Adam Mekhane FM

Constructive Feedback for Adam Mekhane

Snapshot

• Current form: strong blitz specialist hovering around the 2575 (2023-06-20) mark.
• Typical opening choices: 1.e4 with flexible systems (Caro-Kann, Sicilian, Philidor, French-type set-ups)  |  Black repertoire anchored by solid …c6/…e6 structures.
• Performance trends: see

What You Do Well

• Practical decision-making under time pressure. Your wins vs 2500-level opposition often stem from keeping pieces active and posing constant problems even with < 30 s on the clock.
• Central counter-punching. In the recent Caro-Kann (…h5-h4, …Bd5) you seized dark-square control the moment White over-expanded.
• Peace-of-mind endgames. When you reach simplified positions (e.g. Philidor win vs Bobchess8) you convert technical edges smoothly with rook activity and pawn majorities.

Key Improvement Areas

• King safety after pawn storms. Two of your last three losses featured Qxh2/…Rxf2 type ideas. Be extra cautious when advancing flank pawns without a clear shelter for your monarch.
• Over-extension of knights on the rim. In the loss vs VrajitoruVlad you played Na5-c6-b4 and later Nb6, leaving both knights loose and inviting …d5-d4. Look for outpost squares supported by pawns, not airy side squares.
• Conversion against resilient defence. When an opponent refuses to resign (e.g. your c-pawn race game) you sometimes rush the finish and allow counter-play. Slow down, identify the cleanest win, and avoid flashy but risky lines.
• Opening depth with White against off-beat replies. Owen’s Defence (1…b6 / 1…e6 b6) and the Nimzowitsch Sicilian caused you trouble. Add a simple, principled line to your repertoire so you don’t improvise at the board.

2-Week Action Plan

1. Daily micro-drill (15 min): 10 puzzles filtered for “Mate in 2-3” and “Defensive moves”. Your aim is to spot resources that either finish the game or save you from sudden mates.
2. Opening tune-up: prepare a one-page cheat sheet vs 1…b6 and the Nimzowitsch (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 d5). Play five sparring games in each line and annotate them.
3. King-safety review session: Re-play the critical segment of your loss vs VrajitoruVlad starting from move 18 with the engine off. Write down (on paper) every forcing line you can calculate until you feel completely safe — build that habit for live play.
4. Blitz hygiene: Whenever your clock shows < 25 s, implement a stop-think-check rule: “Are all pieces defended? Any incoming checks?” Three seconds spent here will save entire games.

Encouragement

You already compete and beat 2500-rated players; the leap to consistent 2600+ blitz play is realistic. Sharpen your defensive radar and patch those two recurring structural issues, and the rating points will follow. Enjoy the climb!