Coach Chesswick
Hi Kieran, here’s some constructive feedback based on your recent games!
1. Quick Snapshot
- Current rapid rating: ~1400 (peak: 1563 (2021-08-21))
- Main defence as Black: Dutch (…f5 lines) – you play it in almost every game.
- Typical result pattern: you beat lower-rated opponents convincingly, but struggle vs 1700+ who know how to punish early inaccuracies.
- Hourly performance trend: ‑ notice the dip in late-evening sessions (fatigue?).
2. Your Strengths
- Initiative seeker – pushing …f5/…f4 or …g5 to create imbalances.
- Tactical eye – nice finish 24…Qg2# in the 2021 Sicilian win and the instructive Bxf3 exchange tactic in your latest victory.
- Fast decision maker – rarely fall behind on the clock (a good asset when combined with accuracy).
3. Recurring Issues to Fix
-
Over-reliance on the Dutch
Many opponents prepared sidelines that gave them effortless play (see four consecutive losses vs heremaybedragons). • Recommendation: add a second defence (e.g. Queen’s Gambit Declined or Slav) so you’re not a “one-book” target. -
Early piece trades that help White
Example: 12…Bxf3?! in the loss below strengthened White’s centre and opened the g-file against your king.
Train yourself to ask, “Who benefits after the exchange?” before capturing. -
King safety & dark-square weaknesses
• Dutch structure f7-f5 leaves e6/d6 sensitive. • Games decided by Qxf7+, Rxf7 tactics, or mating nets on the h-file.
Action: Whenever you push the f-pawn, imagine White’s queen on b3/e6/f7 – plug every entry square first. -
Premature pawn storms
Moves like …g5 or …h6 create hooks for sacrifices. Slow down, complete development, then strike. -
Missed intermediate moves (Zwischenzug)
In several losses you captured back automatically and overlooked in-between checks or forks. Add a “blunder check” step: after you spot a capture, look for forcing replies for both sides.
4. Opening-Specific Advice
| Position | Typical Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e6 | Early …Bb4 without …d6 allows Qc2 & a3 kicking the bishop. | Play 4…d6/…Be7 first, castle, then decide where the bishop belongs. |
| Dutch: …Ne4 jumps | Trading on c3/f3 too soon. | Keep the knight to exert pressure; only capture when it wins material or damages a castled king. |
| Sicilian Kan (…a6 …b5) | Pawns overextended, king still in centre. | Follow textbook order: …e6, …Qc7, …d6, castle, then pawn storm. |
5. Calculation Drill
Pick three times a week, 15-minute sessions on puzzle rush or custom tactics sets.
Focus on:
- Defensive tactics (avoiding mate, saving pieces).
- Quiet between move tactics (interference, cd7!).
6. Practical Action Plan (Next 30 Days)
- Alternate: Dutch one day, Queen’s Gambit Declined the next. Log results.
- After every loss, annotate one critical moment in your own words (why my move, what I missed).
- Spend 10 minutes with the Lichess opening explorer or a book to learn 1 new idea before each playing session.
- Play two 15|10 games per week focusing on slow, solid development. No pawn storms before move 10.
7. Illustrative Games
Your recent win (good use of tactical pins)
Your recent loss (exchange sacrifice backfired)
8. Final Thoughts
You already have a fighting style – keep it! Just sharpen the defensive side and diversify openings so that opponents can’t force you into uncomfortable lines every game. Consistent review & small daily habits will lift you toward 1600 soon.
Good luck, and enjoy the journey! – Coach