Hi Alex (Chimbaka23jr)! 👋
You have already built a solid collection of wins (congrats on your current 796 (2021-07-31)!). Your games show creativity and a sharp eye for quick tactics. Below is a balanced review to help you climb to the next level.
What you are doing well ✅
- Tactical alertness – you often spot mating patterns and hanging pieces (e.g. 12.Qxf6# in your latest win).
- Willingness to attack – you don’t hesitate to open lines toward the enemy king.
- Time usage – most of your wins finish with plenty of time on the clock. Good!
Biggest improvement themes 🔧
-
Opening fundamentals before tactics
In several losses you moved the same piece many times in the first 10 moves (e.g. 4…Ne4–g5–e6–c7–a6 in the game vs Galicia2). Each extra move gives White a free tempo. Aim for this simple checklist in every opening:- Fight for the center with 1-2 pawns.
- Develop new pieces each move (knights before bishops is a good rule of thumb).
- Castle early – ideally by move 8-10.
-
Reduce early queen adventures
Many opponents at your rating allow Qh5+, Qf3, Qxb7, etc. Against stronger players the queen can become a target. Try playing 10 games where you do not bring the queen out before castling—see how it feels. -
King safety under fire
You sometimes leave your king in the center (e.g. vs carronokov, 9…Ke8). After your first tactical scan, ask: “Can I castle instead?” A safe king will let you unleash the same attacking flair with fewer counter-tactics to calculate. -
Spot the opponent’s threats
In the loss vs DysonTitor, 8…Qxd1+ grabbed material, but it removed your best defender and allowed White to coordinate a decisive attack. Before every capture, run the “blunder check”: “If I take, what is their best reply?” -
Endgame technique
When queens leave the board, shift gears:- Activate the king (it becomes a strong piece).
- Create & push passed pawns.
- Keep rooks behind passed pawns whenever possible.
Illustrative moments 📚
1. Your lightning mate (critical square f6)
This mate combines a pin on the g-file and an overload of Black’s queen. Keep looking for ways to bring one more piece into the attack.
2. Knight wanderings cost tempi
Black’s knight moved five times while White developed pieces and space. Follow the “one-move-per-piece” rule in the opening.
Suggested study plan 🗓️
- 15 min/day: tactics trainer (focus on pins, forks, discovered attacks).
- 10 min: review one of your games without engine – write down one alternative move you could try next time.
- 20 min: pick a single opening as White (e.g. Queen’s Pawn 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3) and play it for a week. Consistency breeds understanding.
- 5 min: watch an endgame mini-lesson (king + pawn vs king, basic rook endings).
Progress dashboards 📈
Keep an eye on when (and against whom) you score best:
Final encouragement 🌟
Your bold style is already winning many games; mix in disciplined development and you will break the 800-rating barrier quickly. Enjoy the journey, and don’t hesitate to ask questions after each session!
Good luck and happy hunting on the 64 squares!