Meri Grigoryan WFM

Quick summary for Meri Grigoryan

Nice run — 5 wins, no losses. Your strength-adjusted win rate (~0.742) and steady rating slope (+16) show consistent progress. You convert advantages and finish games. Below are targeted, actionable points to keep that momentum.

What you are doing well

• Finishing chances: you consistently turn advantages into wins — several games ended in direct mates or decisive tactics.
• Opening variety: comfortable with multiple systems (Scandinavian Defense, Slav Defense, Four Knights Game, London System: Poisoned Pawn Variation, Nimzo-Larsen Attack).
• Calculation in tactics: wins show accurate tactical sequences and the ability to follow forcing lines to the end.
• Positive trend: rating and streak data show you’re learning from games and converting that into results — keep it up.

Key areas to improve (with concrete examples)

These came up repeatedly in the game samples — focus here will produce quick gains.

• King safety & back-rank awareness — in the Scandinavian game the opponent delivered a mating sequence with repeated checks. Small improvements (creating luft, avoiding king walks into open files) reduce tactical finishes.
  Example sequence (from your Scandinavian game):
• Prophylaxis & defense — some wins resulted from opponents forcing tactics into your position. Before pawn moves in front of your king, double-check opponent checks and discovered attacks.
• Endgame conversion technique — you often win material and finish tactically. To reduce risk in closer endgames, practice rook endgames and common winning plans: active rook, cutting the king off, and creating passed pawns.
• Time allocation in long games — daily games allow deep thinking, but some single-move time usage is extreme. Use a consistent routine: identify candidate moves, check opponent threats, then choose.

Practical drills & study plan (next 4 weeks)

• Daily tactics: 10–20 puzzles focused on forks, pins, and mate in 2–4. Emphasize pattern recognition over speed.
• Weekly opening focus: pick one opening per week and learn 2 main ideas + 1 anti-plan opponents use. Rotate: Week 1 Scandinavian, Week 2 Slav, etc.
• Endgame micro-sessions (3× week): 15 minutes on rook endgames and king+pawn themes. Learn cutting-off and key squares.
• Post-game review: after each daily win, do a 10–15 minute self-review before using an engine — note turning points, one good move, and one missed opportunity, then check with the engine.

Concrete “next game” checklist

• Before each move: ask “Is my king safe?” and “Does my opponent have a forcing reply?”
• When ahead in material: simplify when safe. Trade down into favorable endgames instead of hunting flashy tactics.
• When unsure: choose the move that improves piece activity or makes a useful waiting move rather than a random pawn push.
• Record one insight per game (what you did well / one thing to work on) — small habits compound.

Example resources & how to use them

• Tactics trainer: work on puzzles slightly above your current comfort zone to push recognition.
• Short videos/articles on back-rank mates and king safety — then try to spot that pattern in 5 of your own games.
• Opening cheat-sheets: make a one-page sheet for each opening with typical pawn structures and one tactical trick to watch for.

Motivation & next milestone

Your recent form and unbeaten run are signs of real improvement. Short-term goal: keep the streak while focusing on king safety and endgame technique. Medium goal: add one opening line you feel fully comfortable with and practice converting slightly better endgames.

If you want, I can annotate one messy game you pick (short bullet-point style) or build a 2-week plan matched to the time you have available.