Iris Nicole Mollo Figueroa WFM

Hi Iris Nicole!

You have already proved that you can beat 2200-rated opponents in blitz and bullet. Your dynamic style, willingness to calculate sharp tactics and readiness to push for the initiative are big assets. Below is a structured review of your recent games as Nicky_MF, together with concrete suggestions for the next stage of your training.

Quick stats

• Peak blitz rating: 2192 (2025-06-16)
• Typical opening repertoires:
  • With White – 1.d4 followed by g3/Bg2 set-ups or the Queen’s Gambit complex.
  • With Black – French & Sicilian vs 1.e4; Nimzo-Indian & Benoni structures vs 1.d4.

What you are doing well

1. Dynamic piece play. In your win against zharari you converted a Sicilian middlegame into a mating attack with …Nd4 and a rook lift. Your tactical alertness is a real weapon.
2. Opening variety. Switching between the French-Sicilian duo and hyper-modern systems keeps opponents uncomfortable and helps you understand structures rather than memorise moves.
3. Pressure in time scrambles. Several wins came with <10 s on the clock. You stay resourceful and rarely panic.

Growth opportunities

1. Pawn-structure awareness. In the loss to gladiamore (see diagram below) you voluntarily created weak c- and a-pawns and fell into a passive position. Work on recognising when a pawn advance creates more targets than space.
2. King safety in opposite-wing attacks. Games vs ChessVegaAcademy and nitpicker show you love pushing h-pawns, but you sometimes leave your own back rank under-defended. Study classic opposite-castle games (Tal, Shirov) to refine the “push vs protect” balance.
3. Endgame technique. The win against gjcampitelli went to 60+ moves and you needed several extra tempi to convert. Tightening your technical endgame play will save time and energy in long events.
4. Clock management early in the game. On average you spend 45 % of your total time by move 15. Resolve critical opening moves in advance during study, then spend those saved seconds later when the position is unfamiliar.

Illustrative moments

1. Attack converted (your win as Black)

Why it works: You first tied White’s pieces down to the c-file, then switched to the kingside with …Nd4 and …g6, forcing mate. The key dynamic principle is opening new lines on the side where you are better developed.

2. Structural concession (your loss as White)

Pain point: The minority attack (b4-b5) was thematic, but trading into a position where Black’s pieces dominate the light squares (hole on c4) made the position collapse fast. Before launching pawn breaks, ask yourself: “What will be weak if the plan fails?”

4-week action plan

Time-of-day performance

Consider scheduling serious sessions during your strong hours:

Consistency by day of week

Who to study

• Alireza Firouzja – modern handling of French structures.
• Alexei Shirov – fearless pawn storms with castling on opposite wings.
• Peter Svidler – fianchetto systems versus Queen’s Indian and Benoni.

Final tips

• After each session, save one critical position and write a two-sentence plan; this cements learning better than passive review.
• Keep a separate “30-second tricks” file: patterns like the back-rank deflection, classic Zwischenzug, and typical French exchange sacs …Rxf3.
• Play two slow (15 + 10) games per week to practise deep calculation without the adrenaline of blitz.

Keep enjoying the game, trust your tactical vision, and sharpen those strategic foundations. I’m confident your next milestone (2300+ blitz) is within reach. Good luck!