Coach’s Corner: Ruben Mashal

Growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, NM Ruben Mashal found his calling in chess teaching at just 17 years old. In a region rich with strong players and tournaments, he learned to be inventive by turning books and creative training methods into powerful tools for growth. His ability to adapt and inspire has been at the cornerstone of his nearly 20 years as coach.

A striking example of this approach is the story of one of Mashal’s students. Under his guidance, the young player rose from fourth category to contending for the club’s championship against a FIDE-rated opponent. Through meticulous preparation, and even correspondence with renowned chess author Viktor Moskalenko, Mashal and his pupil crafted a winning strategy in a sharp opening line, which ended in a beautiful victory.

For Mashal, the true reward of a coach lies in stories like this, where the student can be proud of their dedication. He has guided students of all levels, from novices to players who are fighting their way to national titles, international competitions and FIDE titles. Mashal himself has earned the titles of National Master and FIDE Instructor. 

In this interview, NM Mashal shares his perspectives and best practices on chess coaching.

What is your chess coaching philosophy?

My coaching philosophy is based on adapting the method to each student's needs and goals, always seeking a well-rounded development. I believe chess is much more than just learning openings or tactics: it's a tool for developing logical thinking, decision-making, and critical analysis skills.

For me, mistakes are the best guide to what we should work on, which is why I pay close attention to my students' error patterns. This way, we can focus training on correcting the thought processes that cause them difficulties.

I also believe in the importance of balancing the study of theory with the development of practical skills, such as precise calculation and proper time management. All of this should take place in planned sessions with clear and progressive objectives.

Furthermore, my background as a graduate in Information Systems motivates me to constantly integrate technology and new tools into my coaching. Databases, analysis engines, and other digital resources are powerful allies for improvement, as long as they are used judiciously and productively.

Ultimately, my role is to accompany, challenge, and motivate each student so that they not only improve their chess skills, but also grow intellectually and as a person.

Suppose a player has only 3 hours a week for chess training. How should they spend their time?

The ideal way to use 3 hours a week to train chess depends on each player: their level, objectives, and personal goals. That said, generally speaking, a balanced distribution could be as follows:

• 1 hour of tactics: To improve calculation and pattern recognition.
• 30 minutes of openings: Study and preparation of appropriate lines.
• 30 minutes of endgames: Work on technique and endgame understanding.
• 30 minutes of strategy: Deepening positional concepts.
• 30 minutes of active practice: Rapid or blitz games with subsequent analysis.

This outline covers all the fundamental aspects of the game, allowing for comprehensive development. Each player should adapt this guide according to their needs and learning stage.

What is the biggest factor for improvement for players under 1200 (Chess.com)? Under 2000?

For players rated below 1200 on Chess.com, the most important improvement lies in strengthening basic tactics and studying simple openings. Mastering basic tactical patterns and avoiding opening mistakes lays the foundation for solid play and taking advantage of opportunities to win material or advantageous positions.

For players rated below 2000, the focus should be on developing more complex calculations, strategy, and good endgame management. Learning to plan, anticipate opponent threats, and deepen positional understanding are crucial here, as is perfecting technique in the final stages of the game.

In both cases, consistency and analysis of one's own games are key to sustained improvement.

What is your preferred way to improve at openings? What's the approach to chess openings that you try to teach your students?

My favorite way to improve in openings is to study them with a practical and structured approach. This involves having a good understanding of the general principles, such as rapid development, center control, and king safety, and then delving into the specific lines that suit the player's style and level.

I teach my students to understand the purpose behind each move in the opening, complementing memorization with an understanding of the strategic and tactical ideas that arise. This way, they can better adapt to different responses from their opponent. I also encourage them to study model games through books, databases, or courses, looking for games of elite players who use the openings they are learning and that match their personal style.

To strengthen their knowledge, I recommend practicing with rapid games where they can apply what they have learned and thus consolidate both theory and practice.

In short, the approach is to combine theory, high-level game analysis, and constant practice so that the opening is not just a repertoire, but a tool for developing the rest of the game with confidence and understanding.

What is your preferred way to improve at the endgame?

My preferred way to improve in endgames is through the systematic study of key theoretical positions and a lot of consistent practice in practical endgames. First, I focus on understanding the fundamental principles applied in different types of endgames.

I recommend my students work with classic books/courses and endgame databases to learn the most common patterns and basic techniques. I also practice solving exercises and studying games with instructive endgames.

I also often include the study of artistic endgames, as they help open the mind, foster creativity, and improve a deeper understanding of the game.

For me, combining theory with a lot of practice in exercises and real or simulated games is essential to internalize and effectively apply knowledge during the game.

What would you like to share with ambitious chess improvers?

For those who want to improve in chess, my main advice is to be consistent and patient. Progress in chess is not usually linear and requires dedication and a love for the game. It is essential to train intelligently, prioritizing understanding and always seeking to learn from mistakes.

I also recommend that each player find a balance between tactics, theory, practice, and analysis of their games, adapting their training to their goals and personal style. Technology today provides powerful tools, but the real leap is achieved with discipline and attitude.

Finally, don't forget that chess is also a path to developing skills such as concentration, creativity, and resilience, which transcend the board. Enjoy the process and keep the passion alive!

Chessable courses by NM Ruben Mashal

A bilingual chess coach and seasoned player, NM Ruben Mashal published his debut course, Aplasta a la India de Rey con 6.h3, earlier this year. This Spanish release was well received, and now he’s bringing the same clarity of instruction and ambitious variations to English-speaking players!

Smash the King’s Indian with 6.h3 is on introductory sale until September 27, 2025.

Check out Ruben’s Chessable author page!