Melih Ergel (aka Wargnema)
Meet Melih Ergel, a chess enthusiast who dances on the checkered battlefield as Wargnema. Not your average grandmaster prodigy, Melih is more like that friend who boldly tries the Grob Opening (and wins 80% of the time!) just to spice things up. With a peak rapid rating of 427, Melih has shown that while consistency might be a work in progress, flair and surprise tactics are his specialties.
Rating Journey & Style
Since mid-2024, Melih's rapid rating has seen a rollercoaster ride — from an adventurous 427 down to a humbling 100, and then climbing back up near the 350 mark by mid-2025. Blitz and daily games might not be his playground yet, with peaks of 243 (blitz) and 366 (daily), but every match is a lesson. His longest winning streak of 8 games suggests bursts of brilliance, while the 9-game losing streak? Well, even legends have off days.
Opening Repertoire
Melih isn’t afraid to stray from traditional paths. His favorite weapon? The King’s Pawn Opening and its Leonardis Variation, sporting a solid 50% win rate. He’s also quite fond of the Queen's Pawn Opening Chigorin Variation, where he holds a commendable 57% win rate. Not one to shy away from surprises, his Grob Opening performance is downright impressive, winning 4 out of 5 games.
Memorable Matches
Among many battles, one recent gem stands out from June 2, 2025. Playing White in the Bishop’s Opening, Melih orchestrated a swift and elegant checkmate in just 10 moves against “memo011001” — a true fairy tale finish complete with a queen sacrifice and a swift Qxf7#. You can watch that stunning game here.
Playing Habits & Psychology
Melih’s best time to strike is around 9 PM, when his focus peaks and the pieces obey his command. A tilt factor of 9% means frustration occasionally sneaks in, but his impressive comeback rate (nearly 59%) reveals a fighter who learns and adapts. Average games last about 55 moves regardless of outcome — a marathon player, not a sprinter.
Fun Facts
- Has a winning record when playing Black (48.39%) — opponents beware!
- Biggest fan of the Bishop’s Opening despite the ups and downs (win rate 25%) — commitment matters!
- Checks out the board more thoroughly on Mondays and Saturdays, winning over 60% and 56% of games respectively on those days.
- Average moves per game hover around 55 — talks about stamina!
Summary
In the unpredictable world of online chess, Melih Ergel aka Wargnema embodies the spirit of a passionate tactician and a daring adventurer. Whether unleashing rare openings or pulling off queenside theatrics, Melih’s journey is a testament to the beautiful chaos and endless learning that chess offers. Expect plenty of ups, downs, and unexpected checkmates — because, sometimes, that’s the most fun way to play.
