Tom Friedel - National Master and Chess Enthusiast
Meet Tom Friedel, a National Master who has danced with pawns and knights through many battles on the chessboard. Not to be confused with the soccer goalkeeper of the same name, this Tom commands the 64 squares with strategy, cunning, and just enough caffeine-fueled madness to keep things interesting.
Rating Journey and Style
Over the years, Tom has steadily climbed the rating ladder, peaking at an impressive Blitz rating of 2477 in 2025! Bullet, that adrenaline rush of lightning moves, isn't left behind either, with a peak rating of 2400. In daily games, Tom's patient approach shines with a near 92% win rate using unknown openings, proving that perhaps the best strategy is to keep opponents guessing. When it comes to rapid chess, Tom showed prowess with a max rating nearing 2000, although this format remains a lesser playground.
Psychology of a Player
Tom's mental resilience is worthy of a movie plot: a comeback rate of 88% and a perfect 100% win rate after losing a piece. Yes, Tom knows losing a rook isn't always game over - it's just an invitation to a thrilling comeback. The tilt factor? A low 11 — meaning when the chips are down, Tom keeps calm and carries on strategizing like a boss.
Playing Style
A chess marathoner at heart, Tom averages nearly 74 moves per win and often plays long battles going up to 82 moves in losses. Endgames are a favorite, frequented nearly 84% of the time, showing Tom’s love for those slow, suspense-filled finish lines. Early resignation? Only about a third of a percent - giving opponents no freebies here.
Opening Bingo
When it comes to openings, Tom isn't shy to experiment or keep it mysterious. Unraveling the 'Unknown Opening' category with an almost 50% win rate in blitz and a solid 51% in bullet, Tom enjoys throwing opponents off with moves that sound like secret recipes. The “Top Secret” openings? They pay off nicely with win rates nudging above 51% in blitz and 52% in bullet.
Opponent Records and Quirks
Over the years, Tom has battled hundreds of different opponents, stacking a huge count of wins in blitz and bullet formats. Among the many, some names pop up more often than others, like “asztrik” and “2pawnsup.” Tom boasts some perfect win records against certain foes (looking at you, dhomsy1, renzo, cmirc, offensivechimp!), but fear not, even the best face zeros sometimes — chess is a game of humbling surprises!
Chess Anecdotes
Legend has it that Tom once held a winning streak of 33 games — practically a chess rollercoaster without the drop! Though currently not on a winning streak, surely the next move is just around the corner where glory awaits.
When to Find Tom on the Board
Tom’s peak hours for scoring wins range widely but expect a harmonious mix of blitz and laser-focused bullet battles mostly around the early morning (9 AM) and evening hours. Interestingly, even the wee hours see some magic, with win rates peaking just after midnight. Night owl or early bird? Maybe a little bit of both, with a dash of caffeine.
Final Word
Tom Friedel is the quintessential chess warrior — resilient, strategic, and ever-evolving. From blitz marathons and bullet sprints to slow and steady daily games, Tom’s chess journey is anything but dull. So next time you face off against a National Master, know you're in for an epic showdown — and hopefully, a good laugh or two when Tom pulls off an unexpected knight maneuver!