Marya WFM

Hi Marya, here is some focused, constructive feedback based on your latest blitz session.

What you are already doing well

• Active, initiative-driven play. In several wins (e.g. vs. aranibos and skyethestar) you willingly unbalanced the pawn structure with …gxf6 or …gxf6, then rushed your heavy pieces to the g-file. Your sense of momentum is a real asset in blitz.
• Pattern awareness in Torre/Tromp formations. The Bh4–Bd3–Nf3–Nbd2 setup is second nature to you, and you often reach an attacking structure while still ahead on the clock.
• Sharp tactical vision. 29…Qh4+!! in your win against aranibos shows you spot decisive ideas quickly.

Recurring issues that cost points

1. Time-pressure collapses. Four of your last five losses were on time. Even when the position is drawable (e.g. vs. dancesar), you reached sub-10 s with pieces still on the board.
   ➜ Drill: play 1-minute “clock only” games where you must move every 2 seconds; the goal is to desensitize yourself to low-clock nerves.
2. End-game technique. In several games you converted middlegame advantages into winning endgames but still flagged. That suggests hesitation in simplified positions.
   ➜ Mini-habit: solve three basic pawn-ending exercises daily; they take <1 min each and build automatic confidence.
3. Over-extension on the kingside. Losses to PNEPaul and teresin05 followed early h-pawn pushes without ensuring central stability. When the counter-strike arrived (…c5, …f5) your king became the target.
   ➜ Rule of thumb: Before playing g4/h4 as White, ask “Can my opponent open the centre in <3 moves?” If yes, postpone the pawn storm.
4. Benko/Benoni structures as Black. In the Heliosis11 game you accepted the pawn but never completed development; Nb6–Rc8 ideas were delayed and you were strategically lost.
   ➜ Opening tweak: Consider switching to the safer Modern Benoni (…e6 instead of …bxa6) or adopt the solid Slav which you already understand as White.

Action plan for the next 2 weeks

Day	10-min Task	Benefit
Mon/Wed/Fri	3 end-game drills + 5 fast rook-pawn races	Finish won games faster
Tue/Thu	Play 5 bullet games focusing on time only	Reduce flagging losses
Weekend	Review 2 losses with engine; write one sentence “why I lost” for each	Identify trend quickly

Quick opening checklist

• Torre as White: After 9…c5, prefer 10.cxd5! to keep structure under control.
• Caro-Kann as Black: vs. 2.Nf3 & 3.Nc3, adopt the immediate ...dxe4 followed by …Bf5 instead of early …Nc6 to avoid passive positions.
• Against 1.d4 as Black: Test the Slav move-order 1…d5 2.c4 c6. Your tactical style fits the Semi-Slav while remaining sound.

Keep an eye on your trends

Current personal best blitz rating: 2293 (2024-03-19). Aim to beat it by focusing on the clock and converting endgames.

Positive mindset note

You already defeat 2300+ players when the game stays tactical. By patching the two technical leaks (time & endgames) you can push toward 2300 yourself. Keep the attacking spirit—just add a safety net of time management and end-game confidence!