Coach Chesswick
Hi Natalia, here is some constructive feedback based on your recent games.
1. What you are doing well
- Tactical alertness: In your Modern-Defense win you spotted the Ng5–h5–Ne6 fork idea and followed up with 22.Rxf5+, demonstrating sharp calculation under time pressure.
- Practical play in worse time-scrambles: Several wins were secured on the clock because you kept the position complicated for your opponent. This is a valuable practical skill.
- Dynamic openings: With Black you have experimented with the Gurgenidze Caro-Kann and g6–Sicilian set-ups, which suit your active style.
2. Priority areas to improve
a) Time-management
Many of your results – wins and losses – are decided on time. Try to:- Use the opponent’s move time to plan, not to relax.
- Aim to keep at least one third of the starting time entering move 15.
- Add an increment (e.g. 3 + 2) for training games so that end-games are decided over the board, not on the clock.
b) Tactics in the g6–Sicilian
The most recent loss shows the critical motif Bxb5! after 10…Nxe4. The key theme is that the c6-knight is pinned and cannot recapture. Memorise the pattern and don’t allow it again. Study similar positions in the Alapin-Sicilian with …g6 to understand when …Nxe4 is admissible. A database search of grand-master games will provide model defences (look for games by Gelfand or Tomashevsky).c) Opening hygiene
- In your Gurgenidze Caro-Kann you often allow the pawn wedge e5 without immediately challenging d4. Review the typical break …c6–c5 followed by …Nc6 to avoid a passive structure.
- With White, after 3.Nc3 against the Modern you reached an excellent position. Consider adding the main-line plan h4-h5 to keep initiative when Black castles short.
3. Suggested training routine
- 10 min tactics daily (focus on motifs arising from the Sicilian and Caro-Kann).
- Play two 15 + 10 games/week and annotate them – especially moves made under one minute.
- End-game technique: convert a won rook-and-pawn position vs engine on depth 10 until it resigns.
4. Quick stats & charts
Your peak ratings so far: Blitz 1200 (2012-07-14), Rapid 1200 (2010-07-22).
When do you perform best? Explore the interactive charts below and schedule your serious games accordingly.
5. Next steps
- Revisit the critical position above on a board and find at least two safer alternatives to 10…Nxe4.
- Play three games with the Classical Caro-Kann (…e6 & …Nd7) to broaden your repertoire.
- Analyse one master game featuring your openings each week and copy the strategic ideas.
Keep up the fighting spirit, Natalia, and good luck with your training!