How to reach the top 500 in a summer marathon

Hello

I'd like to reach the top 500 in the next marathon (Summer 2025)
I don't think I realise how big that goal is.

Do you have any idea how many hours it could take me ? (I'm 2200 hyperbullet but more ~2100 in 1+0)
Do I need to zerk each game ?
Do you have any advice ?

Thx :)

@LenChessPro said in #1:

Hello

I'd like to reach the top 500 in the next marathon (Summer 2025)
I don't think I realise how big that goal is.

Do you have any idea how many hours it could take me ? (I'm 2200 hyperbullet but more ~2100 in 1+0)
Do I need to zerk each game ?
Do you have any advice ?

Thx :)

Hi dear @LenChessPro !

Given your ranking, it's not necessary to play for 24 hours, and you can secure the top 500 beforehand. Ideally, in my opinion, you should play for at least 12 hours to be able to enter and secure the top 500. I might recommend late joining around the 6th hour of the tournament, which would allow you to quickly climb the rankings and earn points. Take short breaks regularly, and if you feel tired, take a longer break. Regarding berserking, you have several options:

• Opportunism: you only berserk players with 300 or 400 rating points lower than you, and you don't berserk players of your level or higher. This can allow you to win points and games against established players, but you risk not making many friends among your opponents...

• Risky: 100% berserking. I consider it rather risky for a first participation, because it requires a lot of mental preparation to get used to the sometimes immense losing streaks or the flagging.

• Fair trade. You berserk back anyone.

I hope it will help u.

Cheers!

It's possible when You Play 16 hours or more. Make every hours a short break. Eat and drink anove.

Is it possible without playing the last 5 hours?

@StephenPS said in #4:

Is it possible without playing the last 5 hours?

Maybe, but risky, in my opinion

The marathon starts at 5:30 am in my time zone, so I can't stay up at midnight. Anyways, thanks for your response :)

@LenChessPro said in #1:

Hello

I'd like to reach the top 500 in the next marathon (Summer 2025)
I don't think I realise how big that goal is.

Do you have any idea how many hours it could take me ? (I'm 2200 hyperbullet but more ~2100 in 1+0)
Do I need to zerk each game ?
Do you have any advice ?

Thx :)

Hi,
I would just give 3 main tips:

1. Take breaks every hour to maximise your playing strength
2. Only berserk against players who you feel you can definitely beat (e.g. 300 points+ below you)
3. As @CSKA_Moscou said, it's a good idea to late join by a few hours so then you can jump up the rankings quickly when you start playing

Good luck :)

@LenChessPro said in #1:

Hello

I'd like to reach the top 500 in the next marathon (Summer 2025)
I don't think I realise how big that goal is.

Do you have any idea how many hours it could take me ? (I'm 2200 hyperbullet but more ~2100 in 1+0)
Do I need to zerk each game ?
Do you have any advice ?

Thx :)
It will definitely be hard for you to reach that goal, because of your rating. I would suggest that you start a bit late (6 hours) so the first points will be easier (you will most likely play mostly against 1700s ). And always take like 30 mins breaks, when you lose too much.

@StephenPS said in #4:

Is it possible without playing the last 5 hours?
I did it a few times on different accounts. I believe that you can reach Top 500 in maybe 5-8 hours

@d9d9d9d9d9d9d9 said in #9:

I did it a few times on different accounts. I believe that you can reach Top 500 in maybe 5-8 hours

But for someone at 2200, it's better to plan to play more to secure it