Ntshembo Mukansi

Ntshembo Mukansi (aka XNthepastor2)

Ntshembo Mukansi is a determined and tenacious chess player whose game has journeyed through the ranks with a spirit as fiery as his username suggests. Known online as XNthepastor2, he might not have grandmaster titles just yet, but he’s definitely a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield of 64 squares.

Rating Highlights & Style

Over the past few years, Ntshembo has proven to be a versatile competitor with peak ratings soaring to 1441 in Rapid (May 2025) and a commendable 1231 in Blitz. His Bullet rating may flirt with volatility, but who needs steadiness when you have lightning-fast moves and a knack for surprising his opponents? His average games feature about 58 moves, which either means he loves a long tactical dance or just can’t resist teasing his rivals with tricky endgame maneuvers.

Strategic and resilient, Ntshembo boasts a comeback rate near 53% — which in chess terms means when he’s down a piece, he doesn’t just sulk; he fights back like the true gladiator he is. Although his win rate after losing a piece dips to around 40%, it shows he’s never one to fold early. Early resignations are rare, clocking in at just about 4% — surely the sign of a true competitor who fights ‘til the bitter end (or until that coffee break sneak).

Opening Mastery

Ntshembo has some favorite openings that reveal an eclectic and somewhat mysterious playstyle. The enigmatic Top Secret opening clocks in with a more than respectable winning rate (~53%), but don't expect him to reveal too much here — the name says it all! He also wields the Nimzowitsch Larsen Attack with convincing results, showcasing a blend of classical and modern variations that keep his opponents guessing.

He’s also fond of the French Defense, both in Blitz and Rapid time controls, which matches well with his penchant for solid and strategic defenses.

Recent Battles & Anecdotes

Recently, Ntshembo put on a theatrical display of patience and skill in a tough game against opponents like shota1977 and ivan47cpb, winning with the subtle squeeze of resignation — no flashy checkmates, just good old-fashioned, inch-by-inch domination. But even heroes have their off days; a recent string of losses reminds us that chess is as much about persistence as it is about brilliance.

Chess with Personality

When asked about his best time to play, Ntshembo candidly admits it's the early hours of 5 AM — either because he’s a morning person or the chess gods simply favor the sleepy-headed. He might tilt a bit with a factor of 9 (that's chess stress-speak), but nothing that would keep this pastor from blessing the board with his moves.

With a lifestyle balanced between winning streaks of up to 11 games and stubborn losing streaks, Ntshembo keeps the community guessing — a player who embodies the true rollercoaster of competitive chess.

In Summary:

Ntshembo Mukansi, aka XNthepastor2, is a chess enthusiast fighting his way up the ladder with tenacity, tactical cunning, and an arsenal of diverse openings. His games are a testament to endurance, strategy, and that subtle art of making opponents wonder, "What just happened?"