Franco Jose NM

Coaching Notes for Franco José

What you are already doing well

• Opening consistency. You know the structures of the English very well and score confidently with both colours in the …c5 / …Nf6 setups.
• Tactical alertness. The recent win vs. tiras-nozavr shows precise calculation – 13…Qxh2! 14.Rh1 Qxg2! netted two pawns and broke White’s king side open.
• Piece activity & initiative. Even in several losses you obtained active pieces (e.g. the exchange-sac 17…Rxb2 vs. tiras-nozavr was objectively risky but showed fighting spirit).
• Rated strength. You are hovering close to 2365 (2024-12-19) – an indication that your core game is solid.

Main themes to focus on next

1. Time management. Four of the six recent losses were on the clock while the positions were still playable or even better for you. Try the “30 / 30 / 40” rule (30 s openings, 30 s early middlegame, 40 s for the critical middle/endgame) or experiment with 3 | 2 so that every move buys a little time back.
2. King safety and prophylaxis. Two checkmate losses came from loose kings after pawn storms on both flanks. When you push wing pawns, always ask “What squares become weak?” Practise spotting opponent counter-threats (see prophylaxis).
3. Conversion technique. In the win vs. maxflowmincut you reached an extra rook but needed 40+ moves and your king wandered into danger. Study a few model rook endings and play out won positions vs. an engine starting on move 30.
4. Critical decision making. In the loss to WittSLO the quiet 18…Ra8? gave White time; the active 18…Bg5! or 18…Rb7 kept the initiative. Create a habit of listing three candidate moves before playing – it prevents single-move blindness (zwischenzug awareness helps too).

Illustrative moments

Targeted training plan (4 weeks)

• Week 1: 15 min/day tactics with a strict 3-minute timer per puzzle to simulate game pressure. Log every puzzle you miss.
• Week 2: Review 10 master games in the English where Black plays …e5. Pause at move 10 and guess plans for both sides.
• Week 3: Endgame boot camp – play 20 rook-and-pawn vs. engine training positions; aim to convert within 40 seconds per move.
• Week 4: Create an opening “emergency kit” for Black vs. 1.e4 (e.g. Caro-Kann) so you are not always relying on Sicilian sidelines.

Your activity snapshots

Hourly performance:

Quick reminders during play

• When ahead simplify before launching fresh tactics.
• When behind keep pieces on – avoid pawn moves that create new holes unless they give immediate counter-play.
• Keep your clock above 45 seconds after move 25; if not, trade into a simpler ending.