Coach Chesswick
Overall impression
You show energy and willingness to complicate positions in blitz. With sharper focus on planning and practical decisions, you can convert more of those chances into wins. A few targeted tweaks will help you translate initiative into consistent results.
Strengths to build on
- You thrive in dynamic, tactical situations and are comfortable applying pressure when the position opens up.
- You are willing to mix in clever trades to reach favorable endgames or winning material setups.
- You handle a variety of openings well and stay active, which keeps opponents guessing.
Key improvement areas
- Time management and move ordering: on sharp or tight clocks, favor forcing moves or simple, safe continuations to preserve control over the position.
- Endgame technique: work on converting advantages in rook endings and basic pawn endings, and practice keeping your king active in the endgame.
- Middlegame planning: after the opening phase, aim for a concrete plan (targeted pawn breaks, piece maneuvers to specific squares) rather than moving pieces without a clear goal.
Opening approach and planning
Consider consolidating a compact blitz repertoire. Pick 2–3 solid responses to common white setups and 2–3 plans against the main defenses you face as Black. For each, note the typical middlegame ideas and the key pawn breaks or piece activations that define the flow of the game.
Practical drills and study plan
- Dedicate 15–20 minutes daily to focused endgame practice, especially rook endings and king activity in simplified positions.
- Solve 5–10 tactical puzzles per day, focusing on patterns that appear in your blitz games (forks, pins, double attacks, skewers).
- Review 1–2 recent blitz games and note 2–3 turning points with alternative lines you would play next time.
- Incorporate a few longer blitz games (e.g., 5+3 or 3+2) to train planning under modest time pressure, then apply those insights to faster games.