BigFatDuck1 NM

Coach Feedback for BigFatDuck1

Quick snapshot

Peak blitz rating: 2266 (2024-02-27)  |  Activity graphs:

What you already do well

• Consistent repertoire. As Black you rely on the French Defence (often the Tarrasch / Open lines) and you handle the typical ...c5 break smoothly.
• Piece activity and counter-punching. In several wins (e.g. vs lastale) you found dynamic moves such as ...Nb4, ...Bxh3 and converted extra material confidently.
• Resourcefulness under pressure. Even in inferior or equal positions you keep setting problems (e.g. the Nxa1 skewer idea) which often persuades opponents to run out of time.

Biggest improvement levers

1. Time management (critical).
   Four of your last five losses were on the clock while the position was still playable or even promising.
   • Add a “budget” rule: aim to have ≥50 % of your time when you reach move 20.
   • Play several 10 + 5 or 15 + 10 games each week to practise making conscious decisions without the 3-minute panic.
   • Use premoves only for forced recaptures; otherwise keep moves “in the hand” but don’t commit until you must.
2. King safety vs speculative sacs.
   The loss against anonymoushound illustrates the problem:
   
   
   Before grabbing a pawn (e.g. ...Kxh6) run a “checks-captures-threats” scan. If two tempo-moves give your opponent a forcing attack, decline the pawn.
3. Tactical sharpness.
   A daily diet of 15-20 rated puzzles (mixed motifs) will raise your pattern speed. Pay special attention to
   • double checks
   • back-rank tricks
   • zwischenzugs zwischenzug
4. Pawn-structure & prophylaxis.
   In the Catalan loss to wilaim1se you advanced a5/b6/g5 without a clear plan and created holes on the light squares. Ask “What is my opponent’s next move?” each turn – that single question will stop most self-weakening pawn pushes.
5. Endgame conversion.
   Even your wins sometimes got messy because you chased pawns instead of activating the king. Spend a little time on basic rook endings (Philidor, Lucena) and king-and-pawn technique.

Opening refresh suggestions

• French versus 3.Nd2: Study the modern 3…Nf6 line as a practical alternative to 3…c5. Fewer early queen sorties, more piece play.
• White repertoire: Your d4 + g3 setup is sound, but add one aggressive option (e.g. the Catalan with Qc2 & Rd1) so opponents can’t prepare one scheme against you.

Training plan (6-week)

Measurable targets

• Average clock on move 20 ≥ 45 sec.
• Tactics accuracy ≥ 80 % after four weeks.
• Raise blitz rating to +50 of 2266 (2024-02-27) within two months.

Keep the fighting spirit – your dynamic style is your biggest asset. Polish the clock-handling and tighten the king’s shelter, and 2300 + is within reach!