Overview — Jacek Stachanczyk (YellowJacek)
Jacek Stachanczyk, known online as YellowJacek, is an International Master (FIDE) and a force to be reckoned with on fast time controls — especially Blitz. Active online since the mid‑2010s, Jacek climbed from club levels into elite blitz circles, peaking with an electrifying performance that pushed his blitz rating to the 2500 area. If you like sharp opening work, long tactical fights and the occasional cheeky gambit, you’ve found your player.
- Title: International Master (FIDE)
- Preferred time control: Blitz (fast, furious, and frequently decisive)
- Active online since: 2016 — steady rise through 2019–2025
Career highlights & milestones
Jacek’s story is one of persistence, online marathon sessions and sharp preparation. Highlights include sustained high‑performance streaks in 2022–2025, standout rapid form in mid‑2024, and a blitz peak that reflects elite tactical awareness.
- Steady rise from ~1900 to 2400+ blitz between 2016 and 2024, culminating in a 2500 blitz peak in late 2025.
- Strong rapid peak (around 2445 in 2024) showing classical handling as well as speed.
- Impressive comeback statistics — often fighting back after material setbacks.
Playing style — what to expect at the board
Expect long, sharp games. Jacek tends to play deep tactical battles, often taking the initiative with dynamic pawn structures and active piece play. Endgames are common in his scorecard — he takes fights deep: average decisive game lengths are long, and he wins many games well past move 50.
- Early resignation rate: low (2.7%) — usually fights to the end.
- Endgame frequency: high (about 74%) — comfortable in long technical positions.
- Avg moves per win: ~71 — patient and persistent.
- Comeback ability: strong — high comeback rate and reasonable win rate after losing material.
Openings & favorite weapons
Jacek loves the Sicilian family when facing 1.e4, with Najdorf and Dragon appearing often, and shows excellent results with the Scandinavian and certain Caro‑Kann lines. In bullet and daily he’ll surprise opponents with offbeat gambits like the Amar Gambit or even the Barnes.
- Main blitz repertoire: Sicilian Defense (Najdorf, Dragon, Classical), Scandinavian Defense, Caro-Kann Defense.
- Bullet & surprise lines: Amar Gambit, Barnes Defense — aggressive and practical.
- Rapid & classical tendencies: prepared mainlines and solid endgame technique.
Notable records, opponents & streaks
Jacek has logged thousands of online games across Blitz, Rapid, Bullet and Daily formats. He plays most often at night (and has a quirky “best time” listed as 03:00), with very large sample sizes that make his streaks and patterns meaningful.
Fun facts & trivia (with a wink)
Jacek’s profile is full of small charms that belong on a streamer’s highlight reel.
- Best time of day to play (statistically): 03:00 — nocturnal precision or caffeine magic?
- Psychology: Tilt factor exists (10) — even IMs grumble after blunders.
- Favorite sudden‑death trick: pulls out gambits in bullet to unsettle opponents.
- If you want a sample tactical melee to study, try this typical Sicilian skirmish:
How to follow or study YellowJacek
Study his blitz games to see practical opening choices and resourceful recoveries. Check frequent opponents and recurring openings for patterns to learn from — and don’t be surprised if you see a clean tactical finish after long maneuvering.
- Study targets: Sicilian Najdorf games, Scandinavian wins, and his endgame finishes.
- Opponents worth reviewing: ami7x, knights_b4_bishops, Jay Bonin.
- Want a quick snapshot? See the rating trend: