Behind the scenes[IM-GM]

Journey from IM to GM

Achieving the Grandmaster (GM) title in chess may appear straightforward on paper—just gain 100 more rating points and secure three GM norms. However, the reality is far more challenging.

Just last month, India welcomed a new Grandmaster, L.R. Srihari, who fulfilled all the requirements at the Asian Continental tournament in Al Ain. I have had the privilege of working with him over the past two to three years, starting when his rating was about 2360.

To be honest, I’m not familiar with his earlier coaches, nor have I ever asked, as I don’t consider that information crucial. His current success is the result of not only his family’s support but also the guidance of his previous trainers, friends, and everyone else who contributed to his journey.

There were four or five players who had been on the verge of earning the GM title for quite some time. So, I decided to accompany them for around 40 days as they traveled to various cities. During this period, I provided training, advice, and support, almost like a family member.

Work together-Grow together had always been my motto!

Reaching the GM level requires a combination of factors: Sufficient financial resources, dedication, strategic planning, consistency, determination, wise tournament selection and opening choices, and, above all, a bit of luck.

First, I’ll discuss the ways in which Srihari made progress. After that, I’ll share my broader insights on transitioning from IM to GM—advice that can benefit players at any stage who want to reach the next level.

Playing cricket in our room post tournament games!

Finding the Student’s Strengths and Weaknesses

I don’t just look at chess skills—I also pay attention to how mentally strong the player is. I try to be cheerful and honest with my students. I believe that modern training should include things outside of chess too. When I have a good emotional connection with my students, it’s easier for me to understand them.

Srihari, as a player, has a good understanding of chess positions and can create chances even in difficult situations. He is also good at calculating moves. Of course, he had some weaknesses too. We worked together to fix those weaknesses and, at the same time, helped him improve his overall understanding of the game.

Training

Most of our training happened in person at my academy. We usually had group training camps. We focused on things like calculation, decision-making, team matches, individual tournaments, and analyzing chess openings.

Whenever Srihari played in a tournament, we would quickly talk about how his game went and discuss which openings he should use in his next games.

I often make my guys play team blindfold from different positions.Mostly 4 vs 4.

Final barrier:

Achieving the GM Title

Srihari got his first two GM norms and crossed the 2500 rating mark last year. Usually, getting the final norm is very stressful, and this pressure can affect how well you play. I remember my own journey to becoming a Grandmaster—it was like a fairy tale. It took me six months to gain just half a rating point because I was stuck at 2499.5 on the live rating list. Many friends told me to withdraw from the event so that my rating would round up to 2500 in the official list. But I didn’t want to become a GM that way. I kept playing tournaments, and my rating even dropped back to around 2485. So, I understand how much pressure there is when you are so close to the GM title.

Many of my students were also very close to becoming GMs. That’s why I decided to travel with them to 3-4 tournaments. At first, I planned to go for only two tournaments, but then I added two more because I ended up playing in the last one myself! During those 30-40 days, we spent a lot of time together—playing blitz and hyper-bullet chess, going for long walks, playing cricket, cooking, and more. We were like a family and always helped each other, especially with opening preparations.

At the Asian Continental tournament, Srihari got his final GM norm with a round to spare! I felt so relieved. It was also special because India got a new Grandmaster after a whole year.

Now let me share some of my thoughts on IM-GM transformation.

Age

Age definitely plays a major role. As you get older, you often have more personal and other problems to deal with. Chess is a mental game, and it can be hard to focus when you have issues both on and off the chessboard. But with persistence and strong willpower, you can still achieve your goals.

Financial Resources/Support

Money can be a challenge. But International Masters (IMs) can earn a good income by coaching or doing other chess-related works. Also, they often pay little or no entry fees for tournaments.

It’s just as important to have emotional and moral support. This support can come from family, coaches, or friends.

Tournament Selection / Opening Selection

I think picking the right tournaments is very important. It depends on how well we are playing at the moment, the tournament schedule, and who our likely opponents are.

Choosing the right openings and variations, as well as managing our time well during games, also makes a big difference.

Consistency:

This is ofcourse the most important aspect. Consistency in working hard irrespective of the results. There is a huge difference between ‘not playing well’ and “not getting the desired results” Once we understand the difference,then progress will happen on its own!

Last but not least

I don’t want this to sound too religious or philosophical. I believe in sayings like “We become what we think” and “You get what you give.”

If you feel stuck at the same level even after working hard for a long time, maybe you need to step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes, negative thoughts can also hold you back without you realizing it.

So, let’s not compare ourselves to others unless it’s friendly competition. Let’s live our own lives and focus on our own happiness. Leave the rest to fate or to God!