Ivan Valles Moreno IM

Hi Ivan!

Great run of games today. Your current form shows a player who is comfortable in positional structures (Queen’s-Pawn with early e3, Semi-Slav set-ups) yet ready to unleash tactics when the position calls for it (e.g. the Qxh7 – Rxh7# finish).

Your current strengths

• Opening versatility. With White you reached positions from the Queen’s Gambit, Colle/Krause and even the Reti. Black games featured both 1…e5 and the King’s Indian. Opponents don’t get easy prep.
• Tactical alertness. Many wins end with neat shots:
  
  
• Playing for the initiative. Early pawn breaks (15.f4 vs …Qb8, 15.d5 against …dxc4) keep the pressure on.

Recurring issues to address

• Time management. Four of the last five losses were on time. You often enter critical positions with <10 seconds. 180 | 0 is still “rapid” enough to use the clock as a resource.
  • Aim to reach move 15 with >2 min.
  • When the position is quiet, invest only enough time to keep it that way—don’t hunt for the perfect move. Zeitnot habits are trainable!
• Converting advantages. In the loss vs. FrenchandSlav you were a pawn up but allowed counterplay and eventually flagged in a drawn ending. Practise “how to win won games.” Endgame drills (rook vs. pawn, RB vs. R, etc.) will save you rating and time.
• Piece coordination under pressure. Several defeats started with a sound position but slipped after moves like …f5?! (KID game) or …c4 locking your own bishop. Before launching pawn breaks, run a quick safety checklist:
  1. Are all pieces defended?
  2. What will be my worst-placed piece after the break? Can I improve it first?

Targeted training plan

1. Chessable “30-minute” routine (daily). • 10′ tactics
   • 10′ endgame flashcards
   • 10′ model games in your openings
2. Time-control discipline. Play one game per session with a self-imposed rule: move within 10 seconds for the first 10 moves unless there is a tactical shot.
3. Monthly review. Use the insights tab or our
   &
   to spot when fatigue sets in. Schedule breaks before performance dips.

Quick opening tips

Mindset takeaway

Your calculation and creative flair already match players 100 – 150 elo above you. Once you tame the clock and smooth endgame technique, the next rating jump will follow quickly. Keep the curiosity, keep the initiative—but make the clock an ally, not an enemy!

Good luck, and see you at the next training session.
—Coach