidenced by his strong win numbers against both higher- and lower-rated players.
With an early resignation rate just under 0.5%, he battles on with tenacity, but he knows when to call "checkmate" and celebrate his victories. He's a night owl too — peak creativity and success strike in the wee hours around 2 AM.
Recent Triumphs & Trials
Stanisław recently outmaneuvered an opponent in a Sicilian Defense Taimanov Battle, securing victory by resignation — a classic case of patience and precision. But like any true warrior, he's faced a few setbacks, including a Queens Indian Defense endgame that ended in a dramatic checkmate loss. Such is the life of a chess gladiator!
In a Nutshell
- Title: International Master
- Peak Blitz Rating: 2717 (Apr 2025)
- Peak Bullet Rating: 2495 (Nov 2020)
- Peak Rapid Rating: 2461 (Mar 2023)
- Longest Winning Streak: 21 games
- Preferred Time to Play: 2 AM — the witching hour of brilliant combinations
- Known For: Tactical resilience and endgame wizardry
Whether under the high pressure of blitz or the slow grind of rapid, Stanisław Żyłka’s journey is a fascinating story of resilience, enthusiasm, and the occasional brilliant sacrifice (sometimes intentional, sometimes “oops”).
Cheers to stasiek18, a grand tactician proving that chess is not just a game but a way of life — with plenty of tasty pawns and cheeky forks along the way.