Craig Hilby - International Master Extraordinaire
Known in chess circles as TheNomNomFactor, Craig Hilby is an International Master who embodies cunning, resilience, and a dash of humor on the 64 squares. With a peak daily rating of 2364 and a bullet blitz peak soaring beyond 2700, Craig has navigated the wild wild west of chess openings and time controls with remarkable tenacity.
From Humble Beginnings to Chess Dominance
Starting with a modest daily rating in the low 1300s back in 2012, Craig's career can best be described as a thrilling rollercoaster — but instead of screams, it features victorious checkmates and clever sacrifices. The climb was steady and fierce, culminating in a peak blitz rating of 2727 in May 2025 and a bullet zenith of 2739 in July 2024. This guy doesn’t just play; he dominates time scrambles with the flair of a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat – except the rabbits are chess pieces, and the hat is a ticking clock!
Playing Style & Tactical Brilliance
With an impressive average of nearly 70 moves per winning game, Craig relishes the long, strategic battles that test both patience and chutzpah. His endgame frequency is high, suggesting he is not afraid to duke it out until the bitter end, and his comeback rate is a whopping 81.88%. Losing a piece? No problem. Craig turns setbacks into setups for victory faster than you can say "checkmate."
Signature Openings
Craig's opening repertoire is shrouded in secrecy—literally named "Top Secret" for daily games with a stellar 75% win rate, showing that even his openings need not be known to crush opponents. In bullet and blitz he throws kings and knights in many formations, including the French Defense Kings Indian Attack and the Lion Defense Anti Philidor Lions Cave Variation, where he boasts perfect records. Expect creativity, unexpected maneuvers, and the occasional sneaky knight fork.
Psychological Edge & Gaming Habits
Craig seems to hit his stride around 6 PM, when his psychological tilt factor drops, and his win rate in this "golden hour" peaks. Monday slump? Not for Craig—he’s busy prepping the perfect pawn storm. His win rates against lower, equal, and higher-rated opponents show a fighter who enjoys proving doubters wrong while gracefully handling the giants of the chess world.
Recent Triumphs & Humbling Lessons
His latest games are a testament to his skill and unpredictability. Recently, he crushed opponents with masterful endgame precision in games like the fiery Austrian Dragon and the tricky Evans Gambit. Of course, even masters face defeats, and his losses by time and resilience—like the match against VladimirBelous—only fuel his hunger for improvement.
Fun Facts
- Longest winning streak: 35 games — a marathon, not a sprint.
- Current streak status: Coming off a fresh win, so watch out!
- Favorite time control: Bullet and blitz, where reflexes meet genius.
- Psychological traits: Known for bouncing back swiftly after setbacks, with a “never say die” attitude.
Craig Hilby’s chess journey is one that combines passion, precision, and a pinch of panache, making every game a spectacle. Whether you’re an aspiring chess player or just someone looking for an enthralling match, keep an eye on TheNomNomFactor—because when Craig’s on the board, dinner isn’t served until the game is won.