Mikhail Fayuler

What’s going well in your blitz play

You show a willingness to engage in dynamic, tactical positions and keep the initiative by activating pieces quickly. This kind of energy can put opponents under pressure, especially in faster time controls where sharp plans can be rewarded.

• Active piece development and pressure on open lines and key squares
• Competing for initiative early, which can lead to practical chances in blitz
• Good resilience in complex middlegames where accurate calculation helps convert chances

Key areas to improve

• Time management in blitz: avoid spending too long on single forcing lines. Develop a rough move-no-mate rule (e.g., cap initial tactical lines to a few candidate moves, then switch to quick evaluation or simplification if time is tight).
• Calculation accuracy: in sharp positions, consider three candidate moves at most and verify each for immediate threats before committing. Practicing short tactical sequences can help reduce blunders in time trouble.
• Opening choices: your openings data shows a wide range of aggressive setups. In blitz, it can be beneficial to have a compact, reliable core repertoire. Focus on a small number of lines that lead to clear middlegame plans rather than trying too many sharp, unfamiliar ideas.
• Endgame technique: blitz often reaches simplified or won-lost endgames quickly. Strengthen basic king and pawn endgames, rook endgames, and simple piece endgames so you can convert advantages or hold draws when behind.
• Decision making under pressure: build a quick routine before moving in the later stages (e.g., scan for threats, count material, check for immediate tactical shots) to reduce last-moment blunders in time trouble.

Action plan for the next 4 weeks

• Week 2: Tactics sprint. Do 15–25 puzzles daily centered on pattern recognition (pins, skewers, discovered attacks) and rapid calculation. After solving, review the main tactic and the winning idea.
• Week 3: Endgames. Practice essential rook endgames and king and pawn endings. Learn a simple rule set for converting a small material edge into a win and for saving a draw in tricky king-pawn scenarios.
• Week 4: Blitz practice with review. Play several 3+2 or 5+0 blitz games, then review your own games to identify repeated mistakes (time trouble, missed tactics, or overextension) and adjust your plan accordingly.

Opening repertoire guidance for blitz

Your openings show a mix of aggressive lines and positional ideas. In blitz, a tighter, reliable approach often yields more consistent results. Consider prioritizing 2–3 openings as your core, with a couple of flexible options as backups.

• As White: choose one solid, versatile opening (for example, a controlled English or a flexible Queen's pawn setup) plus one sharp, winning chances line you know well. Focus on typical middlegame plans and common tactical motifs rather than memorizing long lines.
• As Black: pick one solid defense that leads to comfortable, manageable positions (for instance, a Scandinavian or a balanced Queen's Pawn setup) and a secondary, slightly sharper option for surprise value if you’re comfortable with it.
• For both sides: prepare quick, clear plans after the first 8–12 moves so you can transition to concrete middlegame ideas rather than searching for a plan under time pressure.

If you’d like, I can outline a compact 2–3 opening lines package tailored to your playing style and provide a short guide for each (key ideas, typical middlegame plans, and common traps).

Training resources and drills

• Daily tactic practice focusing on quick recognition of tactics within 3–5 minutes per puzzle.
• Endgame drills: rook endings, basic king and pawn endings, and simple opposite-side pawn endings.
• Post-game reviews: annotate three recent blitz games yourself, focusing on time management, tactical oversights, and moments where you could simplify or avoid overextension.
• Mindful pre-game routine: quick breathing and a 1-minute scan of opponent’s likely plans to reduce anxiety and improve focus.

Notes and reminders

Blitz rewards clear plans and quick yet accurate decisions. Build a small, dependable repertoire, practice fast calculation, and emphasize endgame technique to improve your conversion rate in tight games.

Player links and resources

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