Merriman, John

John Merriman, a 52-year-old English FIDE Master, is rated 2242 and sitting in the top 4% of English players, and in the top 3% worldwide. He is on a steady climb with +37 Elo over the past 12 months. 35 rated games in the past year (≈12/year long-term). Recent standard appearances include 2025-26 4NCL Division 2 Rounds 7-8, 49th Blackpool Chess Conference 13-15 February 2026 - Open, and 2025-26 4NCL Division 2 Rounds 3-4. Also played 1 blitz event (including 2025 XTX Markets London Chess Classic Team Blitz) recently. He had 4 career breaks: 23 months (2002–2004), 17 months (2004–2006), 32 months (2008–2011) and 59 months (2011–2016). His peak of 2314 was reached at age 48 (Nov 2022); he also reached English #64 in Apr 2022.

Awarded FM in 2021 (age 47).