Avatar of Ben Hague

Ben Hague FM

wtfai Whanganui Since 2013 (Active) Chess.com ♟♟♟
53.1%- 38.5%- 8.4%
Bullet 2154
128W 112L 9D
Blitz 2256
4010W 3081L 610D
Rapid 2262
52W 28L 18D
Daily 2093
353W 66L 81D

Overview

Ben Hague is a FIDE Master and a familiar face on online chess boards. Known for a sharp tactical eye and an appetite for complex middlegames, Ben has built a reputation across all time controls while showing a particular fondness for Daily play - a patient, puzzle-loving style that suits deep plans and long-term pressure.

Title: FIDE Master. Preferred time control: Daily. Playstyle highlights: tactical resourcefulness, long endgames, and resilience under pressure.

  • SEO keywords: Ben Hague, FIDE Master, chess player, Daily chess, openings, Amazon Attack, Caro-Kann, Sicilian.
  • Notable online handle: wtfai (used sometimes in community circles).

Career Highlights

Ben rose through the online ranks with a mix of blitz bursts and steady daily performance. His peak moments include top scores in fast events and an ability to grind wins in daily correspondence-style games.

  • Long winning streaks and clutch comebacks. Longest winning streak recorded: 19 games.
  • Strong comeback ability - high ComebackRate and solid WinRateAfterLosingPiece.
  • Representative peak metrics: 2488 (2023-09-27) and 2566 (2022-05-07) reflect times when Ben was practically unstoppable in fast formats.

Playing Style and Strengths

Ben combines tactical flair with endgame endurance. Games often see deep maneuvering, patient buildup, and an average game length that favors decisive, instructional battles rather than quick draws.

  • Endgame frequency is high - Ben loves long, technical positions.
  • Average moves per win are long, showing preference for complex, decisive fights.
  • Tactical resilience - strong win rate after material setbacks and above-average comeback stats.

Openings and Repertoire

Ben favors offbeat but dangerous systems and has excellent results with several recurring lines. He often pilots the Amazon Attack and plays reliable choices like the Caro-Kann and select Sicilian systems.

  • Go-to white systems: Amazon Attack (including the Siberian Attack), Scotch and Scandinavian ideas.
  • As Black: Caro-Kann and selective Sicilian setups such as the Alapin and Accelerated Dragon.
  • Daily play showcases high success with the Sicilian Defense - Closed and other patient structures.

Records and Trends

Ben has logged thousands of games across formats. He shows consistent weekly patterns and clear daily-time advantages that make him particularly effective in the afternoon hours.

  • WinRateByHourOfDay peaks around afternoon play - best time often noted near 15:00.
  • Most-played online rivals include players like fastfaun and kot60, with multiple decisive encounters.
  • Strong Daily performance - Ben favors slow, thoughtful games and converts ideas into wins at a steady clip.

Fun Facts

Ben balances seriousness with a playful streak. Expect a dry joke in chat, a surprising novelty on move 10, and the kind of persistence that turns losing positions into memorable victories.

  • One-liner: "If the position is complicated, Ben probably suggested it."
  • Favorite tactical moment: rescuing games from material deficit with creative sacrifices.
  • Known for patience - Daily games are where Ben truly shines.

Sample Tools and Links

Explore examples and study Ben's play with these viewer-ready widgets and links. These are placeholders the platform can render into interactive content.

  • Rating timeline - Blitz:
    Blitz Rating242323782332228722412018: 22592019: 23022020: 23102021: 24052022: 24082023: 23772024: 23042025: 225620182019202020212022202320242025
  • Peak Daily rating snapshot: 2153 (2022-06-19)
  • Short illustrative Sicilian sequence:
  • Sample game viewer: View Game
  • Opponent profile example: Giulio Fregonese

Placeholders above will enrich the biography when the host app expands them into charts, game viewers, and profile links.

Closing Notes

Ben Hague - FIDE Master - is a versatile and entertaining player to follow. Whether you like gritty daily battles or high-octane blitz, Ben offers instructive games, surprising tactics, and lots of moments worth studying. Follow his Daily games to see strategy unfold with the patience of a grandmaster-in-training and the humor of a weekend commentator.

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