Performance Snapshot
Congratulations on maintaining IM-level consistency across time controls. Your recent results show a solid conversion rate against comparable opposition and a willingness to play dynamically on both sides of the board. Peak rating reference: 2628 (2016-08-03)
Key Strengths
- Dynamic Piece Play: In your win versus ShimanovAlex (B12 – Caro-Kann) you smoothly converted an edge by coordinating rooks on the f-file and exploiting weak dark squares. Your knight manoeuvres (Nb5-d6-c4 / Nxa7) were exemplary.
- Opening Preparation: Comfortable handling of the Dragon, Caro-Kann Advance and Scotch indicates a well-rounded repertoire with both 1.e4 and 1…c5/…c6. You score well when the game stays inside your preparation.
- Tactical Awareness: Accurate calculation under time pressure (e.g., 28.Nxe6! in the Caro-Kann miniature) shows confidence in concrete lines.
- Psychological Edge: Opponents frequently resign or flag in inferior positions, evidence that you create continuous practical problems.
Areas to Improve
- Time Management in Daily Play: All five most-recent losses were timeouts. Safeguard against administrative losses by adopting a “move-check” routine (e.g., minimum one reply per 48 h, vacation buffer, or phone reminder).
- Transition to Endgames: In several Dragon structures you postpone castling or centralisation, leading to technical endgames you never got to play because the clock expired. Work on simplifying with advantage rather than seeking more complications when ahead.
- Early Pawn Thrusts with g- and h-pawns: While successful in blitz, g4/h4 advances (Caro-Kann and Scotch games) may be high-risk in classical. Balance them with development and king safety. Study model games by Nepomniachtchi and Firouzja for timing of flank pawn storms.
- Colour Imbalances in the Dragon: In the loss against jbalman the dark-square weaknesses around your king (…g6 …Bg7 but no …h5) became critical. Refresh your knowledge of the Yugoslav Attack plans, especially the exchange sac …Rxc3 and …h5 breaks.
Opening-Specific Notes
Dragon (B75-B79): Consider adding the Soltis Variation (…h5) to blunt White’s h-pawn. Also explore the Chinese Dragon setup for additional flexibility.
Caro-Kann Advance: 5.g4 systems suit your style; have a secondary line ready (e.g., 3.Nc3/3.Nd2) to avoid being targeted.
Anti-Sicilians as Black: Against low-rated opponents try a simpler scheme like 2…e6 & 3…d5 to reduce prep load.
Action Plan (Next 4 Weeks)
- Daily Time-Control Discipline: Set two calendar alerts; never fall below 24 h on the clock.
- Endgame Module: Solve 30 rook-and-minor-piece endings (Dvoretsky) and play out five study positions vs engine.
- Opening Patch: Analyse the critical line 9.0-0-0 d5 10.exd5 Nxd5 in the Dragon with Lichess Cloud plus engine.
- Tactical Routine: 15-minute puzzle rush + 3 “hard” calculation exercises; annotate thought process.
- Self-Review: After every blitz session export one instructive PGN and add comments on missed resources, especially any overlooked back-rank mating pattern.
Useful Visuals
Hour-by-hour confidence trend:
Weekday performance breakdown:
Illustrative Miniature
Study how you exploited the dark squares in your Caro-Kann win:
Final Thoughts
Your tactical flair and opening knowledge already meet IM standards; ironing out practical issues (clock management, endgame conversion) will elevate your results further. Good luck, and feel free to send the next batch of games for deeper analysis!