Oleksandr Prokhorov NM

Feedback for Oleksandr Prokhorov

Oleksandr, your recent games demonstrate solid strategic understanding and a good fighting spirit. You've shown strong opening preparation, especially in defenses like the Modern Defense and Queen’s Pawn structures. Here are some detailed points and suggestions to help further improve your play:

Strengths

• Opening Repertoire: Your choice of hypermodern openings such as the Modern Defense and flexibility with lines like the Old Benoni show a good grasp of dynamic play and positional understanding.
• Endgame Technique: In several games, you've converted advantageous endgames with patience and precision, showcasing good fundamentals.
• Calculation and Tactical Awareness: The win against Bruce02 highlights your ability to calculate accurately and seize critical tactical moments, especially in complex middlegames.

Areas to Focus On

• Handling Pressure Against Stronger Opponents: Losses against higher-rated players suggest occasionally losing grip in critical moments. Working on maintaining composure and double-checking your defensive resources under pressure will be key.
• Pawn Structure and Piece Coordination: Some games involve instances where your pawn structure gives opponents targets or restricts your own pieces. Try to revisit key concepts around pawn breaks and restructuring, especially in closed positions.
• Time Management: In several longer time control games, optimizing your clock usage could give you more confidence in complex positions. Practice balancing calculation depth and time to avoid both time trouble and rushed errors.

Specific Suggestions

• Review the game versus lilAj where you faced the Saragossa Opening. Pay attention to the handling of central tensions and piece activity, as that game turned against you after some inaccurate exchanges.
  Analyzing this game can boost your middle-game judgment and defensive skills.
• Continue refining your knowledge of the Modern Defense—your recent win showcased solid strategic play there.
• Work on converting advantageous positions efficiently, especially when you gain a material edge in the endgame. Try practical exercises that simulate winning with extra pawn or piece scenarios.
• Try to incorporate visualization and calculation exercises into your training to sharpen your tactical alertness during critical moments, which will help minimize missed opportunities and mistakes.

Next Steps

Keep analyzing your games with a focus on both your wins and losses. Learn from your defensive lapses and continue enhancing your strategic planning. Balanced training of openings, tactics, and endgames will help raise your level consistently.

Remember, steady progress comes from persistent effort, and your recent results already show promising improvement. Keep it up!

Good luck and happy training!