Etienne Mensch - The International Master with a Tactical Twist
Known in the chess world as "Tonton," Etienne Mensch holds the prestigious title of International Master awarded by FIDE. With a knack for bullet chess that could make Grandmasters sweat, Etienne’s style combines dogged determination, razor-sharp tactics, and an uncanny ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
A Journey Through the Ranks
Starting their rated journey in 2020 with a bullet rating shy of 2200, Etienne quickly escalated to a peak bullet rating of 2426 in 2023, proving that lightning-fast decision-making is no obstacle. While 2024 saw a minor dip back to around 2200, it’s clear that this IM is far from out of steam.
Playing Style: The Slow-Burn Sprinter
Don’t be fooled by the speeding bullet performances; Etienne is the kind of player who enjoys the grind. Averaging over 70 moves per win and often prolonging endgames (with an endgame frequency of 84%), Etienne’s games are battles of attrition where patience is a winning weapon. And with a 63% win rate as White and a solid 53% as Black, they comfortably dance on both sides of the board.
Psychological Profile: Calm in the Storm
With a tilt factor of just 4 (on a scale where lower is Zen), Etienne rarely lets emotions get in the way. Their record after losing pieces is practically legendary: a 100% win rate after sacrifices or losses of material means if someone else blinks first, it’s probably game over. Tonton’s come-from-behind win rate stands strong at over 93%, making their opponents wish they had bought life insurance.
Favorite Openings: A "Top Secret" Recipe
While the exact openings Etienne favors remain classified (they only reveal them under heavy interrogation), the stats speak volumes — maintaining a 56% win rate over 73 bullet games using their "Top Secret" lines, and a flawless 100% in blitz with the same mysterious repertoire. It’s safe to say the spy analogy isn’t just for show.
Notable Opponents and Records
Etienne has tangled most frequently with deckledog (winning nearly 79% of their encounters) and has an outstanding 100% win record against a host of opponents including lobbyman1, bego70, and whitewarrior44. Less fortunate opponents might include thomasniessen and pepepe19, who seem to have cracked Tonton’s defense occasionally.
When to Catch Tonton at Their Best
If you want to play Etienne at their peak, aim for Saturday afternoons or early evenings—win rates soar above 80% then! For a sneak peek into their genius, 14:00 and 18:00 hours are golden slots with perfect winning records.
In short, Etienne Mensch is a formidable IM who blends tactical brilliance with stoic resilience and a touch of mystery. Whether it’s a bullet brawl or a marathon endgame, this chess master plays to win — and usually does, with style and a subtle grin.