Hi stanoP! Here’s some constructive feedback based on your recent games and overall pattern of results.
1. Time-management is your #1 priority
- All five listed “losses” were on time against lower-rated opposition – that is a quick +50 to +70 rating points left on the table.
- Daily chess usually gives three full days per move. Make it a habit to:
- Use the “vacation” button whenever real life gets hectic.
- Activate move-reminders on phone & e-mail.
- Make at least one “safety” move in each game before logging off for a longer period.
- Practical tip: log in during two fixed time-slots a day. A regular routine prevents accidental forfeits.
2. Opening discipline
Most PGNs are marked “ECO A00 – Undefined”, which usually means you are delaying piece development or experimenting too early. Try to build a tight opening repertoire:
- As White, pick one mainline: e.g. 1.e4 with the Italian/Scotch or 1.d4 with the Queen’s Gambit.
- As Black, prepare a weapon vs 1.e4 (e.g. the Sicilian Taimanov) and vs 1.d4 (e.g. the Slav).
- Use opening-explorer for 10 minutes after each game to patch the exact line that appeared – cumulative learning adds up fast.
3. Convert advantages faster
In your Chess960 win versus sschmieta you were completely winning after 27.b8=Q Nxb8, yet needed another 13 moves to finish. When you are up a rook + passed pawn:
- Simplify – trade queens and pieces whenever it removes counter-play.
- Centralise the king aggressively.
- Push the outside passer only when your king is ready to escort it.
4. Tactical alertness
Your style is dynamic – you often sacrifice pawns for activity (e.g. 4…b5 in the same Chess960 game). That works because you understand the initiative. To sharpen it further:
- Spend 10-15 minutes a day on tactics rated 2000-2300. Look especially for “intermezzo” ideas where a forcing move changes the move-order.
- Analyse every combination until the very end; do not stop once you see “it wins material”.
5. Endgame technique
At 2000+ daily level, accurate endgames decide many games once the tactics balance out.
- Revisit the “Lucena” and “Philidor” rook-endgame setups – they occur surprisingly often.
- Study basic king-and-pawn endings to understand the power of opposition and zugzwang.
6. Motivation corner
Your official peak rating: 2255 (2018-12-18). Maintaining that mark while actively improving is a realistic short-term goal. Clean time-management alone could push you above 2150.
7. Suggested mini-routine (30 minutes)
- 5 min – reply to all daily games (prioritise critical positions).
- 10 min – tactics set (aim for 8-10 puzzles).
- 10 min – review one finished game (opening + key tactical moment).
- 5 min – endgame flash-cards.
Progress trackers
Use the built-in charts to watch for hidden patterns:
Last words
Cut out the time-forfeits, polish a compact opening repertoire, and keep sharpening your tactical vision. Do those three things and you will rise quickly. Good luck & enjoy your games!