Dale Haessel FM

Hi Dale, here’s some focused feedback based on your recent games

What you’re already doing well

• Principled opening play with Black. In your Berlin-style win against pawngrubber you followed sound moves (…Nf6, …Bc5, …d6, …O-O) and timed the break …d5 perfectly to seize the initiative. Your feel for central breaks is a clear strength.
• Piece activity & prophylaxis. Notice how often your bishops and rooks land on aggressive squares (e.g. Bd4, Rad8, Bg4). You frequently restrict counter-play before going for material.
• Endgame technique. In several longer-time-control wins you converted small advantages smoothly, showing good knowledge of rook endings and outside passed pawns.

Biggest improvement areas

1. Time management in Blitz (zeitnot)
   Three of your July 6th losses (e.g. vs. Cambek64) occurred in equal or better positions that were lost on the clock. Try:
   • Making a “decision point” at 30 s: simplify or play a forcing sequence.
   • Practising premoves in completely forced recaptures.
   • Adding short 1-minute “burst” tactics sessions to train quick calculation.
2. Handling the Nimzo-Indian with White
   In the games vs. Jenia84 and JoliyRoger you followed the 4.e3/5.Bd3 lines but faltered when Black hit the centre with …c5/d5. Study model games where White meets …cxd4 with exd4 and places rooks on c1 & e1. A quick repertoire refresh will prevent the middlegame drift that cost you material.
3. Converting technical rook endings
   Against Cambek64 the rook ending after 31…gxf5 is objectively drawn; you were pressing but spent precious seconds on non-forcing moves. Learn the key ideas:
   • Activate king before pushing pawns.
   • Keep rooks behind passed pawns (Tarrasch rule).
   • Use checks to gain time on the clock as well as the board.

Opening snapshot: your last win as Black

Suggested mini-plan for the next two weeks

• Daily 15-minute tactical drill; end every session with a 60-second “lightning round” to mimic blitz pressure.
• Review 5 master games in the Nimzo-Indian Hubner (4.e3/5.Bd3) and annotate key pawn breaks.
• Play three 10 + 5 games focusing solely on finishing with >30 s on the clock, even if it means choosing simpler moves.

Your performance at a glance

Peak Blitz rating: 2092 (2021-04-19)

When you win:

Keep up the excellent work, Dale! Small tweaks to clock handling and targeted opening study will convert more of your already promising positions into points.