Overview
Thijs Laarhoven is a FIDE Master and an online chess force known for blistering speed and surprising depth. A true bullet specialist, Thijs combines lightning tactics with stubborn endgame play. Favorite taglines opponents whisper after losing are practical and unprintable. Peak bullet rating: 2782 (2026-04-13).
- Title: FIDE Master
- Preferred time control: Bullet
- Lifetime online record highlights: Bullet wins 790, Blitz wins 425, Daily wins 268
- Peak performances are tracked over time:
Playing Style
Thijs plays like someone who drinks espresso between moves. Quick, tactical, and pragmatic. Games often end decisively and Thijs is not shy about early resignations when the position is hopeless.
- Style: tactical, endgame-minded and practical
- Early resignation rate: 65 percent of losses are conceded early
- Endgame frequency: appears often, with long decisive games (average moves per win around 76)
- Composure: comeback rate above 80 percent and about a 53 percent win rate after losing material
- Best times to catch Thijs online: early morning hours show some of the strongest win rates
Opening Repertoire
Thijs favors solid, pragmatic systems as well as a few surprise shots. He plays both sides confidently and mixes classical defenses with offbeat choices to steer opponents into unfamiliar ground.
- Top bullet openings: Caro-Kann Defense (strong Karpov line), London System: Poisoned Pawn Variation, Australian Defense, Scandinavian Defense
- Notable white systems: London Poisoned Pawn, Australian Defense and Colle ideas
- Black choices: Caro-Kann and Scandinavian show up frequently and with excellent results
- Surprising specialists: Amazon Attack and some Slav variations for chaotic fun
Career Highlights
Thijs climbed from club-level daily games to elite online bullet ratings with a mix of hard work and a knack for time-trouble tactics. Highlights include long winning streaks and sustained top-tier bullet form.
- Longest recorded winning streak: 16 games
- Longest losing streak: 9 games
- Recent peak bullet run includes a peak recorded on-site in the current era: 2782 (2026-04-13)
- Notable adaptability: strong results across Bullet and Blitz with a robust strength adjusted win rate
Fun Facts & Notable Opponents
Thijs logs a lot of matches against a handful of regular rivals. These recurring pairings have produced entertaining mini-rivalries and memorable tactics.
- Most played opponents include Glomnipotentt, PracticeMakesOK, ali shahibzadegan and fda fadf
- Impressive psychology stats: strong comeback ability and a high win rate when playing below rated opponents
- Termination trends: many games end decisively rather than by long mutual maneuvering
- Average move of first capture is about move 6, so the fight starts early
Sample Bullet Game
Here is a short example showing the kind of sharp, practical play Thijs favors. Use the viewer to replay and study tactics and time management.
[[Pgn|e4|c6|Nf3|d5|exd5|cxd5|d4|Nc6|Bb5|Bg4|h3|Bxf3|Qxf3|Qa5+|Nc3|e6|O-O|Ne7|Re1|a6|Bd3|Nxd4|Qd1|Nef5|Be3|Nc6|Bxf5|exf5|Bb6|Qb4|Nxd5|Qxe1+|Qxe1+|Be7|Nxe7|Nxe7|Qxe7|Qxe7|Rxe7|Kxe7|Re1|Rf8|Nf4|Kf6|Nxd5+|Kg5|f4|Kg6|g4|fxg4|hxg4|h5|gxh5+|Kxh5|Re3|g5|f5|Kg4|Rg3|Rh8|Nf4|Kxf5|Rg4|Rh4|Rxh4|gxh4|Nh3|Ke4|Kf2|Kxf5|Kg3|Rg3+|Kxh4|Rh8|Kh5|Rh1|Kg4|Rg1+|Kf3|Rg3+|Ke2|Ke3|f6|Rf1|Ke1|Rf4|Kd2|Rf3|Kd1|Notes for Opponents and Fans
Looking to challenge Thijs or study his games? He is best approached with solid opening preparation and a willingness to scramble. Expect tactical fireworks in time trouble and a readiness to enter long endgames if the opportunity arises.
- Study suggestions: sharpen tactics around move 6 to 12 and prepare against the Caro-Kann and Scandinavian
- If you want to analyze a line, try the London Poisoned Pawn against him and test practical handling under time pressure
- Keep an eye on the interactive chart above for recent rating trends: