Isik Can GM

Hi Isik Can!

Congratulations on maintaining a 2919 (2025-07-02) above the 2800 mark. Your results show that you can out-calculate most opponents and convert complex middlegames into wins. Below is some targeted feedback drawn from your most recent games.

What’s working well

• Opening creativity. 1.b3 and early pawn storms (g- and h-pawns) often take opponents out of book and create tactical chances.
• Piece activity. In your win against spraggs05, every piece joined the attack (Ng5, Bxh7+, Qh5) before Black could organise defence.
• Conversion with material edge. Several wins (e.g. vs B18) show clean technique once you reach a winning ending.

Recurring problems

• Premature pawn advances. Twice in the Nimzo-Larsen (loss to FarewellToKings2112) the sequence g4-g5 created dark-square holes and a weak king. Ask “What will this pawn no longer protect?” before pushing.
• King safety during flank attacks. In several b3 games your king stayed in the centre until move 30+. Consider delaying pawn storms until you have castled.
• Time management. The flag loss to “ymflb8hj…” came from spending 55 seconds between moves 20-30. Try the “40-20-20 rule”: opening 40 %, middlegame 20 %, ending 20 % of clock.
• Endgame rook technique. Both losses to Aryan Chopra and “ymflb8hj…” featured passive rooks. Study side-rook cutting off king and rook behind passed pawn principles (Lucena position, Philidor position).

Key moment to review

From your loss to FarewellToKings2112 (move 37):

Action plan for the next two weeks

1. Safe Larsen structure. Replace 8.g4 with 8.Ngf3 followed by 9.O-O and only then consider g-pawn pushes. Play at least 20 blitz games with this rule to build the habit.
2. Rook-and-pawn endings. 15-minute drill: set up 10 Lucena and 10 Philidor positions vs engine; convert/defend within 60 seconds each.
3. Clock discipline drill. During three blitz sessions enable a visible “time spent per move” widget. Abort any game where you spend >10 s before move 15.
4. Post-game questions. After every loss, write down (i) first move that weakened your king, (ii) first move that cost >10 s, (iii) first rook move that became passive.

Progress trackers

Final thoughts

You already have the tactical sharpness of a titled player; adding a layer of prophylaxis and better clock control will push your blitz rating even higher. Keep the creativity—just anchor it with solid king safety, and the results will follow.

Good luck at the board!