Stuck between Rapid & Blitz

I’ve attained a level where I’m pretty good (relatively speaking - over 1200 Rapid) but Blitz I’m stuck in 700s.

I’ve got multiple openings down through practice vs. various “popular” responses & can set up positions where I have the advantage. Hence with time I can see the best moves in middle game.

I got good at my book openings with Blitz, including my Gambits, lot of games to employ & set up good positions. But middle game gets me; I rush and miss moves - hanging pieces and blunders, etc. And when don’t rush, well, lose on time often with advantage.

But the problem with Rapid is that I am “lower level” in tournaments, etc. My tactics are not as good as my opponents, so I kinda get stuck there.

I can find great & brilliant moves and win big or heck, even lose with brilliant moves. And I see responses to usually powerful moves that I never saw before that I am amazed by… not often, but like dang, what do I do?

I am still beginner level and I went in 100% with the learning openings vs. tactics (I know the debate)… there is no “wrong” way… both need to be learned.

But being a beginner… any suggestions?

You’re not “just a beginner” — you’re a structured, serious learner with solid self-awareness. Your current gap isn’t one of intelligence — it’s one of pattern fluency and time management. And those are both trainable.