Ethan Samuels vs Alexander van der Merwe
Ethan Samuels (25, RSA) and Alexander van der Merwe (21, RSA) have met 4 times in classical OTB plus 1 rapid/blitz game. Samuels leads the classical series 3–0 (1 draw). With current classical ratings of 2031 and 2174, the Elo model gives van der Merwe a 55% chance of winning a classical game with white.
Head-to-Head Score
If they played today · Classical
Based on current Elo: 2031 vs 2174 (Δ -143)
With Ethan Samuels as white
25% Ethan19% draw55% Alexander
With Alexander van der Merwe as white
18% Ethan16% draw65% Alexander
Estimate from Elo only · doesn't account for recent form, opening prep, or context.
Career Compare
| Ethan Samuels | Alexander van der Merwe | |
|---|---|---|
| Current rating (STD) | 2031 | 2174 |
| Peak rating | 2031 · Apr 2026 | 2174 · Feb 2026 |
| Peak age | 25 | 21 |
| World rank now | #23,049 | #9,654 |
| World rank peak | #21,996 | #9,653 |
| Federation rank now | #41 | #20 |
| Games (career, STD) | 339 | 295 |
| Months active | 134 | 114 |
| % white wins | 53% | 40% |
| % black wins | 46% | 39% |
| TPR last 12m (STD) | 2041 | 2235 |
| Activity 12m (games) | 54 | 24 |
Best Win
Ethan Samuels
Alexander van der Merwe
Highest-rated opponent ever beaten · STD primary, rapid/blitz for context
All Meetings (5)
Common Opponents
Tournaments Both Played
Cohort Position
Each player compared to active peers (same federation, ±75 Elo, played in last 12 months).
Ethan Samuels
Alexander van der Merwe