How Your Own Chess Games Can Be Your Best Learning Tool

Tom Shupe is a US Chess Expert and the founder of MVP Chess, with the mission of providing high-value chess coaching at an affordable price. Tom started playing competitively in adulthood and overcame a physical disability to attain a national rating over 2000, living proof that no age or obstacle is too high to make huge strides in your chess. Read all about Tom's life in chess, his coaching philosophy, and more from the July Chess.com Coach of the Month.

Interested in lessons? Contact Tom on his Chess.com profile or the MVP Chess website!

At what age were you introduced to chess, and who introduced you?

Although my dad introduced me to chess at the age of eight, it wasn't until I was 28, forced off the squash courts by a disability, that I delved into serious study and competitive play. From the moment I started, I fell head over heels for the challenge, the thrill of competition, and the limitless potential for improvement that chess offers.

My inaugural over-the-board tournament took place at the iconic Marshall Chess Club in New York City when I was 29. Sitting at the same board where legends like Capablanca, Alekhine, Fischer, and Carlsen once played was incredibly inspiring. The experience, however, overshadowed my performance, which stood at 1.5/4.0, but the sheer history of the venue fueled my passion for the game even more.

Which coaches were helpful to you in your chess career, and what was the most useful knowledge they imparted to you?

Under the guidance of IM John Bartholomew for several years, I underwent a transformative journey in my chess game. One of the invaluable lessons he shared was the concept of reciprocal thinking, a strategic gem. John's ongoing inspiration led me to venture into coaching and create educational and instructional videos on YouTube, shaping my chess journey in more ways than I could have imagined.

What is your favorite or the best game you ever played?

The most memorable game of my chess journey unfolded at the Arlington Chess Club in January 2020, marking a poignant milestone. Achieving my long-sought goal of attaining the title of US Chess Expert was exceptionally rewarding, especially considering the delicate balance I maintained between my career, family commitments, and navigating life with a physical disability throughout the years of dedicated effort.

Try to find my winning move and leave your solution in the comments!

How would you describe your approach to chess coaching?

I believe in active learning, and my approach involves personalized game reviews for my students. This, in my opinion, stands out as the most valuable form of chess instruction, allowing for efficient and affordable improvement as players receive tailored insights to maximize their skills.

What do you consider your responsibility as a coach and which responsibilities fall on your student?

In our chess learning journey, I encourage my students to play games between lessons – it's their chance to practice and apply what we've covered. On my end, as their coach, it's my responsibility to meticulously analyze those games, providing valuable insights and helping them grow strategically.

Do you prefer to teach online or offline? What do you think is different about teaching online?

I prefer teaching chess online for its efficiency and the ability to connect with players globally, but I also find joy in offline teaching within local schools, contributing to the growth of the game within my community. Balancing both allows me to have a broader impact on chess enthusiasts of varying backgrounds.

What is a piece of advice that you give your students that more chess players could benefit from?

Chess is all about having a good time, enjoying the strategic thrill, and letting the creative moves flow, rather than getting too caught up in those rating numbers.

What is your favorite teaching game that users might not have seen?

I absolutely love diving into my students' chess games – they're like my top picks in the teaching world, full of unique moves and strategies that might just surprise you. It's these games that bring the real value to my chess lessons, each one a hidden gem waiting to be explored!

What do you consider the most valuable training tool that the internet provides?

Chess.com's 15+10 rapid games stand out as the ultimate online training tool, offering an ideal balance of strategic depth and time efficiency for honing your skills.

What is the puzzle you give students that tells you the most about how they think?

Richard Reti's endgame study from 1921 has become my favorite puzzle to present to my students, as it serves as a fascinating insight into their thought processes. Watching them grapple with the intricate positions and strategic decisions within the study offers a unique window into their analytical skills and creative problem-solving in endgame scenarios. Try to solve this puzzle and leave your solutions in the comments!

Which under-appreciated chess book should every chess player read?

GM Sam Shankland is my go-to chess author, and I wholeheartedly recommend every chess player to delve into Small Steps to Giant Improvement: Master Pawn Play in Chess. This modern-day classic played a pivotal role in significantly enhancing my chess game, offering invaluable insights into strategic pawn play that are both enlightening and transformative.

To book a lesson with Tom, contact him via his Chess.com profile!