Coach Chesswick
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
…d5perfectly 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
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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.
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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…cxd4withexd4and places rooks on c1 & e1. A quick repertoire refresh will prevent the middlegame drift that cost you material. -
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.