Coach Chesswick
Hi Magda!
You have an energetic, forward-looking playing style that already brought you a 2069 (2021-03-05) of which you can be proud. Below you’ll find a quick snapshot of your recent results and then some targeted advice to help you climb to the next level.
Quick snapshot
When we plot your results, two trends stand out:
- Most of your wins come in sharp, tactical positions reached quickly from the opening.
- In four of your last six losses you flagged in completely playable positions.
Your strengths
- Fearless initiative: Pawn storms with g- and h-pawns (e.g. 24.g6 vs In Vau) show great attacking instinct.
- Tactical awareness: Moves such as 24.Qd7# and 30.Qg8# prove you can convert an initiative when the chance appears.
- End-game grit: The conversion vs Elzbieta Vine (rook ending) demonstrates solid technique under time pressure.
Main improvement areas
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Time management
• You often enter moves 20-25 with <20 s. Try the “10-second rule”: if the move is forced, play it instantly; if not, invest at least 10 s once per game to avoid blunders.
• Add some “safe premoves” in obvious recaptures to save seconds. -
Opening efficiency
• In your g3-Sicilian you spent six tempi on Na3-c4-a3-Nd2-e3-g4 in the diagram below and drifted into a worse, slower position.
• Consider switching to the calmer 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 followed by 5.Nb5 / 5.Nc3 Scheveningen setups where you already score well.
• As Black in the Philidor, placing the bishop on f6 on move 5 blocks …Nf6 and invites tempo losses. Study the main line 5…Nf6 and compare the piece activity. -
Reducing tactical oversights
• The loss vs Ewa Barwinska hinged on 26.f4? Bxh6!, a single undefended piece. During every opponent’s move ask “what changed, what is now en-prise?” – a classic anti-blunder checklist.
• Daily 10-minute puzzle rush sessions focusing on hanging pieces and short combinations will pay off fast.
Suggested training plan (4 weeks)
- Week 1-2: Build a 30-move “blueprint” for both sides of the Sicilian. Annotate key ideas and typical pawn breaks.
- Week 2-3: End-game refresh – rook vs pawn endings; practice converting/defending R + h-pawn vs R.
- Week 3-4: Clock discipline drills: play 20 bullet games but force yourself to keep >30 s on the clock after move 20.
Next milestone
Avoiding one time-forfeit and one tactical slip per session should already put you above 2100 blitz. Stick to the plan and you’ll soon put your opponents in permanent zugzwang.
Good luck and enjoy the journey! – Coach