WhaToDoHere IM

What went well recently

You’ve shown good appetite for active, sharp play and tactical chances. In the recent win, you kept the initiative through early piece activity and clean execution in the middlegame, converting pressure into a decisive endgame. You also show resilience in longer games, staying engaged and finding chances to turn the tide even when the position gets complex.

• Strong willingness to go for active lines when the position allows it, which helps you dictate the pace of the game.
• Calm conversion in clear tactical sequences, finishing with material gains and clear edges in the endgame.
• Ability to adapt your plan when opponents choose aggressive defenses, keeping pressure in the middlegame.

Areas to improve this month

• Endgame technique and plan: after obtaining a material or positional edge, keep a concrete plan to convert it rather than simplifying into uncertain endings.
• Time management in complex middlegames: build a habit of steady, incremental thinking to avoid late-stage time pressure and avoid missing simple improvements.
• Defensive prophylaxis: in tougher openings, work on anticipating typical counterplay and solidifying your pawn structure before initiating active piece play.
• Pattern recognition in recurring openings: continue to study common middlegame ideas that arise from your frequent choices so you can decide faster and more confidently.

Opening choices and how to strengthen your repertoire

Your data indicates you’ve had success with several sharp Sicilian lines and some Ruy Lopez/Berlin-related positions, along with other dynamic setups. To build consistency, consider focusing on two to three core lines that fit your style:

• Explore and deepen the strengths of the Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation to leverage your tactical mindset. Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation
• Solidify understanding of the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation or related aggressive lines to maintain active play while managing typical counterstrikes. Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Haag Gambit
• Keep a reliable, less risky option like Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense as a shift when you want a solid game with clean endgames. Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense

Tip: when you choose a line, create a short “two- or three-move plan” for the first 8–12 moves so you know your objective and can recognize typical pawn structures and piece maneuvers quickly. This helps reduce early confusion in the middlegame and supports better transitions to the endgame.

Two-week training plan

• Daily tactics: 15–20 minutes of pattern-based tactics to sharpen calculation and pattern recognition.
• Opening study: pick two core lines from the openings above and review 3-4 model games in each to identify common middlegame ideas.
• Endgame practice: 2 sessions per week focusing on king and pawn endings, rook endings, and basic piece endgames to improve conversion instincts.
• Review and reflect: after every game, write a one-sentence takeaway about what you could have done differently in the middlegame and endgame.

One quick action you can take this week

Choose one opening line you enjoy (for example, a Najdorf or Moscow Variation), and prepare a two-page mini-study that covers the typical middlegame plans and a few key tactical ideas. Use this as your default choice for the week and try to rely on the same plan in similar positions to improve consistency.