Coach Chesswick
Hi Jennifer!
Current progress: 2595 (2021-06-03). Activity snapshots:
What you are already doing well
- Classical structures. In several Queen’s Gambit Exchange games you smoothly reach comfortable middlegames with the bishop pair. Example: .
- Tactical alertness under pressure. The finish 39.Ra8# vs ghandeevam09 shows confident calculation even with only seconds left.
- End-game conversion skills. Your K-and-pawn march 36.Kd4-44.f5 (same game) displayed good feel for opposition and corresponding squares.
Areas to improve next
- Clock management. Three of the last five losses were on time. Aim to keep >60 s after move 20; switch from deep calculation to practical safe moves when you hit that threshold.
- King safety in the Arkhangelsk. In the loss to Kyle Lancman (Ruy Lopez C78) the sequence 19…gxf6–21…Kg7 left dark-square holes. Study the solid …Re8 & …Bf8 setups to avoid this.
- Meeting central breaks. 21.Ne4! in the same game exploited a passive layout. Re-examine typical themes in the Arkhangelsk and related Lopez branches so you can counter d4/e5 ideas proactively.
- Converting large advantages quicker. In several wins you were +4 yet needed 60+ moves. Practice simplification techniques—especially exchanging down when up material.
Targeted training plan
- Opening tune-up. Add 9…Re8 anti-Marshall ideas to your Black Lopez repertoire; test them in three sparring games this week.
- Daily tactics. 15 min of high-rated puzzles focusing on double-attacks and zwischenzug motifs.
- End-game drills. R vs R + P and Q vs R technical wins—exactly the endings that cost you time on the clock.
- Practical blitz sessions. Play eight 3-minute games; goal: retain ≥30 s after move 20 in at least six of them. Review instantly.
- Self-annotation. Start with the recent loss below; write down alternative lines and critical moments: .
Pre-game checklist
✓ Activate your least-active piece.
✓ Ask, “What does my opponent want?” each move.
✓ Secure king safety before pawn storms.
✓ In time trouble, simplify instead of calculating fresh complications.
You are on the verge of another rating jump, Jennifer. Tighten the clock discipline and reinforce your Lopez structures, and you’ll get there swiftly. Keep enjoying the journey—good luck!