Daniel Nicolae Vlasin

Daniel Nicolae Vlasin: The Relentless Rapid Rook

Meet Daniel Nicolae Vlasin, known in the chess world simply as Vlasin. A player who has transformed the art of rapid chess into a thrilling rollercoaster ride of wins, losses, and never-ending battles on the 64 squares. With a peak rapid rating soaring up to 1523 as of late May 2025, Daniel has been steadily climbing the ranks, showing a mix of tactical grit and psychological resilience.

Chess Journey and Style

Starting from a modest rapid rating of 519 in mid-2023, Daniel skyrocketed to an impressive peak of 1523 in less than two years. This meteoric rise was fueled by his dedication and a passion for the Polish Opening, his surprise weapon boasting a solid win rate of 53.1%. He also likes to occasionally confuse and thrill opponents with the Italian Game, the Scotch Game, and the sometimes chaotic but undeniably fun Polish Opening Kucharkowski Meybohm Gambit. He’s been seen channeling the spirit of legendary gambiteers, throwing caution – and sometimes pieces – to the wind.

Wins, Losses, and the Psychology of Play

With over 2,600 victories in rapid games and nearly as many losses, Daniel’s chess life is a testament to persistence. His longest winning streak stretches to an impressive 13 games, proving he’s no beginner when it comes to momentum. But, like any mortal, he has also ridden the wave of a stinging 11-game losing streak – showing that even the best sometimes dance with the dark side of the board.

One of the quirks of Daniel's play is his tilt factor, sitting at a manageable 11 – meaning he might grumble a bit when the chess gods frown but quickly gathers himself. Interestingly, his best time to play is a bit unconventional: 3 AM, when the world is asleep and his strategic mind is wide awake.

Memorable Battles

Daniel’s recent victories often end with his opponent’s resignation, a mark of respect (or maybe frustration) at his compelling endgame skills – a phase he frequents about 66% of the time. His tactical awareness is highlighted by a strong 72% comeback rate, meaning when he’s down a piece or two, he’s still plotting a fierce turnaround.

His recent rapid win came in a classic Scotch Game, where Daniel’s sharp play forced his opponent to wave the white flag after a tense 40+ move duel. On the flip side, his recent loss showed the brutal nature of competitive chess but also his bright spirit – bouncing back quickly in the next rounds.

Fun Facts

• Daniel wins more games with the White pieces (50.62%) than Black (47.14%) – who doesn’t like the first move advantage?
• He has a surprisingly low early resignation rate (just 2.37%) – he’s in it for the long haul!
• The average game length in wins is about 66 moves – endurance and patience are his middle names.
• His win rate jumps late mornings (especially around 11 AM) and early mornings (6-7 AM), with an astounding 64.71% win rate at 6 AM – maybe he’s an early bird or a night owl just refusing to quit.

Opponent Highlights

Daniel faces a fair share of fierce competition, including well-fought contests against his most frequent opponent Vlasin_tudor, with a win rate of about 78%. He’s also a known nemesis of several players who never saw their pieces safe once the battle began.

His record is a mix of heartbreak and triumph, with some opponents never tasting victory against him, while others have found ways to puzzle Daniel occasionally. It’s part of what makes his journey so human and so thrilling to follow.

In Summary

Daniel Nicolae Vlasin is a player who embodies the true spirit of rapid chess: blazing fast, flexible, and fiercely competitive but with a wink and smile at the unpredictability of the game. Whether maneuvering through the complexities of the Polish Opening or forging breakthroughs in the endgame, he stays true to his passion for chess and the never-ending challenge it offers.

Keep an eye on Vlasin – he might just be the next rising star whose games will keep you hooked until the very last move. And maybe, just maybe, you've got a chance of catching him on a less-than-3 AM time slot for a friendly duel!