Elza Khazieva WFM

Coach's Feedback for Elza Khazieva

Elza, you have shown great potential and understanding in your recent games. Here are some constructive insights to help you continue improving your chess skills:

Strengths

• Opening Preparation: Your choice of solid, classical openings such as the Four Knights Game and the Old Indian Defense demonstrates good theoretical knowledge. You handle opening principles well, developing pieces actively and fighting for central control.
• Positional Play: Your games show a strong sense of positional understanding, particularly your use of pawn breaks and central control to gain space and restrict your opponent’s activity.
• Exploiting Tactical Opportunities: You have a good eye for tactics, as seen in your well-timed exchanges and combinations that often lead your opponent to resign.

Areas for Improvement

• Handling Complex Middle Games: At times, the transition from opening to middle game leads to challenges, especially when your opponent initiates sharp play (e.g., the Sicilian Defense lines). Working on typical middle-game plans and pawn structures related to your openings can improve your decision-making under pressure.
• Calculation Under Time Pressure: Noticing some losses where time was a factor, try to practice effective time management and quick evaluation during practical play. Focus on balancing speed and accuracy to avoid losing on time or missing critical moves.
• Endgame Technique: While you often gain advantageous positions by mid-to-late game, some endgame positions could benefit from stronger technique and precision. Reviewing key endgame principles and practicing theoretical endgames will help you convert advantages more consistently.

Suggestions

• Continue reinforcing your opening repertoire with thematic plans and common tactical motifs in those lines.
• Include regular tactics training with a time element to simulate practical game conditions.
• Study classic endgames and practice them, especially pawn endgames and rook endgames that appear frequently from your typical openings.

Keep reviewing your games critically and stay curious about improving your chess vision. With consistent work, you will see your rating and confidence climb even higher.

Here is a recent example of your solid play and tactical awareness in a winning game: refer to game link.