Koen Leenhouts GM

Hi Koen, here is some tailored feedback based on your latest blitz games.

What you are doing well

• Sharp tactical eye. Games such as the win against Horacio Pereyra (Richter–Veresov) show confident calculation: ...Qxb2 … Qxc3+ picked up material without giving counter-play.
• Willingness to seize the initiative. You often play for active piece play rather than nursing small advantages. The advance-variation Caro-Kann wins (e.g. vs Luka Paichadze) illustrate this dynamic approach.
• Conversion technique when ahead. In several games you simplified to winning R+P endings efficiently (e.g. vs Sam Shankland). Once the position is technically won you rarely let it slip.

Main improvement themes

1. Time-management & connection.
   • Four of the last six losses were on time in playable or even winning positions (e.g. the Chess960 loss to Inayat Bolat, and the 1.d4 “game” vs Levy Rozman).
   • Practical tip: enter the increment zone sooner. In 3 + 1 you can “buy” thinking time by making quick but safe moves earlier, banking the 1-second increment for complicated moments.
   • Check hardware/connection stability before events; one or two disconnects per session cost Elo and momentum.
2. Smoother repertoire vs 1.e4 (as Black).
   • Recent Sicilian Nimzowitsch game vs Bilukhadzh Saidov and Dragon loss versus Juan Carlos Obregon Rivero show that the current mix of sidelines can leave you with structural problems.
   • Consider adding one core line you trust (Najdorf, classical Sicilian, or even 1…e5) and drilling the first 12–15 moves with a light spaced-repetition routine. You spend a lot of early clock time here.
3. Handling off-beat gambits.
   • Elephant Gambit loss vs Eray Kilic: after 4.d4 dxe4 5.Nc4?! you entered sharp waters where Black’s …Nf3+ tactic decided the game. Memorise the simple 5.Bc4! line which scores well and avoids …Nf3+ tricks.
   • Chess960 practice: apply the same opening principles (center, development, king safety) rather than searching for “theoretical” moves—this will save time and avoid drifting into time pressure.
4. Structure-based play in equal positions.
   • In the Caro-Kann endgame vs Mikhail Panarin you won on time but allowed Black counter-chances because you pushed pawns without a clear plan (moves 50-80). Aim to convert technically once the queens are off: activate king first, fix targets second, then advance.

Training menu for the next two weeks

Quick reference

• Your current peak blitz rating: 2665 (2025-06-21).
• Activity snapshot:
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• Model PGN to revisit (Veresov win):
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Stay sharp, keep the clock under control, and good luck in the next Titled Tuesday!