Javokhir Sindarov has found an unconventional way to prepare for competition. Rather than turning to video games when feeling stressed, the world's number four player reaches for Bullet on Lichess.org. Sindarov maintains an ambitious goal of keeping his rating at 3300 on the platform.

Sindarov views Bullet as a tool for developing pattern recognition in tactical positions. The fast time control forces players to spot small tactical opportunities in seconds. However, he believes the format carries significant drawbacks for less experienced players and only becomes beneficial once someone reaches an elite level.

Before competing at the Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown 2026, Sindarov played roughly 30 Bullet games online. He won the majority of those games, with four losses and two draws. His tournament victory at Clutch Chess brought him a substantial financial reward, demonstrating that his training methods translated into tangible success.

Sindarov's approach reflects how modern elite players integrate online chess into their preparation routines. Rather than viewing Bullet as mere entertainment, he channels it as a focused training method to maintain competitive sharpness and tactical alertness during high-pressure periods.