Coach Chesswick
Hi Raphael, great work reaching 2551 (2022-02-25) and maintaining a solid performance against 2300-2500 opposition!
What you are doing well
- Universal Fianchetto Style. Whether with 1.g3 as White or the Modern/King’s Indian set-ups as Black, you show a deep feel for harmonious piece placement and long-diagonal pressure (see the crusher vs. quagiarella).
- Converting Technical Positions. The 66-move win against Krishan Jhunjhnuwala demonstrates patience, end-game coordination and the ability to squeeze with rook+passer vs. rook.
- Central Breaks at the Right Moment. In several wins you timed …d5 or …f6 to open lines exactly when development lead or opponent’s king safety justified it.
Key improvement themes
-
Early Tactical Alertness
Two of the recent losses hinged on a single missed shot:
Practice a strict “blunder-check before release” routine. Spend 3–5 seconds scanning checks, captures and threats for both sides before committing. -
Modern/KID Move-Order Nuances
Against 1.d4 c4 Nc3 setups you often choose …c6 & …e5 structures but delay …Nbd7/…Na6, allowing g4/h4 hooks (loss vs. Alexander Rustemov). Study the Makogonov line: after 7.d5 play 7…a5 immediately or adopt the solid Petrosian plan ( h6, Nh7, f5 ). -
Sicilian vs. Alapin (2.c3)
Your 2…g6 line is playable yet tricky; the queen retreat 8…Qd8 left you passive. Consider the main-line 2…Nf6 3.e5 Nd5, or study the sharper 2…d5 3.exd5 Nf6 structure so you enter middlegames you know instead of guessing. -
Time-Management with Increment
You often keep >1:45 while opponents are below a minute. Use the increment to calculate one extra layer; your accuracy will rise without time-pressure ever becoming critical.
Training plan (4 weeks)
| Day | Focus | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Mon-Wed | 15 min tactics (rating > 2600) + analyse one of your recent blunders | Reduce early tactical slips |
| Thu | Opening rehearsal: play 10 blitz games from move 8 of your Modern line vs. engine | Memorise accurate plans & pawn breaks |
| Fri | End-game study (rook + minor piece vs. rook) | Keep converting technical edges |
| Weekend | Play a 15|10 game, annotate in depth, compare to engine | Long-form calculation & reflection |
Quick reference ideas to add to your toolbox
- Review typical exchange sac on c3/c6 themes in Hedgehog positions.
- Drill the concept of the Zwischenzug—several losses/wins featured missed in-between moves.
- Add an active line versus the London/Colle where you meet Bf4 with …c5 & …Qb6 to diversify.
Progress tracking
Watch how your focus areas evolve:
Keep enjoying the game, Raphael! Your strategic understanding is evident—tighten the tactical screws and you are poised to break the next rating barrier.