Yael Cruzaley

Yael Cruzaley – The Relentless Duelist of the Board

Meet Yael Cruzaley, also known in the chess arena as tcabula, a spirited player navigating the battlefield of 64 squares with a unique blend of persistence and unpredictability. Though not yet a grandmaster, Yael’s journey is full of highs, lows, and the occasional “Wait, what just happened?!” moment.

Rating Rollercoaster & Playing Style

Yael’s peak rapid rating soared to an impressive 624 in May 2025, a high point that hints at hidden tactical sparks. Blitz and bullet ratings hover more modestly, peaking at 153 and 420 respectively. If ratings were a rollercoaster, Yael’s would be the wild kind: thrilling for spectators, sometimes stomach-churning for the player.

Notorious for a brisk early resignation rate of over 17%, Yael knows when to cut losses—but also demonstrates grit with an impressive 100% comeback rate after losing material. The average game lasts about 35 moves whether winning or losing, showcasing a stubborn refusal to quit without a fight.

Openings – The Curious Adventurer

Yael’s opening repertoire is eclectic, ranging from classical King’s Pawn and Reti to the wild and sometimes controversial Grob Opening. The record shows an unmistakable affection for the Undefined Opening – perhaps a mysterious secret weapon or a "did I just move that?" moment turned to advantage, boasting a rare 100% win rate in that singular blitz encounter.

Match Highlights and Memorable Battles

Victory often comes with a flair for the dramatic: Yael once snatched a win after just five moves with a bold queen capture in blitz against openmind01, forcing a swift game abandonment. But not every battle ends on a high note; a recent loss to sanaysujisha ended in an early surprise defeat, proving that even the toughest warriors face setbacks.

Force to be Reckoned With (Eventually)

Though currently stacking more losses than wins (hey, everyone has “those days”), Yael’s ability to challenge opponents regardless of rating is remarkable. With an 80% win rate against lower-rated players and a stubborn spirit that refuses to bow out quietly, the next breakthrough could be just a move away.

Fun Fact

Yael’s best time to play? The magic hour around 6pm, when tactical awareness peaks and queens might just start behaving. But watch out: a tilt factor of 10 means the mood swings on the board can get as intense as a knight’s fork.

In summary, Yael Cruzaley (tcabula) is a player who combines a love for unconventional openings, cheeky surprises, and an unshakable fighting spirit—a biography still in the making, one fascinating game at a time.

“When in doubt, queen it out!” might just be their unofficial motto.