Profile Summary: Steven Salas (stevensa11)
Meet Steven Salas, a chess enthusiast whose rating journey reads like an adventurous rollercoaster ride through the kingdoms of pawns and knights. Climbing from humble beginnings around 600 in Daily games back in 2019, Steven has recently soared to an impressive peak rating of 956 in Daily chess by May 2025. Talk about leveling up!
Playing Style & Personality
Steven’s chess style is a fascinating blend of patience and resilience. His games often average around 52 moves per win — clearly a strategist who doesn’t shy away from long battles. Don’t expect quick resignations either; an early resignation rate just shy of 4% hints that he fights on through thick and thin. Whether wielding White or Black pieces, he’s nearly evenly poised with a win rate hovering around 44% for both colors.
Known for his tactical awareness, Steven bounces back impressively with a comeback rate above 68%! Losing a piece doesn’t spook him too much, as he still manages to win about 39% after such setbacks. That stubborn streak is truly the hallmark of a fighter.
Favorite Openings & Tactics
Steven shows a penchant for the Queen’s Pawn Opening family, especially the Chigorin Variation, where he boasts a decent win rate exceeding 60% in Daily chess. He’s also explored the quirky Top Secret opening and enjoys a tactical tussle with the Nimzowitsch Defense (his rapid games show a powerful 70% win rate here). If chess openings were a buffet, Steven's plate would be loaded with variety and a sprinkle of surprise.
Time Controls & Performance
When it comes to time controls, Steven prefers Daily and Rapid games, where he has amassed hundreds of wins but isn’t a stranger to losses either. Blitz and Bullet are a bit more volatile for him, with blitz peak rating around 847 and bullet peaking at 247—a sign that speed chess may inspire a few hair-pulling moments. Interestingly, his best time to play appears to be around 10 AM, and his luckiest day to score wins might be a bit more scattered, but hey, chess doesn’t follow a strict schedule, right?
A Record of Battles
With over a thousand games played across all formats, Steven has experienced everything from triumphant checkmates to nail-biting time-out victories—and a few defeats that no doubt fuel his hunger for improvement. One recent glorious checkmate win was delivered in a beautifully fought Queen’s Pawn Opening battle, proving he’s no stranger to sealing the deal under pressure.
Not Just Numbers
Behind the stats lies a chess warrior with a tilt factor of 12—meaning yes, he might occasionally grumble at a bad move or two, but his spirit remains unbroken. Opponents beware: whether facing frequent rivals or newcomers, Steven’s adaptability and determination make each game a fresh challenge.
In short: Steven Salas isn’t just a player; he’s a dedicated strategist, a relentless fighter, and occasionally, a harbinger of unexpected checkmates. Watch the board carefully when stevensa11 is in the game—you never know when the next clever trap or comeback will unfold!
