Explore top Chess & Coding programs for kids & teens with Raspberry Pi & Roblox courses to boost critical skills. Hands-on STEM activities | Teens Chess Course.

Explore top Chess & Coding programs for kids & teens with Raspberry Pi & Roblox courses to boost critical skills. Hands-on STEM activities | Teens Chess Course.

GM Melikset Khachiyan

Trainers System

GM Aleksandr Lenderman

Endgame Training

GM Elshan Moradiabadi

Opening Repetrioire

GM Oliver Barbosa

Analyzing your own games

WIM Beatriz Marinello

The ABCs of Teaching Beginners

This trainers’ Online Seminar was conducted on 1-3 March 2024 and organized by GM Melikset Khachiyan Chess Academy under the Supervision of the FIDE Trainers Commission.   This was my first time as a trainee and I wasn’t sure what to expect – would it be difficult or would they present the material quickly?  I haven’t played tournament chess in quite a while, so; I wasn’t sure that I could keep up.  I wanted to study some endgames and tactics before the seminar began, but as life has it – time did not allow this.  I wanted to register for the seminar a month in advance, but I registered for it only one weeks before it began.   Time went faster than Sha’Carri Richardson in the 100-meter dash!  We started the seminar on a Friday evening – I had to work late that day and felt drained.  Thanks to Judit Sztaray, one of the organizers, she made everyone feel at ease, by explaining the program and schedule in detail.  

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We were first introduced to GM Melikset Khachiyan, I played him in the National Open and got crushed.  He lectured on how to improve your students’ game and strategic training.  GM Khachiyan is a patient trainer and encourages everyone to ask questions about the game he is analyzing.   He was the trainer of GM Levon Aronian.  This should tell you something about his level of chess coaching!  GM Khachiyan was showing us this important theoretical game that was full of useful tactical motifs.  Mind-bending.  

GM Aleksandr Lenderman - Endgame Training

Probably the most difficult part of a chess game is the endgame.  After hours of thinking about the opening and the middle game do we even have the energy to play a good endgame?  This is where you must have an arsenal of ideas and concrete positions in memory to pull from.   I have had several grandmasters trainers, and I learn from each.  GM Lenderman is on another level, he was prepared with excellent examples of the topic he was discussing.  These endgame positions he was explaining were not typical or easy to digest.  He simplified them and now our job is to study them in depth.

GM Elshan Moradiaba - Opening Repetrioire

Absolutely! This seminar is like your trusty playbook for chess trainers, offering a solid starting point to boost your students’ skills. The real trick in leading these sessions is nailing down which openings to focus on and how to effectively teach them. And guess what? GM Moradiaba nails it in this regard! He’s like the coach you wish you had, breaking down how to tackle openings with your students and even dishing out advice on which openings align best with each student’s unique playing style. It’s a real game-changer!

GM Oliver Barbosa - Analyzing your own games

GM Barbosa really knew his stuff when he talked about the subject. What I really liked about his lecture were the cool new ideas he shared for analyzing our games. His techniques were super interesting and not something I’d heard of before. I haven’t tried analyzing my games his way yet, but I’m definitely going to give it a shot. I learned so much from his insights on how to up my chess game.

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WIM Beatriz Marinello - The ABCs of Teaching Beginners

When I stumbled upon this lecture in the program, my initial thought was, “I’ve been teaching chess for over 40 years. What could I possibly learn from this?” But boy, was I mistaken! WIM Marinello brings a wealth of chess teaching wisdom, having directed the Harlem Children’s Zone with NM Jerald Times and taught at the prestigious Dalton School. She delves into the importance of having a “heart” as a chess teacher and offers invaluable insights on dealing with parents. Plus, she generously shares some of her teaching methods. I thoroughly enjoyed her lecture—it was enlightening and refreshing!

My Thoughts on the FIDE Trainer Seminar

The seminar proved to be both enriching and demanding, offering a comprehensive exploration of tournament chess strategies. Despite my hiatus from competitive play, I found myself fully engaged in the intricate analyses presented by the esteemed lecturers. Despite initial fatigue from a late evening’s work, the seminar commenced punctually, with Judit Sztaray, one of the organizers, adeptly outlining the format and expectations, fostering a conducive learning environment. Seamless connectivity throughout the lectures was pivotal, facilitating participation from diverse global locations without interruption.

Each lecture commenced promptly and was met with enthusiasm, delivering fresh insights tailored for seasoned chess aficionados. Attaining the FIDE Trainer (FT) title amidst a spectrum of training levels underscores the seminar’s efficacy in catering to varying expertise levels, with recorded lectures ensuring accessibility for less experienced participants.

Expanding the dissemination of such invaluable lessons to coaches seeking innovative techniques and comprehensive chess knowledge, endorsed by both FIDE and the Academy, would undoubtedly benefit the broader chess community. While predominantly led by grandmasters, it’s imperative to note that these seminars should complement, not replace, personalized coaching sessions.

National Chess Organizations’ support for FIDE’s initiatives to standardize and fortify coaching practices holds immense promise for enhancing both scholastic and adult chess proficiency. Embracing these initiatives will undoubtedly yield enduring benefits for students and enthusiasts alike.

 

Mr. Glenn Bady, NM, is pleased to announce his recent attainment of the FT (FIDE Trainer Title), marking over four decades of dedicated service as a chess trainer. Among his notable achievements, Mr. Bady has nurtured the talents of the Championship Vaults Chess Team in North Philadelphia, PA, while still in high school. His illustrious career includes being crowned North Dakota State Champion, NATO Chess Champion, and contributing significantly to the success of the Air Force Chess Team. Furthermore, he clinched the 1st place Under 2400 titles at both the Nevada Open and NY Masters tournaments.

Currently, Mr. Bady is in the process of applying for the prestigious FM (FIDE Master Title), reflecting his unwavering commitment to excellence in the realm of chess. He extends his sincere gratitude to esteemed individuals who have supported him throughout his remarkable journey, notably Bruce A. Thompson, Akeem Gregory-Thompson, Dr. Mario V Marshall, and Dr. Kimani A. Stancil, whose encouragement has been invaluable over the span of four decades.

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Photography by Daaim Shabazz of The Chess Drum