Fernando Viana da Costa FM

Progress snapshot

Your recent blitz performance shows positive momentum in the near term. To convert this into steadier results, focus on solid patterns, efficient decision making, and reducing avoidable mistakes in time pressure.

What you’re doing well

• You play active, dynamic positions and aren’t afraid to push for initiative when the situation allows.
• You handle sharp middlegames with practical resilience, keeping options open and looking for tactical chances.
• The pace of your play often puts opponents under pressure, encouraging mistakes in blitz time controls.

Key areas to improve

• Time management: in blitz, allocate a portion of your clock to evaluate critical moments and avoid rushing when the position is unclear. Aim to reach the midgame with at least a few minutes left for safe decisions.
• Opening consistency: build a compact, reliable repertoire for White and Black. This reduces decision fatigue and increases your confidence in the early middlegame.
• Blunder prevention: after a forcing line or tactical sequence, quickly verify material balance and threats before committing to a continuation.
• Endgame awareness: practice common endgame patterns (rook endings, minor piece vs. pawn structures) to convert advantages more reliably in shorter time controls.
• Pattern recognition: strengthen recognition of typical tactical motifs that arise in your preferred openings so you can spot candidates faster.

Opening choices and practical plan

You've had some openings that perform reasonably well in blitz. Consider two steps: (1) consolidate a small, dependable repertoire you can rely on under time pressure, and (2) prepare straightforward middlegame plans for these lines. For White, a solid system that leads to clear plans (such as a controlled d4 setup) can reduce early guesswork. For Black, pick 1-2 flexible defenses that you understand well and know the typical middlegame ideas behind them. This helps you avoid drifting into overcomplicated lines in blitz.

Two-week practice plan

• Daily: 10–15 minutes of tactical puzzles to sharpen quick pattern recognition.
• Blitz focus: 2 sessions per week dedicated to your chosen White and Black openings, with a simple, repeatable plan for the middlegame.
• Review after each game: write down one thing to keep (a good idea or plan you used) and one improvement (a recurring mistake or preference you should avoid).
• Endgames: 1 short endgame drill session (rook endings or king-and-pawn endings) twice a week.

Optional next steps

If you’d like, I can help you build a concise opening cheat sheet tailored to your preferred color and play style, or run a quick review of a recent game to identify recurring mistakes and concrete fixes.