Luís Almeida

1. Snapshot

• Current form: consistent 2200-2250 blitz performer.
• Best recorded blitz rating: 2360 (2025-05-16).
• Typical session window:

2. Strengths

• Opening versatility: Comfortable with both 1.e4 and 1.d4; as Black you alternate between the King’s Indian / Modern setups (…g6) and the flexible …b6 systems. This keeps opponents guessing.
• Tactical alertness: Your wins frequently feature alert counter-shots (e.g. …Qxf2 in the most recent win) and mating patterns in reduced material positions (Rh6# vs jednoruki-Krstivoje).
• Fighting spirit in worse positions: Even when down material you look for practical chances and often flag higher-rated players.

3. Improvement Targets

3.1 Time Management

Half of the decisive results—both wins and losses—were decided on the clock. You often reach critical endgames with <10 s. Consider:

• Setting a soft internal alarm to move by 15 s in non-forced positions.
• Practising increment time controls (3 + 2) to build habit-loops of “move-then-breathe”.

3.2 Opening Clean-Up

a) With Black vs 1.e4
The Owen’s Defence (1…b6) gave away central control and cost several games after …Bb4 lines. Add a classical mainline to your repertoire (either 1…e5 or the solid French/Carokann) and reserve Owen’s for surprise value.

b) With Black vs 1.d4
In the King’s Indian Fianchetto (E62) you reached pleasant middlegames but sometimes drifted (…c6 > …c5 timing). Study model games by Bronstein and focus on the …e5/…c5 pawn breaks.

c) With White
Good feel for initiative, but occasional over-press (e.g. 26.d5?! in the loss vs KENNETHTARRAYO). Insert one move of prophylaxis before launching pawn storms—look for your opponent’s counter-punches.

3.3 Endgame Technique

You converted several rook endgames nicely, yet let two pawn endgames slip. Recommended routine:

• Solve 3-5 basic king-and-pawn studies daily; focus on opposition and outside passed pawn themes.
• Play out winning endgames vs an engine set to 2000 strength; aim for <30 extra moves.

3.4 Calculation Discipline

Your attacking games shine, but defensive calculation occasionally falters (missing …Qf1# ideas, pieces hanging on the back rank). Add 10 min/day of blindfold tactics or Guess-the-move to toughen visualization.

4. Illustrative Games

5. 30-Day Action Plan

1. Week 1–2: Replace Owen’s with French Advance mainline; analyse 10 GM games, play 20 practice games.
2. Week 3: Daily endgame drill (20 min) + rook-pawn endings chapter from Silman’s Endgame Course.
3. Week 4: Switch to 5 + 3 blitz only; goal = sub-10 % losses on time.

6. Motivational Note

Your current rating already places you in the top 1 % of Chess.com blitz players. Small gains in clock handling and opening hygiene could realistically push you above 2300 this season. Keep the fighting spirit, refine the weak spots, and enjoy the climb!