Peak Rating: 2536 FIDE
Teaching Rating Range: USCF 1300-2000, open to working with players lower than 1300 if they're young and talented. Would prefer not to train with adult novices.
Accepting Students? Yes!
Rates: $100 / one-hour lesson,
$800 / 10 one-hour lessons
Lessons Offered: Online and In-Person
Email: akshatchandra@saintlouischessclub.org
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About Me
I started playing chess around the age of 9 and received a starting FIDE rating of 1548 in Jan 2010. In less than five years, I approached the Grandmaster rating of 2500 FIDE and was officially awarded the Grandmaster title in 2016. I was also the 2015 US Junior Champion, 2015 US National High School Champion, 2013 US SuperNational K-9 Champion, and hold the distinction of being the only player to have achieved sole first in the two top US Collegiate Open tournaments - the University of Texas at Dallas Fall Fide Open and the Webster University SPICE Cup. After finishing high school, I moved to Saint Louis to play chess professionally for 2 years. Thereafter, I began higher education at Saint Louis University, where I completed a Bachelor's in Computer Science and a Master's in Philosophy.
Specialties
I am more middlegame and endgame-oriented. My main interest lies in positional play, in particular, learning to recognize positional motifs and ideas. Understanding how to attack and play more dynamically is also important, and so we would work on tactics and calculation as well.
Good Student Match
I am highly motivated to work with young players who have a passion for the game. My goal is to help improve their understanding of chess and develop their talent by keeping things engaging and accessible.
Playing Experience
I've been an active tournament player for around 14 years. Some of my best results include:
1) 2019 SPICE Cup Champion
2) 2018 UTD Fall FIDE Open Champion
3) 2015 US Junior Champion
4) 2015 National High School Champion
5) 2015 National High School Blitz Champion
5) 2013 Super Nationals Champion (K-9)
Teaching Method
Before we meet for the first class, I ask the student to send me a compilation of their recent tournament games, with annotations. That gives me a better idea of their playing style and thought process, and allows me to gauge strengths and weaknesses. I then tailor the lessons based on these observations. Homework is regularly assigned for students to work on between classes, and I am available to chat via text outside of class time.
