Sergey Strelnikov IM

Hi Sergey, let’s make your strong attacking style even sharper!

You are already competing around 2540 (2025-02-04) strength, and the games show an energetic, initiative-driven approach. Below is a structured action plan based on your most recent results.

1. Openings – tighten the screws, don’t reinvent them

• Queen’s Gambit / Slav structures (D12, D32): In the win against Jonáš Karch you used the quiet 6.Nh4 line well, but in the loss to carlodoctolero the early cxd5 + dxc5 set-up allowed …d4 and …Nd4 with tempo. Aim for the mainline Tarrasch ideas with e3 → exd4 or simply castle first; keep the pawn chain intact until development is finished.
• Caro-Kann Advance (B12): Your early 4.dxc5 followed by 5.Be3 scored, yet it concedes the centre. Consider studying the modern 4.Nf3 lines – they keep tension and avoid Black’s quick …e6 …Bxc5 equalisation.
• Against flank openings as Black: The Nimzo-Indian win was textbook; keep that repertoire and add one additional weapon versus 3.Nf3/3.g3 systems so opponents can’t sidestep preparation.

2. Middlegame trends – play to your strengths

• Initiative vs. material: You happily sacrifice pawns (see 26.Qxb7!! in your last win) – great! Balance it by asking “what if my attack fizzles?” before each sac. A five-second blunder-check would have spared 18…Bxa1 in the Tarrasch loss.
• Piece coordination: Many positions show knights stepping back and forth (…Nfd7 → …Nf6 → …Nd5). Try the “all pieces participate” rule: if a piece has moved twice in the first 15 moves, ensure it improved some concrete square.
• Prophylaxis: Your opponents slid heavy pieces to d2/d4/d7 squares more than once. Add a quick scan every turn: “Which open files/diagonals can my opponent double on next move? Can I restrain it with an a3/h3 pawn or a rook lift?”

3. Endgames – good technique, but watch the clock

Three of the five recent losses were on time in objectively equal or winning endings.
• Practise increment-blitz drills: play R&P vs. R endings vs. engine with 10 sec +2 sec.
• Adopt a “10-second rule”: if you dip below 15 s, pre-move safe checks/pawn pushes to secure increment.

4. Tactical stamina workout

Daily routine:
• 10 puzzles on rated setting; stop after the first error and review pattern.
• Every weekend, replay one of your defeats without engine and write down the critical moment. This reflection loop converts mistakes to intuition.

5. Performance snapshots

When do you play best? Explore:

6. Quick reference – study these themes next

1. Typical minority attack in the QGD (look up c6-c5 break ideas).
2. Handling the isolated d-pawn from both sides.
3. King safety in opposite-side castling – compare your Nh4/Qb3 Slav game with classics by Kramnik.

7. Inspiration corner

Replay your smoothest recent win – savour the knight manoeuvres and rook activity:

Keep the energy, Sergey – with a tighter opening move order and a few time-management tweaks, 2600 blitz is within reach. Good luck at the board!