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Player Profile

TheKnightBefore NM

Since 2018 (Inactive) Chess.com ♟♟♟♟♟
51.9% W 39.4% L 8.7% D
Bullet
2632
11036W 8039L 1401D
Blitz
2625
7816W 6340L 1757D
Rapid
2360
115W 25L 11D
Daily
1814
17W 8L 0D

Meet TheKnightBefore

TheKnightBefore is a National Master who has made a name for themselves in the fast-paced world of online chess. While they are comfortable in every time control, their true home is blitz chess, where quick instincts and bold ideas matter just as much as deep calculation. Their handle is a playful reminder that the knight often arrives before the queen, and their games frequently reflect that same sense of timing and surprise.

A Repertoire Built on Adventure

TheKnightBefore is not afraid to leave the beaten path. They have played thousands of games in sharp and unusual lines, with a special fondness for the Elephant Gambit and the Australian Defense. Even in more classical structures such as the Semi-Slav Defense, they look for active moves and tactical chances. Their first capture often comes early, and they show a remarkable ability to turn messy positions into winning advantages.

Career Highlights

Over the years, TheKnightBefore has climbed to an impressive 2727 (2024-02-19), with even higher numbers in bullet play. They have won more than 20,000 rated games across all time controls and once put together an incredible 40-game winning streak.

  • National Master title holder with a relentless attacking style.
  • Peak blitz rating of 2727 (2024-02-19).
  • Career-best bullet rating above 2700.
  • Comeback rate near 84%, proving the game is never over.
Blitz Rating272625892452231521772018: 22222019: 23742020: 23762021: 25062022: 25152023: 26242024: 26812025: 26272026: 2625201820192020202120222023202420252026

Rivalries and Rivals

No profile of TheKnightBefore would be complete without mentioning their epic battles against Ashritha Eswaran. The two have faced each other more than 1,200 times, producing one of the most balanced rivalries in online chess. Another frequent opponent is lutzisaklutz, with over 1,000 games played. These long-running rivalries have shaped TheKnightBefore into a resilient competitor who thrives under pressure.

Fun Facts and Playing Style

TheKnightBefore is at their sharpest in the early morning, with their best results coming around 07:00. They win more often with the white pieces, but their black win rate remains strong thanks to a practical and counterattacking approach. Their ability to keep fighting after losing material is unusual, and their games frequently reach deep endgames where patience and precision take over.

Win Rate by Opening0%25%75%100%50%Elephant Gambit: 57.2% over 1757 gamesAustralian Defense: 58.9% over 1016 gamesAmazon Attack: Siberian Attack: 48.2% over 929 gamesLondon System: Poisoned Pawn Variation: 53.8% over 861 gamesColle System: Rhamphorhynchus Variation: 54.7% over 856 gamesAmazon Attack: 54.5% over 842 gamesElephant Gambit57%Australian Defense59%Amazon Attack: Siberian…48%London System: Poisoned…54%Colle System: Rhamphorh…55%Amazon Attack54%
reveals a clear pattern: the more original the opening, the more dangerous TheKnightBefore becomes.

Bio last updated 2026-09-22