Vladimir Potkin: The Grandmaster of Blitz and Wit
Vladimir Potkin proudly carries the prestigious title of Grandmaster, an elite honor bestowed by FIDE on those rare chess wizards capable of bending kings and queens to their will. A tactical maestro with a penchant for blitz, Vladimir’s rating history reads like the thrilling plot of a chess thriller — peaking at a sizzling 2742 in July of 2019 and consistently hovering above 2600 in recent years.
Specializing in blitz, Vladimir is a force to be reckoned with, boasting over 250 wins in lightning-fast games. His win rate gleams brightest on Saturdays (63.64%) and mornings at 6 AM — yes, this Grandmaster is apparently at his sharpest while most of us are still wrestling with our coffee machines! Whether sniping with the mysterious "Unknown Opening" or cracking jokes over the board, Vladimir’s flair wins hearts and games alike.
Style and Strategy
Known for his endurance—an impressive 82% frequency in endgames—Vladimir believes that true battle is often won in the trench warfare of the final moves. His average winning games span around 71 moves, proving that patience and precision are his friends. An astonishing 84.87% comeback rate after setbacks speaks volumes about both his resilience and dogged determination. He never gives up — tilt factor is low at just 7, which means he’s cooler than an iced rook on a hot afternoon.
Recent Battles & Triumphs
Among his latest victories, Vladimir dazzled with the Tarrasch Defense Symmetrical Variation—winning a thrilling duel against delphin11 on May 13, 2025, by winning on time after a hard-fought battle lasting 42 moves. His games aren’t just wins; they’re performances worthy of the grandest chess theater.
Of course, every hero faces defeat. Vladimir’s current losing streak is zero, but even in losses (of which there are some), he tends to learn and strike back stronger. His losses often come with grace, many times ending with resignation rather than blundering in panic.
Legendary Opponents
Vladimir has locked horns most frequently with players like irregularexpression (9 games) and drbergerberger (7 games), showing particular prowess by maintaining a solid winning record against numerous challengers. His psychological chess prowess means many opponents face a relentless chess whirlwind and few live to tell the tale.
Fun Fact
If you ever catch Vladimir playing at 6 AM, don’t be surprised — that’s when his mind is as clear and lethal as a freshly sharpened bishop! Some swear he’s a chess-playing vampire, but we suspect it’s just dedication... and possibly a very strong espresso.
In conclusion, Vladimir Potkin is more than just a Grandmaster; he's a blitz titan, a studied endgame sniper, and a formidable opponent whose games are both artistry and battle. Whether you’re a fan, a fellow player, or just here to admire the chesscraft, Vladimir’s legacy is one to watch — and maybe even fear on the 64-square battlefield.