Thomas Hinks-Edwards: The International Master with a Secret Opening
Known in the online chess world as uselessduffer (a humble alias, if there ever was one), Thomas Hinks-Edwards has earned the prestigious title of International Master from FIDE. Not just your average chess enthusiast, Thomas has turned the game into a playground of tactics, endurance, and sheer willpower.
A Journey Through The Ratings
Starting from humble beginnings with a rapid rating of 1631 in 2020, Thomas has steadily climbed the ranks to peak at an impressive 2182 in rapid chess by 2022—and has maintained this level since. Blitz and bullet have also been playgrounds for Thomas’s skills, with blitz ratings soaring as high as 2545 and bullet peaking at 2429, demonstrating impressive speed and tactical sharpness.
Record and Streaks
With a combined win count reaching well into the hundreds across all formats, Thomas’s games are often a spectacle. Their longest recorded winning streak stands at an epic 19 games, proving that once the momentum hits, it’s almost impossible to stop this chess machine. Though the current streak is at zero—chess is, after all, a game of peaks and valleys.
Playing Style & Psychology
Thomas doesn’t quit early, boasting an early resignation rate of zero, and has a knack for long games, averaging over 74 moves per win. The endgame seems to be their domain—appearing in 81% of their matches—which suggests a penchant for grinding down opponents patiently rather than quick-fire tactics. Psychologically tough, Thomas has a low tilt factor and a remarkable 85.9% comeback rate, showing resilience that would impress even the toughest grandmasters.
Top Secret Openings and Opponents
The phrase “Top Secret” perfectly describes Thomas’s opening repertoire. With over 68 games in rapid and more than 700 in blitz using these mysterious lines, the win rates hover around an impressive 60-73%. Opponents beware—Thomas often sneaks in a winning line you didn’t even know existed.
Fun Facts
- Thomas wins more often as White: a hearty 63.5% win rate with the white pieces.
- Remarkably, they have a 100% win rate after losing a piece in a game—talk about optimistic chess!
- Despite a fierce competitive edge, Thomas harbors some peculiar foils—there are a handful of opponents against whom the win rate is 0% (but hey, everyone has a nemesis!).
- Primetime for Thomas’s chess success? Afternoon and early evening hours, with a peak win rate around 3-4 PM and a mysterious 75% win rate at midnight (the night owl advantage?).
In summary, Thomas Hinks-Edwards isn’t just playing chess—they’re unraveling it, one secret move at a time. Whether blitzing through the ranks or patiently executing endgames, this International Master keeps proving that sometimes, the best weapon is a little mystery and a lot of perseverance.