Avatar of Anastasiia Shkuro

Anastasiia Shkuro WFM

13Queen31 Manchester Since 2021 (Active) Chess.com ♟♟♟♟♟
56.7%- 36.8%- 6.5%
Bullet 2757
716W 493L 78D
Blitz 2767
69W 19L 13D
Rapid 2607
5W 0L 0D
Coach Chesswick's Profile Photo
Coach Chesswick

Personal Performance Snapshot

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

0123567891011121314151617181920212223100%0%Hour of Day
) 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.”


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