Xiaobing Gu WGM

Hi Xiaobing Gu!

Great work keeping an active tournament schedule. Your recent games show steady progress and the willingness to face strong opposition (several 2600-2700 blitz players). Below is some personal feedback based on the latest wins and losses you shared.

What you’re already doing well

• Dynamic openings. You regularly steer the game into Sicilian and King’s Indian type structures, demonstrating solid knowledge of typical pawn breaks …d5, …f5 and …g5. Your win vs. ultima67 displayed thematic knight hops (Nf5, Ne4) and a smooth conversion once you gained the initiative.
• Practical calculation. In the Chess960 win against SteP007 you calculated long forcing sequences (21.Rxg6!, 22.Rxg6!, 23.Qg1!) under one minute. This tactical alertness is a real asset for fast time controls.
• Fighting spirit in long endings. Your marathon victory versus leo03 proves you can grind technical positions for 60+ moves without losing focus.

Key areas to sharpen

1. Pawn storms vs. high-rated opponents. In the loss to Aemulus20 you followed the fashionable English Attack (g4-g5) but over-expanded before completing development. Try delaying g-pawn thrusts until all pieces are coordinated – or prepare them with …h6/h5 first.
   Tip: Review model Najdorf games by Giri or Vachier-Lagrave where Black meets 9.g4 with …Nbd7 and …b5, keeping the position flexible.
2. Central tension & pawn counting. Several losses stemmed from premature captures that opened files for your opponent (e.g. 21…Qxb5? vs. Root_21). Whenever material looks free, make a quick “Defender Count”: How many attackers vs. defenders on that square? This two-second habit prevents tactical oversights.
3. Time management in Chess960. Five of your last six Chess960 games ended on time or under :10 sec. Because the starting setups are unfamiliar, budget the first 4-5 moves for pure development, avoiding deep thinks. If you’re below 2:20 after move 5, press the “tempo gas pedal” and play simple.

Training menu for the next month

Quick digest of recent critical moments

• 42…Ba7+? (game vs. Aemulus20) allowed White perpetual threats. Instead 42…Rxa7! wins instantly. Spot the tactic? deflection on the c-file.
• 15.Qxd8 (vs. Aemulus20) — exchanging queens helped White’s knights invade. Consider 15…Rfxd8 16…Nf4 first, keeping tension.
• 21…Qxb5? (vs. Root_21) overlooked 22.Ba4!, trapping your queen. A prophylactic glance at White’s only active piece would have suggested 21…Qd7.

Performance snapshots

Motivation corner

“Improvement starts when you ask, ‘What is my opponent’s idea?’ before locking in your move.”

Keep that question on a sticky note near your screen. It alone can save 50 rating points this season.

Good luck, enjoy the grind, and feel free to send me any game that puzzled you. See you at the board!

Peak blitz rating: