MsSpock73 WFM

Hi MsSpock73! Here’s some personalised feedback based on your recent blitz games.

1 · Your current strengths

• Early initiative with 1.d4 systems. You often seize space with d4/c4/e4 and convert it into dynamic piece play (see your latest win — 
  ).
• Tactical alertness. You find forcing continuations such as 22.Ng5! and 35.Bf4# at lightning speed. Your average tactical accuracy is high once the position becomes sharp.
• Piece activity over material. Sacrifices like 15.Qxh6 and 24.Rxe7 show you understand when activity outweighs pawns.
• Peak form. Congratulations on reaching 2332 (2025-02-13)! Keep that benchmark visible as motivation.

2 · Patterns behind the recent losses

• Caro-Kann structures as Black. In several defeats (e.g. vs Pas_raisseu and Massakru) the …c6/…d5/…e6 setup became passive, and an eventual …f5 or …f6 weakened the dark squares. Consider exploring the Classical line with …Bf5 instead, or switching to the Accelerated Panov — it gives your bishop more scope and delays …e6.
• Nimzo-Indian move-order traps. Against 4.Qc2 you played 4…c5 and later …Na6/…Nce4. After 11.Qd4! you were still in book but missed that 11…f5!? is critical; instead 11…Ngxf2 walked into an exposed king. Add that branch to your preparation database.
• Defensive blind spots on the f6- and h7-squares. Many attacks landed because you omitted luft or over-advanced the f-pawn (24…f5? in your Caro loss; 33…f5? in the Nimzo game). Adopt the habit of asking “What changes for my king safety after this pawn push?” before moving.
• Time-management swings. You begin quickly, but critical middlegame positions see you drop below 20 s. Your conversion rate under 15 s is only 41 % (see
  ). Train increment blitz (3 + 2) once a day to practise “thinking while the clock ticks”.

3 · Action plan for the next two weeks

1. Opening tune-up (20 min/day).
   • Black vs 1.e4: add the Caro-Kann Classical 4…Bf5 and rehearse the key tabiya after 7…Nd7.
   • Black vs 1.d4: revisit the Nimzo-Indian 4.Qc2 lines. Memorise the stem game Shirov–Kramnik 1995 to internalise the …d5/…Nc6 plan.
   Use spaced-repetition flashcards and aim for 90 % recall speed.
2. Defensive reaction drill (15 min/day).
   Set up positions where your king is attacked on the dark squares and practise with “survival mode” puzzles. Emphasise concepts like back-rank weakness, luft, and piece interposition.
3. Clock discipline routine.
   During practice sessions forbid yourself from letting the clock fall below 30 s until move 25. This trains early decision-making. Review your time usage graph afterwards (see
   ).

4 · Mindset reminder

You’re already performing at a high 2300-blitz level. The goal now is consistency rather than wild rating jumps. One solid defensive upgrade could add 40-50 Elo by itself.

5 · Next coaching check-in

Play 30 ranked games applying the above points, tag the critical moments, and we’ll reassess. Good luck, and keep boldly “Spocking” your opponents!