Anastasiia Shkuro WFM

Personal Performance Snapshot

Current form shows sharp tactical play and a positive trend in bullet ratings (2789 (2024-05-18)). Your hourly results (

) confirm that you score best in sessions started between 13:00-16:00 UTC; try scheduling your toughest matches in that window.

What You Already Do Well

• Initiative-driven openings. As White you score heavily in the Caro-Kann Advance (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5) and the Grand Prix set-ups against the Sicilian. Early space gains make opponents uncomfortable.
• Direct king hunts. Games such as the win over infinitypoint show confident piece sacrifices and matting nets.
• Bullet instincts. Premoves like 26.Qc7# (see PGN below) prove you recognise mating patterns instantly — a core bullet skill.

Opportunities to Grow

• Time management. Three of your last five losses were on time in winning or equal positions. Spend less time in the opening by using a leaner move-order repertoire, and budget a 20-second reserve for every late middlegame.
• King safety with 1…Nc6. In several losses (e.g. vs. Josjimal) the f-pawn or h-pawn push left your monarch exposed. Study model games where Black castles long in the Nimzowitsch Defence and keeps the pawn shield intact.
• Over-extension of flank pawns. Advance of h- and a-pawns gains space but can create holes. Before pushing, ask “What is my worst piece and can I improve it instead?”
• Conversion technique. Winning positions sometimes drift because pieces lack harmony. Allocate 15 minutes per day to technical end-games (queen vs pawn, rook vs rook + pawn) on a drill site.

Top Priorities for the Next Two Weeks

1. Play 20 rapid (10|0 or longer) games to slow down and practise calculating without flagging.
2. Memorise one bullet-ready line each for Black against 1.e4 and 1.d4. Keep it to 8-10 moves; rely on understanding rather than rote.
3. Solve 40 puzzles/day with a focus on zwischenzug and deflection motifs; your attacking style thrives on these tactics.

Illustrative Highlight – Attack Execution

Excerpt from your win vs. infinitypoint:

Lesson from a Recent Loss

In the time-forfeit vs. KatchZampo you were a pawn up but spent 25 seconds hunting a second pawn instead of activating your rook. Remember the bullet mantra: “Activity over material, clock over activity.”

Next Coaching Session Prep

Please bring two self-annotated games: one victory you are proud of and one loss you do not understand. Mark every move where you spent over 5 seconds and note what you were calculating.

“Strong moves come from calm positions; fast moves come from calm minds.”