Hi Jamie, here is some constructive feedback based on your latest games.
1. Openings – build a reliable framework
• Your recent loss with 1.a3 (see mini-game below) shows how an unclear opening choice can leave you struggling for harmony and king safety.
• Compare that with your latest win against milly_s where you followed a French-/Pirc-like setup and quickly seized the initiative.
• Recommendation: pick one main system with White (e.g. 1.d4 London or 1.e4 Italian) and one vs 1.e4 (e.g. French, Pirc) & one vs 1.d4 (e.g. Queen’s Gambit Declined) and stick to them for 20-30 games. The goal is to spend less time in the opening and reach middlegames you know.
Costly example
2. Use your tempo wisely
• In that same game you moved the c-knight four times within seven moves (Nc3-a2-c1-e2). Each extra move costs a tempo and allowed Black to develop smoothly.
• Goal: during the first ten moves ask yourself “Is this my third move with the same piece?” If yes, look for a developing move instead.
3. Tactical sharpness – your biggest asset
• The Bxh3 sacrifice in your win was excellent: it opened lines, exploited pins and converted swiftly.
• Leverage this strength by solving 15–20 timed puzzles daily (rating 200-300 points above yours) to sharpen calculation speed.
4. Convert the initiative – cut the waste
• Even in the game you won, you spent two tempi with ...Bg4-d7. Look for one-move redeployments that serve multiple purposes: a bishop on g5/b4 often pins and pressures at once.
• Think “Does my piece have a useful square it can reach in one tempo?”
5. Time management
• Most of your 2020 Crazyhouse losses came from flagging in equal or winning positions.
• Try the 80/20 rule: aim to have 80 % of your initial time by move 10 and at least 20 % by move 30. Blitz out book moves, then slow down for critical tactical positions.
6. Crazyhouse specific tips
• Pieces in hand are tempo on demand. Before grabbing material, ask: “Could my opponent drop mate on g7/g2 in two?”
• Visualise pawn drops around the king (g7/g2, f7/f2, h7/h2) after each exchange.
7. Training plan for the next four weeks
- Day-to-day: 15 min tactics, 1 rapid game, 5-min review with engine off, focusing on blunders you understand.
- Weekly: analyse two of your own games in depth, one win one loss. Identify the moment your evaluation changed.
- Opening lab: build a 20-move “mini-repertoire” file; review it every Sunday.
Your progress dashboard
2100 (2024-09-23)
Keep the focus on consistent openings, tempo efficiency and your already strong tactical eye. Improvement will follow quickly. Good luck!