Damian Talpa

Damian Talpa (aka swigo) - Chess Adventurer Extraordinaire

Meet Damian Talpa, better known in the chess world as swigo, a relentless rapid player whose journey through the ranks is as colorful as his opening repertoire. Starting from modest beginnings with a rapid rating under 600 back in early 2021, Damian's rating graph reads like an epic tale of comeback, perseverance, and maybe just a hint of stubbornness.

Over the years, he has steadily climbed the ladder, peaking impressively at a rapid rating of 1525 in May 2025. That’s right—this is not your average basement dweller; Damian has mastered the art of bouncing back, boasting a remarkable 79.37% comeback rate after losing a piece, proving he’s not just about quick wins but also about the thrill of the fight.

While rapid is his main battleground, Damian’s blitz and bullet ratings tell their own story. While bullet may not be his speedway of choice (maxing out around 1175 in 2021), he brings serious heat to blitz games, peaking at 1102 in mid-2024. His playstyle? Endgame aficionado with almost 60% endgame frequency and a fondness for long, thinking battles—a classy player who enjoys a drama-filled finish rather than quick early surrenders.

Strategic Signature Moves

Damian’s preferred openings read like a respectful nod to classical chess theory. He has a special affection for the Italian Game and its siblings, shining brightest in the Italian Game Two Knights Modern Bishops Opening with a win rate above 53%. The Queens Pawn Opening Chigorin Variation has also been a fruitful arena, boasting a win rate close to 57%. However, he’s no one-trick pony—his diverse portfolio covers the Giuoco Piano, Scotch Game, and even the resilient Caro Kann Defense, battling through various lines with a balanced blend of aggression and caution.

Psychological Profile & Style

Damian’s tilt factor of 11 hints at the occasional emotional rollercoaster, but his low early resignation rate (3.68%) reveals a stubborn streak not to be underestimated. He’s the type to grind through tough positions, often winning with white pieces around 52.36% of the time. Prefer to play late at night or early morning? Damian’s best time to catch on is right at midnight, when his win rates spike and his strategic mind is at its sharpest.

Recent Duel Highlights

Damian’s most recent victories have come via classical maneuvers: a beautiful execution in the Giuoco Piano Game - Giuoco Pianissimo Variation forcing opposition resignation, followed closely by a swift checkmate in the Italian Game. Not one to shy away from drama, these wins demonstrate his tactical awareness and precision finishing abilities.

Of course, every hero has setbacks. Damian’s last loss was against a checkmate in a tense Four Knights Game Spanish Variation—a reminder that even the bravest knights sometimes get outmaneuvered.

Fun Facts & Quirks

• Known online as swigo, he's played over 1600 wins in rapid games alone—talk about dedication!
• Damian tends to favor playing on Tuesdays and Saturdays—the magic days of his best win rates.
• He’s quite the comeback artist, winning almost 8 out of 10 times after a piece loss.
• His longest winning streak is an impressive 11 games, matching his longest losing streak—proof that his chess life is never dull!

Whether Damian Talpa (a.k.a. swigo) is plotting a cunning trap in the Italian Game or fighting to the last pawn in a gritty endgame, one thing is clear: he plays chess not just to win, but to experience the game in all its dramatic glory.

"Checkmate? Not today, not without a fight."