Benedikt Dauner FM

Hi Benedikt, here is your tailored training report

Quick Snapshot

• Current form: strong tactical vision and willingness to take dynamic risks.
• Peak blitz rating: 2595 (2022-06-14)
• Activity charts:

Your Core Strengths

• Dynamic Counter-Play – In your recent win against immortallrook you handled the A13 English with calm development, then seized the initiative with 11…Bg4! and the sparkling 12…Nxf3⁺. This shows excellent sense for active piece play and forcing continuations.
• Central Breaks Under Pressure – Several wins (e.g. vs DerBierkrug) feature timely pawn breaks …d5 or …f5 that convert space into concrete targets.
• Tactical Alertness – You spot motifs such as the intermezzo (…Nd4, …Nxf3⁺) and the exchange sacrifice (…Rxe5) quickly, which is vital in blitz.

Key Improvement Themes

1. Time Management & Clock Discipline
   Half of the losses in the sample were won on time. Even when you are objectively better (e.g. against casanueva221031) you let the clock decide. Try the “20-40-40 rule”:
   • First 20 % of your total time to reach a playable middlegame.
   • Next 40 % for critical middlegame decisions.
   • Final 40 % reserved for conversion/endgame.
   Train with increment games (3 + 2) and force yourself to move before the clock dips under 30 s unless the position is absolutely critical.
2. Opening Choice with White
   The early 2.Na3 Sicilian sideline scores poorly and often leaves you behind in development. In three of the sampled losses it led to uncomfortable middlegames and eventually time trouble. Consider replacing it with a sound main-line weapon that still keeps surprise value (e.g. 3.b3 or the Closed Sicilian). Study 15-minute model games and build a compact move order tree that you can trust under clock pressure.
3. Technique in Winning Endgames
   In the loss vs levski-sofia you reached a rook+queen vs queen ending but still lost on time. Introduce a weekly “3-endgames-a-day” routine (simple rook endgames, then add a pawn, etc.). Use themes such as opposition and Lucena to automate conversion so the moves come instantly.
4. Converting Material Advantage
   Your attacking style wins material early, but you sometimes keep the position complicated (see loss to Andrei_Skvortsov). After going up material:
   • Trade pieces, not pawns.
   • Simplify before launching new pawn storms.
   • Adopt a “no-risk path” mindset once you’re clearly ahead.

Action Plan for the Next 4 Weeks

Micro-Tips You Can Apply Immediately

• When up >2 points of material, mentally switch to “safe mode” – prioritize king safety and piece trades over flashy tactics.
• Use the pre-move feature only for forced recaptures; avoid it in sharp positions to prevent blunders.
• During your opponent’s think time, rehearse the next 2 candidate moves to save precious seconds.
• Add an increment filter: if increment > 1 s, allocate at least 0.5 s every move to avoid flagging.

Motivation Corner

Your games show creativity and fighting spirit – qualities that can’t be taught. Combine them with disciplined time usage and streamlined openings, and a 2550+ blitz rating is within reach. Keep pushing, enjoy the process, and I look forward to your next brilliant miniature!