Coach Chesswick
Hi Akar Ali Salih Salih!
Congratulations on the progress you have been making. Your recent victory against a 2200-rated opponent shows that your dynamic style can beat very strong players. Below is some targeted, constructive feedback to help you climb to the next level.
What you already do well
- Sharp, well-prepared openings. Your Sicilian (Richter–Rauzer) and King’s Indian set-ups regularly give you unbalanced positions where you thrive.
- Tactical alertness. In the win vs IljaJoke you found 21…Qxc3! and later converted the extra material with precise calculation. ()
- Active use of files. Rook lifts such as …Rg8–g7–g3 or …Rb8–b4 show that you understand how to seize open lines quickly.
Most profitable areas to improve
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Facing off-beat openings.
In the a3-e4 loss to Sumant Subramaniam you hurried …b5 and …Na5, allowing White to dominate the queenside. Against surprise systems, stick to classical principles—finish development and claim the centre before flanking pawn thrusts. -
Pawn pushes around your king.
Early …g5/…h5 in King’s Indian structures (e.g. vs Eity7 and BeirutChessAcademy) left dark-square holes that your opponents exploited. Study model games where Black delays the pawn storm until the centre is closed. -
Endgame technique & time management.
A few wins came by your opponent running out of time rather than a clean conversion. Practise basic rook and pawn endings and aim to keep at least two minutes on your clock after move 30. -
Prophylaxis against knight outposts.
Knights landing on d5/f5/f4 were a recurring theme in recent defeats. Ask “What is my opponent’s idea?” each move; simple moves like …h6, …a6 or timely exchanges will keep enemy knights at bay.
Action plan for the next 4–6 weeks
- Play 10 slow (30 min+) games and annotate two critical moments from each before using an engine.
- Solve 30 tactical puzzles daily—include defensive motifs.
- Drill three positions from “100 Endgames You Must Know” every day.
- Review one model game in each of your main openings each week, focusing on pawn-structure plans rather than move memorisation.
- Track performance with and to schedule your most serious games when you score best.
Your milestones
Current personal best: 1897 (2021-09-04). Let’s aim for +100 points by combining your existing tactical flair with steadier positional play.
Study references
- John Watson – “Mastering the Chess Openings Vol. 1” (for Sicilian & KID plans)
- Silman – “How to Reassess Your Chess” (positional thinking)
- Review the classical Lucena and Philidor rook-endgame themes: Lucena Position, Philidor Position.
Keep the momentum going!
Your attacking instincts are a real asset—combine them with a touch of prophylaxis and solid endgame technique and you will break new rating ground soon. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!