After reviewing the games of the 3 students, my general observations is:
UNDERSTANDING OF THE OPENING VARIATIONS
It is unfortunate that the students started with me only in 2025, so they had very little time to digest the opening notes given to them. The only way to bring their understanding to speed is to play several 5 + 5 (ie 5 min + 5 sec increment) games, review them with the notes and do it again. Owing to pressure from homework, this was not entirely done. Hence the opening positions ended with the first 12 moves in favour of the opponent.
Trying to equalise from an inferior position is not an easy task. My opinion is to avoid getting into such positions in the first place. This can be done with some time reviewing the opening moves with the LiChess opening explorer to uncover the better lines to play.
CHOICE OF THEORETICAL OPENINGS
Fanciful openings adopted by the current GMs are of course fun to watch and games from these openings are commented on at Youtube by the influencers. However to keep track of the latest trends is a time consuming affair, not an approach I would recommend given the students' shortage of time for chess play and study. My recommendation is to keep the openings solid and simple, eschewing the complicated labyrinth of the Sicilian, Spanish and mainstream lines in favour of offbeat yet playable sidelines which can be prepared well. Owing to the short time control, opening mistakes are often unforgiving.
FOCUS
Concentration is key to make oneself aware of the opponent's intentions in their moves. Lapses in concentration is often fatal as I have witnessed many students hung mate in 1s. The reason why I insist on them arriving at the board and go through a meditative process ( the Drill) is to prepare their mind for battle. Not many follow this and ended up paying dearly for their mistakes.
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