Praveen Thipsay - Grandmaster and Chess Aficionado
Praveen Thipsay, known simply as Thipsay in the chess circles, is a Grandmaster recognized by FIDE, inspiring chess enthusiasts everywhere with their strategic brilliance and unwavering passion for the game. A true titan of the 64 squares, Thipsay approaches chess like a master chef approaches a complex recipe: with finesse, patience, and the occasional dash of audacity.
Rating Peaks and Playing Style
Reaching a stellar peak bullet rating of 2506 in June 2025 and boasting a lightning-fast blitz rating peak of 2610 in August 2022, Thipsay is as fearless in rapid encounters as they are in slower, nerve-wracking endgames. Notably, their best rapid rating tops at a respectable 2192, proving versatility across all formats.
With an early resignation rate of just 0.36% and an endgame frequency exceeding 78%, Thipsay prefers to grind the position down to a victory rather than throw in the towel. Their games tend to last 59 moves on average when winning, and an endurance-testing 76 moves when losing. A patient strategist, indeed!
Tactical Wizardry and Psychological Chess
Praveen has an astonishing comeback rate of 89.17%, showing an ability to claw back from seemingly impossible positions. Even when moments of blindness happen (losing a piece), victory is still achieved slightly over half the time—a true sign of tactical awareness and composure.
Of course, no player is immune to tilt, but Thipsay keeps theirs relatively low with a tilt factor of 14. And if you check their best time to play, expect their moves to be sharper at 11 PM, which must be when their chess brain switches into turbo mode.
Opening Repertoire: The Top Secret Gambit Guru
Ever heard of the Top Secret opening? Thipsay has played it a whopping 31,945 times in bullet chess, winning over 52%! Alongside other favorites like the Scandinavian Defense and the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, they’ve shown a knack for tackling opponents with surprise and calculated gambits.
In blitz, Thipsay rockets with a 65.55% win rate in their beloved Top Secret system. If you ever want to test your skills against a master, be prepared for a well-honed mix of classical strategy and unexpected strikes.
Record and Rivalries
With more than 34 winning streaks under their belt, and a solid record against frequent opponents, Thipsay has carved a legacy that commands respect and a healthy dash of fear. Opponents often find themselves wondering: "Did they just predict my moves before I made them?"
Chess Highlights
Thipsay’s recent games showcase brilliant victories by checkmate and resignation alike, demonstrating their capability for tactical precision and psychological pressure. Whether crushing an opponent in the Queens Pawn Opening or dazzling with the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack, their playstyle is consistently a treat to watch.
Fun Fact
Legend has it, Thipsay once played a chess game in the middle of a power outage – and won by using only the sound of the pieces moving to "visualize" the board. Whether true or not, it just adds to the mystique of this formidable Grandmaster.
In short, Praveen Thipsay isn’t just a chess player – they are a relentless tactician, a strategic magician, and potentially the world’s best secret keeper when it comes to opening surprises. Opponents beware!