Hi Chiara!
Great job on your recent results – especially the brisk attacking win against skillzgetbillz in the Caro-Kann. Your play shows creativity and tactical alertness. Below is a brief snapshot, followed by detailed feedback and an action plan.
At-a-Glance
- Current peak: 2322 (2019-09-26)
- Typical opening choices: 1.e4 as White, Sicilian / Caro-Kann / 1…e5 as Black
- Primary result pattern: Wins by attack; losses mostly on the clock or in sharp positions that became messy near move 25–35.
- Activity heat-map: |
Your Strengths
- Fast tactical vision. The combination 13.Qh5+, 14.Qf7+, 15.Qxg7 (vs skillzgetbillz) showed precise calculation under time pressure.
- Initiative with White. Your daily Sicilian games demonstrate a solid understanding of space-gaining lines (e.g. 6.d4 vs the Nimzowitsch Sicilian).
- Practical rook endings. Conversions against triplem1234 and Gambito-de-rey1 highlight sound technique once you are clearly ahead.
Recurring Issues
- Time management – the #1 cause of losses. Five of your last seven defeats (e.g. vs rdkarloff, KofLlaV2) ended with 0:00 on your clock from drawable or even winning positions.
➔ Tip: Add a small increment (3 + 2 or 5 + 3) when possible; train bullet only for pattern recognition, not as your main time control. - Over-extension of wing pawns as Black. In the Bishop’s/Italian losses you pushed …h5–h4 and …b4 early, weakening dark squares and disconnecting rooks.
➔ Stick to classical development principles: complete kingside development before launching pawn storms. - Handling opposite-side attacks. In the loss below you allowed White to gain two tempo with Qf3–Qg3–Qf2 while your own queen had no clear target.
➔ When facing early queen forays, meet them with tempo-gaining threats (…Nc6–d4, …Bb4+) not with premature pawn pushes. - Endgame precision when material is equal. Several drawn rook-and-pawn endings were lost after 35…h5? or similar slips.
➔ Daily 10-minute drills on basic rook endings (Lucena, Philidor, Vancura) will pay huge dividends.
Targeted Action Plan (Next 4 Weeks)
| Week | Main Focus | Recommended Work |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Time-Saver Openings |
• Build a streamlined Black repertoire vs 1.e4: either Classical Caro-Kann or 1…e5 avoiding …h5 ideas. • Create a 15-move “default” plan you can blitz out when the clock runs. |
| 2 | Tactics & Conversion |
• 30 puzzles/day rated >2200. • Play at least five 10 + 5 games; annotate moves 20-40 where advantage conversion begins. |
| 3 | Rook Endgames |
• Complete the “100 Endgames You Must Know” rook sections. • Practice vs engine from the Philidor and Vancura positions until you can hold them in <15 seconds (simulating Zeitnot). |
| 4 | Review & Play-test |
• Rematch vs prior opponents when possible (gambito-de-rey1, rdkarloff). • Submit two annotated games for coach feedback. |
Motivational Snapshot
Your attacking style is already feared – refine the defensive side and clock handling, and the extra 100 elo will follow quickly.
Good luck, and enjoy the journey!