Following the untimely and tragic death of Daniel Naroditsky, Zachary Saine — also known as The Chess Nerd on YouTube — presents a vivid compilation of tactical shots by the US star, who was among the world's strongest online blitz players. The clip highlights his remarkable sense of timing and creativity in fast time controls, featuring sparkling combinations and intuitive sacrifices from his online games. Naroditsky, whose official blitz rating reached 2716 in 2025, consistently ranked among the global elite in this format.
Beyond the numerical achievements, the video captures the essence of Naroditsky's style — his ability to calculate at lightning speed without losing precision. Each sequence in the compilation shows how he builds pressure, anticipates counterplay, and converts initiative into victory, all while operating under extreme time pressure.
A grandmaster since the age of 18, he learned the game from his father and became both a fierce competitor and a respected educator.
If you are looking to appreciate high-level blitz artistry, these highlights offer a window into Naroditsky's rare blend of speed, accuracy, and imagination in the digital arena. Two brilliant over-the-board performances by Naroditsky are also included.