Goran Ivankovic (Vuka65) — FIDE Master
Goran Ivankovic, known online as Vuka65, is a FIDE Master and a lively presence on the chess server. He made a rapid climb from modest online beginnings into a feared Rapid specialist, combining stubborn endgame play with a taste for unusual opening ideas. Friendly on chat, relentless at the board, and quick with the occasional cheeky comment, Goran mixes serious study with a playful spirit.
- Title: FIDE Master
- Preferred time control: Rapid
- Online handle: Vuka65
Career highlights and style
Goran is best known for a patient, endgame-first approach. He often steers chaotic middlegames into long technical battles where his Endgame Frequency is unusually high. Despite a few dramatic swings, he is capable of long winning runs and impressive comebacks.
- Known for long decisive games and high average moves per win
- Strong comeback ability and solid tactical awareness
- Noted for delivering checks with the queen and rook frequently
Peak moments are summarized here: 2171 (2025-08-22) and 2382 (2025-07-09). For a visual of recent Rapid progress see
.Openings and repertoire
Goran enjoys flexible, sometimes surprising openings. He plays aggressively as White in certain systems and returns to rock-solid defenses as Black.
- As Black he often relies on the Scandinavian Defense to steer opponents into unfamiliar positions.
- As White he scores well with the London System: Poisoned Pawn Variation and the Colle System: Rhamphorhynchus Variation.
- He also experiments with niche lines such as the Amazon Attack: Siberian Attack and various French Defense sidelines.
Memorable games and moments
A few matches stand out in Goran's logbook, including a clean record against several regular opponents. One recent highlight is a decisive game versus a familiar rival:
- Notable matchup: Clean Sweep vs ranveer_5_7
- Favorite PGN clip:
Statistics snapshot
Goran piles up thousands of rated games across Rapid, Blitz, and Daily play. He has experienced both marathon winning streaks and humbling losing streaks, which makes for an entertaining roller coaster. Quick facts below.
- Longest winning streak: 29 games
- Longest losing streak: 26 games
- Strong suit: converting endgames and patient technical play
Personality and minor trivia
Off the board Goran is witty and approachable. He will analyze a loss in public, crack a joke, then queue up another Rapid game before coffee gets cold. His best hour to play tends to cluster around midday, which some opponents call "danger lunch."
- Online persona: sportsmanship with a wink
- Favorite time to play: midday (Best Time of Day To Play reflects this)
- Preparation depth: comfortable mixing surprise lines with well-known systems
Want to explore more?
Browse Goran's popular themes, openings, and games using the embedded links and charts above. To study his Rapid evolution visually, check the chart and dive into the PGN clip for a quick practical lesson.