Alina Mihailova WFM

Overall Performance and Rating Trends

Alina, your current strength adjusted win rate of about 60% is a solid indication of consistent play in blitz games. Over the last six months, you've experienced a rating decline of 61 points, suggesting some challenges recently.

Encouragingly, short-term trends over the last 1 to 6 months show a positive slope in your rating (+40), which means you're making progress and your form might be improving after a dip that is noticeable in the longer 12-month trend (-30.5).

Maintaining and building on this upward momentum in the short term is key to reversing the longer-term downward trend.

Highlights from Recent Victories

• You demonstrated a strong grasp of strategic planning in openings like the Kings Indian Defense and Scotch Game. Developing your pieces actively and controlling the center helped create winning opportunities.
• In several games, you applied good pressure in the middlegame with thematic pawn pushes and piece coordination, managing to convert advantages effectively.
• Good time management was evident, with thoughtful use of your clock allowing for calculated decisions even under blitz conditions.

Areas for Improvement Based on Recent Losses

• Endgame Technique: Some losses ended with checkmate patterns against you — reviewing fundamental mating nets and practicing basic endgames could help avoid these quick losses.
• Opening Repertoire: Although your repertoire includes solid openings, improving your knowledge and preparation in popular lines (like the Giuoco Piano and Reti/Openings related to your losses) can prevent early disadvantages.
• Defense Under Pressure: A few games show that when under attack, your defensive moves could be more precise, especially against tactics involving pins and forks. Drills focusing on tactics and pattern recognition will aid here.
• Consistent Calculation: Blitz requires quick yet accurate calculation. Strengthening your ability to foresee opponent threats and counteract them swiftly may reduce blunders.

Next Steps and Training Focus

• Analyze your losses closely, especially the moments leading to tactical vulnerabilities and checkmate patterns.
• Continue refining your opening preparation with targeted study on lines where you faced difficulties recently.
• Incorporate regular endgame training to build confidence in converting equal or winning positions.
• Practice tactical puzzles daily to improve calculation speed and accuracy under time constraints.
• Play slow games occasionally to deepen understanding of key positions and strategic themes.

Keep up the good work! Your recent positive rating trends show your hard work is paying off. Stay focused on these areas, and your game will continue to improve.