AnkitGajwa

Ankit Gajwa is a FIDE Master (FM) and a FIDE Instructor (FI) from India. He has won numerous international open tournaments and represented India in prestigious events such as the World U-20 Championship and the Asian U-20 Championship. In his chess coaching career, Ankit has successfully trained numerous titled players and medal winners at both national and international levels. For coaching inquiries, Ankit can be reached at [email protected].

Ankit's training methods are based on active learning approaches that include:

1. In-depth Analysis of Personal Games: An essential part of developing a student's analytical abilities and fostering individuality in their thought process. This method emphasizes learning from one's own mistakes and successes to improve overall performance.

2. Thematic Position Solving and Analysis: Tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of each student, this approach targets the development of strengths while also addressing areas that need improvement. For example, a student who struggles with calculating forcing lines would benefit greatly from solving chess compositions. Conversely, a student who feels lost in non-forcing positions would gain insight by analyzing games of technical players such as Karpov and Smyslov.

3. Understanding the Thought Process of Masters: By analyzing classic games and important game fragments, students can develop pattern recognition, which is crucial for their subconscious decision-making during a game. This method is highly prioritized for its role in shaping a player's strategic thinking.

4. Developing an Understanding of Typical Structures: Starting with structures within the student's repertoire, the long-term goal is to impart knowledge of all major structures. This foundational understanding allows students to navigate complex positions with greater confidence and clarity.

5. Building an Opening Repertoire: According to the style and preferences of each student, Ankit focuses on aligning their opening choices with their playing style. It is vital for students not only to understand the openings they play but also to enjoy the resulting positions. This personalized approach ensures that students feel comfortable and confident in their opening choices.

6. Imparting Knowledge of the Essentials: Ankit divides the learning process into two parts: the development of skill and the acquisition of knowledge. While skill development is the primary focus, possessing a strong knowledge of chess fundamentals is equally important. For instance, understanding basic endgames (such as the Lucena position, Vancura position, Philidor's position, and Rook vs. Bishop endgames) is crucial. These basics must be complemented by endgame skills to ensure a well-rounded chess education.

7. Developing a Personal Perception of Chess: Psychology plays a significant role in chess, and Ankit pays close attention to addressing common psychological challenges. These include time management, maintaining a clear mind before a game, avoiding playing with a specific result in mind, and dealing with external factors that might influence a student's thought process and approach. Addressing and rectifying these hurdles is a critical aspect of his training methodology.