Paula Reyes Jara WFM

Hi Paula!

Great job keeping an active playing schedule and testing yourself in several time-controls. Below is tailored feedback drawn from your latest games and trends.

Quick Snapshot

• Current peak rating: 2148 (2020-08-15)
• Your wins often come from sharp, tactical play in the middlegame.
• Losses cluster around time trouble and unbalanced king safety positions.

Opening Phase

What’s working – With White you steer games into Italian-type structures (Bc4, Nf3, c3/d3) that give you fast development and kingside pressure. You also spot aggressive ideas such as 15.Nxe6! in your recent win.

To improve

• Black repertoire: You’ve tested French, Petroff, Benoni and the occasional off-beat setups. Instead of “sampling” many systems, choose one solid main line and dig deeper. For example, if you enjoy counter-punching, the French Classical 3…Nf6 line could be your anchor opening.
• Move-order hygiene: A few early …f6 (or …f5) moves left dark-square holes around your king. When you feel the urge to push an f-pawn in the opening, ask the “three-question check”: 1) Does it help development? 2) Does it create a target? 3) What is the concrete follow-up?

Middlegame

You demonstrate good tactical vision. The following miniature shows your strength—spotting forcing moves that overload the opponent:

Next step: balance tactics with prophylaxis. In several losses you ignored the opponent’s counter-threat (e.g., allowing 29…Nc4! in the Benoni game). Before playing an attacking move, pause for five seconds and ask, “What is my opponent’s most annoying reply?”

Endgame & Technique

• You reach many won endgames but sometimes need several extra moves to convert. Add 15-minute sessions of basic rook-and-pawn drills to your weekly routine—especially Lucena and Philidor positions.
• Review the ending of your win versus ChileAudax: after promoting on f8 you still allowed perpetual-like checks. Aim to “reduce counter-play first, promote second.”

Time Management

Both your most recent win and loss were decided on the clock. Consider these habits:

1. Openings: play the first 10 moves almost instantly by using a light repertoire you know well—save time for critical middlegame decisions.
2. 40/20 rule: try to keep at least 40 % of your starting time when you leave the opening and 20 % for the last ten moves.
3. During the opponent’s turn, calculate one line deeper so you already have a reply ready.

Action Plan for the Next 4 Weeks

1. Choose one main opening with Black (e.g., French) and build a two-page “cheat sheet.” Play at least 5 rapid games using only that opening.
2. Each day solve 3 tactics rated 50–100 points above your current puzzle rating, focusing on motifs such as deflection and zwischenzug.
3. Play one thematic endgame against the computer (rook + pawn vs. rook) until you can win from both sides in under 60 seconds.
4. After every game, note one move where you spent >2 minutes. Ask: “Could I have used a principle instead of deep calculation?” Build a personal “thinking shortcuts” list.

Encouragement

Your attacking flair is evident and with a bit more structure—especially in openings and time usage—you’re well on your way to the 1800+ bracket. Keep sharpening your tactics, but don’t forget the quieter skills that glue everything together. Good luck and enjoy the journey!