Coach Chesswick
Hi Jennifer!
You have a dynamic style and are already competing well against title-holders. Below is a concise review of your recent games, followed by an action plan designed to turn a solid 2100-level game into an even stronger one.
What you are doing well
- Active, principled openings as White. 1.e4 followed by Italian / Alapin setups give you good central control and quick development. Your recent win versus Kaustubh Kodihalli shows you comfortably outplaying a 2400 in the same structure you know well.
- Rook & pawn technique. When you reach endings your conversion is clinical (e.g. 27.Qd5+–45.dxc6+ in the Sicilian win). Your habit of doubling on open files is excellent.
- Prophylaxis. Moves like h3/h4 or f3 give your king luft and restrict enemy knights. This is already part of your “DNA” and it pays dividends.
Key areas to tighten
- Time management – the #1 rating drain.
Both most-recent losses were on time in roughly equal positions. You often fall under 30 s around move 20 while your opponent still has a minute. Blitz rewards practical rather than perfect play.
• Aim to keep ≥60 s on the clock until move 25.
• If you spend >20 s, force yourself to make the next two moves in <10 s each. - Early-game tactics against gambits.
a) Scotch Gambit (loss to Timurist): 4…Bb4+ 5.c3 dxc3?! allowed Bxf7+ instantly. Preferred solutions:
• 4…Nf6 (main line)
• 4…Bb4+ 5.c3 Ba5 (decline) – never capture on c3 before castling.
b) Ruy López Siesta (loss to scandalgod): Black’s …f5 & exchange sac on f3 is thematic. Knowing the “antidote” (9.d4!, or if you allow …f5 then d3–d4 quickly) will save many points. - Defensive reflexes. When the opponent’s pieces point at your king, pause and ask “What is the direct threat?”. In 17…Rxf3!! you recaptured automatically, letting the queen infiltrate. Training a quick blunder-check habit (“checks, captures, threats on me”) before each move will fix this.
12-week improvement plan
| Task | Frequency | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Tactics (Puzzle Rush or rated puzzles) | 15 min / day | Score 35+ in 3-min rush; focus on Bxf7+, Greek gift, clearance & fork themes |
| Opening clean-up session | 2× / week | Add a safe Scotch-Gambit line and vs …f5 Ruy |
| Play 5 blitz games | Every other day | Stay above 1 : 00 on clock to move 25; annotate 1 game |
| End-game sparring (rook+pawn) | 1 hour / week | Convert 5-on-4 or 4-on-3 rook endings versus engine |
| Model game study | 1 game / week | Italian / Alapin victories by Carlsen, Nepomniachtchi, etc. |
Your numbers at a glance
Peak blitz rating: 2171 (2024-05-21) |
One critical moment to remember
Before accepting any c3-pawn in the Scotch Gambit, ask yourself if Bxf7+ exists. Replay the sequence and burn it into memory:
[[Pgn| 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Bb4+ 5.c3 dxc3? 6.bxc3 Bc5 7.Bxf7+– ]]Final thoughts
Your attacking instincts and end-game skills are already strong enough for 2300 blitz. If you plug the early tactical holes and manage the clock better, the rating jump will follow quickly. Keep the energy, enjoy the grind, and feel free to ping me after a dozen games for a new check-in!