Coach Chesswick
Hi Thi Van Anh Doan (a.k.a. XoaiXanh)!
You have already reached an impressive 2387 (2019-03-21), and the game samples show why: sharp tactical vision, an active opening style and good conversion skills when you get the initiative. To help you climb even higher, here is some focused, constructive feedback based on the latest wins and losses you shared.
1. Current performance at a glance
2. Strengths to keep nurturing
- Tactical alertness. Your 19…Qxc2! in your recent Scandinavian win immediately punished White’s Nb5. You routinely spot pins, forks and deflection ideas.
- Piece activity over material. Willingness to sacrifice (e.g. 10…Nxf2!? against Biculi) shows confidence in dynamic play. While that particular idea back-fired, the mindset is valuable.
- Conversion once ahead. In the game against attackmypiece you transitioned fluidly from middlegame pressure into a technically won rook ending without letting the advantage slip.
3. Recurring problems & concrete fixes
- Time-management.
Your only 2025-04-20 loss vs sayx was on the clock in an equal position. In several other defeats the final mistake happened with <10 s left. Practical tip:- Decide on an opening “handbrake” move (e.g. h3/London or …h6/Scandinavian) that you can play almost instantly if you fall 20 s behind, buying time to think on the opponent’s turn.
- Commit to spending at most 15 s in the opening unless a concrete tactic appears.
- King safety in sharp sidelines.
In the Caro-Kann Exchange (loss vs Biculi) the sequence 10…Nxf2 11.Rxf2 f6 left your king stuck on e8 and the g-file bursting open. An early …h6/…g6 before …Ng4 is safer, or switch to 7…Qb6 lines. Study the model game below and compare to yours:
[[Pgn| 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3 Nc6 5.c3 Nf6 6.Bf4 Bg4 7.Qb3 Qd7 8.Nd2 e6 9.Ngf3 Bxf3 10.Nxf3 Bd6 11.Bxd6 Qxd6 12.0-0 ]] - Exchanging too many pawns in equal endgames.
Several lost positions (e.g. vs sirberlinstyle) featured pawnless flanks leading to zugzwang Zugzwang. In rook endings prefer keeping one flexible pawn island on each side of the board; avoid automatic trades.
4. Opening clinic (quick wins)
| Colour | Quick tweak | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| As White | Add the early h3 vs …Bg4 in your London/Colle repertoire. | Prevents the pin that cost time in multiple games (e.g. vs thisonechessstreamer). |
| As Black vs e4 | Mix in a solid 3…Qa5 Scandinavian and memorize the key trap 4.Nc3 Qd8 5.d4 Nf6 6.Nf3 c6 7.Bc4 Bf5. | Keeps your favourite opening but avoids exposing the queen to Nb5 ideas. |
5. Weekly improvement routine
- Mon–Thu: 15 puzzles/day focusing on intermediate moves Zwischenzug and defensive tactics.
- Fri: 2 sparring games with 10 + 5 time control, strict goal: finish each game with >30 s remaining.
- Weekend: Annotate one of your own games (win and loss). Use a physical board if possible and write down “critical moments”.
6. Motivational snapshot
“When I play against Thi Van Anh, I know I must be ready for a tactical slug-fest.” — A recent opponent
Stay confident, manage the clock, and your next rating milestone is around the corner. I’ll be cheering you on!