Ralf Hess IM

Hi Ralf, here’s a personalised performance review based on your latest blitz sessions.

1. Quick Profile

• Current blitz level: ≈2150   • Best recorded: 2304 (2024-05-06)
• Preferred openings: English / King’s Indian structures as White, Alekhine & Indians as Black.
• Typical game length: 23–30 moves   • Main result driver: opponents’ resignations or your flag.

2. What You’re Doing Well

• Opening variety with purpose. In the recent win against IsaacAbdulsalam 12203726 you switched smoothly from an English set-up into a King’s-Indian attack, then punished …c5 with 15 Nxd6!–16 Bxa6 to collect material.
• Tactical alertness. You consistently spot loose pawns (e.g. 14 Qxb7 vs Tarantulix) and unprotected pieces. Your calculation depth is good for 3 + 2 time-control.
• Piece activity. You rarely leave pieces undeveloped; rooks often find open files by move 15 (Rd1/Rd6 pattern is frequent and strong).

3. Main Improvement Themes

1. Clock Management – your #1 leak.
   Five of the six recent losses (see games vs ooohhhmen, SilentPin0, yoann2080 × 3) were on time from playable or even slightly better positions.
   • Aim to reach move 15 with ≥2 min still on the clock.
   • Pre-move obvious recaptures in low-risk positions.
   • Use the 2-second increment: make the safe move first, calculate on the opponent’s time.
   • Train bullet once in a while to normalise playing confidently with <30 s.
2. Over-expansion with flank pawns.
   Early …b5 in the Indian Game and …a5 in the KIA left holes (b5-c6 squares) and cost tempi. When opting for these breaks, be certain they support a concrete plan or tactic.
3. Converting Advantages.
   Several wins ended on resignation while you still had <15 s. Practise simplification and basic rook endings to finish games efficiently and avoid flagging.

4. Spotlight Position – “Convert, don’t calculate forever”

After 14 Qxb7 you’re two pawns up with active pieces. Plan: trade queens or one pair of minor pieces and head to the endgame instead of spending 45 s searching for a knockout. Fast, solid technique would preserve both material and clock.

5. Opening Refinements

6. Weekly Training Plan

• Time-control drill: Play 20 bullet games (1 + 1) focusing only on safe, instant moves to build intuitive speed.
• Endgame flashcards: 10 rook-and-pawn vs rook scenarios daily; goal is to finish under 60 s per puzzle.
• Tactics: 15-minute Puzzle Rush, then review missed motifs such as zwischenzug & zugzwang.
• Opening clean-up: Create a 12-move “mainline only” file for each side; rehearse until you can recite both colour repertoires in <90 s.

7. Motivation Corner

You already beat 2200-rated players this week and your tactical vision is undeniable. Small tweaks in clock handling and simplified conversion will push you toward 2300. Keep the momentum – good luck in your next sessions!