Afrim Ismaili FM

Hi Afrim Ismaili!

Great job steadily pushing your Blitz rating above the 2100 mark (2383 (2023-10-24)). Your recent games show a dynamic style and an eye for tactics—but you also leave points on the table through recurring, fixable issues. Here is a structured review of your current game and a roadmap for the next few weeks.

Quick Snapshot

• Favourite openings: Caro-Kann (Black) and Queen’s-Pawn systems (White).
• Typical result pattern: Fast, tactical wins balanced by time-pressure losses.
• Strongest skill: Creating counter-play in semi-open positions.
• Biggest leak: Time management  →  four of your last five defeats were on time.

Your Strengths

1. Tactical Awareness. The sequence 32…Nb4+!! in your win vs. Gohima shows you spot resourceful shots even in mutual time trouble.
   
2. Initiative-Driven Play. You willingly sacrifice pawns for open lines (e.g., 14…b4 in the same game) and your opponents often crumble.
3. Opening Variety. Comfortable with both structure-based (QGD, Benoni) and theory-light (Bird, London) setups. This keeps you unpredictable.

Priority Fixes (Actionable)

1. Clock Discipline.
   • Aim to finish the opening with ≥75 % of your initial time. In losses to metrixx and furk2020 you dipped below 20 s by move 25.
   • Insert “mini checkpoints”: glance at the clock every five moves and force yourself to play instantly if below your target.
   • Weekly drill: play three 3 + 2 games focusing only on moving under 10 s per turn until move 15.
2. Defensive Technique.
   • When ahead in material you occasionally over-extend (e.g., …g6/…f5 pawn pushes in several lost endings).
   • Train “Defend the King” puzzles; set Lichess/Chess.com rating filter 2200-2400 and solve 15 per day within 2 minutes each.
3. Transition to Endgames.
   • In winning positions you often keep all pieces on. Simplify sooner—especially queens—when up material to neutralise counter-play.
   • Revisit Lucena & Philidor rook endgames (Lucena Position, Philidor Position).

Opening Tweaks

Suggested 14-Day Plan

1. Day 1-4: 30 min opening revision + 30 min defensive puzzles.
2. Day 5-7: Play 10 Blitz games focusing on clock usage; annotate 3 losses.
3. Day 8-10: Endgame refresh (rook + pawn drills) 20 min/day.
4. Day 11-14: Review 5 of your own wins & 5 losses; write one improvement note per game.

Progress Tracking

Use the charts below to monitor your consistency and playing hours:

Final Thought

Your tactical flair already wins many games; couple it with firmer clock control and cleaner conversions and 2200+ Blitz will arrive soon. Stay curious, review each session, and enjoy the climb!