Coach Chesswick
Hi Stanislav!
Below is a condensed performance review based on your most recent Rapid games (42 | 5 and 15 | 10). The aim is to help you move from the 2000-2100 range to a solid 2200+.
Snapshot of your results
• Peak Rapid rating so far: 2349 (2014-10-24)
• Activity graphs for quick reference:
What you already do well
- Good variety with 1.e4, the Italian and Petroff, and English/𝜇-Réti setups as a secondary weapon.
- You convert large advantages cleanly; see the miniature below where you spotted tactical motifs on the e-file:
Biggest improvement corridors
- Early queen adventures in the Sicilian Alapin
In your loss to user23472394235 you played 8…Qe6+ (after 5…e5 6.cxd4 exd4 7.Qxd4 …). The check wastes valuable tempo and exposes the queen. Recommendation: switch to the main line 8…Na6 or 8…Be7, preserving development harmony. - Handling pressure against d4-systems
The Chigorin-style structure (…c5, …e5) you use is ambitious but leaves you with an under-protected king and loose center pawns. Your loss vs AJJMJPE illustrates this: you advanced …h6 & …d4 before castling and quickly fell to tactics on the light squares. Study model games by Morozevich in the Chigorin and pay special attention to piece activity over pawn grabs. - Prophylactic thinking
Many setbacks arrive one move before you spot the threat. Add a “What does my opponent want?” scan every move to build better prophylaxis. A timed routine helps: before each move list (mentally) all forcing replies to your candidate move. - End-game conversion & defence
In the K+R+N vs K+R ending you were checkmated after 60+ moves. Your king stayed on the eighth rank too long, letting White build a mating net. Drill basic rook-endgames (Lasker & Lucena) so you can either hold or finish efficiently.
Opening tweaks for the next month
- Black vs 1.e4 – test the Classical Sicilian 5…Nc6 or the French Rubinstein. Both limit early queen exposure and fit your tactical style.
- Black vs 1.d4/2.Nc3 – if you enjoy the Chigorin, memorise the critical line 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 Bg4! or adopt the more solid Queen’s Gambit Accepted to tighten your structure.
- White repertoire – your Italian attack looks good; add the quiet move 7.Bb5 c3 for flexibility against Petroff specialists.
4-Week training plan
| Day | Theme | Exercises |
|---|---|---|
| Mon / Thu | Tactics | 30-minute puzzle rush + review failures |
| Tue | End-games | Rook vs pawns drills, 10 positions |
| Wed | Openings | Play 3 rapid games focusing on new black line; annotate instantly |
| Fri | Middlegame strategy | 20-min lesson on weak squares & outposts |
| Weekend | Practical | One 45|15 game, full analysis afterwards |
Keep leveraging your tactical eyesight, but let solid development first be the rule. Small structural improvements and sharper prophylaxis will take you to the next band. Good luck with your climb!