Best of CLO 2018 #2: Amanov on Coaching the World Youth

  The #2 article in Best of CLO 2018 is A Perfect Triangle: GM Amanov on Coaching Raj to Gold by GM Mesgen Amanov. Judges praised Mesgen's incisive look into the training required to coach World Under 8 Champion Raj Chennareddy at the 2018 World Cadet Championships in Santiago, Spain. Last year, Mesgen Amanov won Best of CLO 2017 for his piece, "Path to the Podium", and this year, he also wrote one of the most popular and instructive pieces of the year, coming within just a point of winning again.

Raj was the truth-seeker, asked a lot of good questions, and was just fascinated by chess. But, it was not just that. He also loved trophies, loved running around with kids, and loved playing chess for fun. After 6 months of regular private and group lessons, I understood that Raj not only loves chess but is also capable of working hard. Not many can dedicate 4 hours of chess every day at the age of six. But, if you don’t do that, I assure you that somewhere, maybe in Russia, India, or China, some kid would do that… And, does do that, as you read. This being the case, we must do it better!

Mesgen, who is based in Illinois, has recorded over a hundred online video lessons for improvemychess.com. Mesgen will stream on twitch.com/uschess with WGM Jennifer Shahade at the National High School Championships in Schaumburg, Illinois. The Judges Sound Off    Mesgen is obviously born to coach.  His level of dedication and his innate ability to teach are evidenced in this article.  He clearly illustrates his point of how the athletic triangle and the roles of student, coach and parent are the key ingredients for success in chess for young talented players in chess.  I find Mesgen’s choice of subject matter, his perspective, his writing style and delivery to be relevant, fresh, engaging and on point.  Kuddos on another great article!-  Jennifer Vallens A Grandmaster coach shares his detailed insights on what it takes for a young chess player (7-8 years old) to become a National and, indeed, World Champion. Everyone dreams of winning a gold medal, but success requires contributions from all three persons of the Athletic Triangle: student, parents and coach. Admittedly, not everyone has the dedication and willpower to consistently spend four hours every day improving their chess. The author quotes Kasparov: "Hard work is a talent. The ability to keep trying when others quit is a talent."-Michael “f-pawn” Aigner Mesgen highlights the teaching dynamic quite well.  The main takeaway is that you have to work, then work, then work more.  Even the amount of work that went into the article is clear-GM Josh Friedel  A well written comprehensive article on coaching.  The author thoroughly presents his viewpoint on how to coach some of the top youth.  I love how he introduces his model and then breaks it down for the reader.  I also appreciated his references to other relevant articles.  This was a great read.- Adia Onyango Best of CLO Countdown  10. Arthur Guo and Winston Ni Win Big in Atlanta by Vanessa Sun and Michael Rohde  (Judging Article) 9. FM Resika on the US Senior: Singing and Chess are Icing on Cake by FM Nathan Resika (Judging Article) 8.  Caruana Misses a Chance, Draws Game 8 vs. Carlsen by IM Kostya Kavutskiy (Judging Article) 7. Eyes Wide Open: Gareyev Wins 2018 U.S. Open by Al Lawrence by Al Lawrence (Judging Article) 6. US Chess School in San Fran: Sam Takes the Chocolate by NM Robert Shlyakhtenko (Judging Article) 5. Priya Trakru on the US Chess School: Power Queens by Priya Trakru (Judging Article) 4. Q+A With Rochelle Ballantyne: Representation is Important by Melinda J. Matthews (Judging Article) 3.  Robert Hess on Charity Chess: $56,000 Raised by GM Robert Hess. (Judging Article) 2.  A Perfect Triangle: GM Amanov on Coaching Raj to Gold by GM Mesgen Amanov