Coach Chesswick
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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.