ColinStapczynski

Hello! I am a Chess.com content creator and coach. I am also a co-host on The Chess Couch Twitch stream.

I have been a Chess instructor for over 15 years and have worked with hundreds of students in all age ranges. I have the most experience working with those in the 1000-1800 skill range, and specialize in creating opening repertoires, positional understanding, and endgame technique.

Needless to say, my training sessions will be tailor-made to fit your specific needs and address your areas of growth.

As a scholastic player/young adult I worked with GM Gregory Kaidanov and GM Alexander Wojtkiewicz.  I have also had the pleasure of working with GM Alexander Yermolinsky and IM Daniel Fernandez.

I achieved the USCF Expert rating in 2002, and have many chess accomplishments:  

-1997 Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess championship 1st place K-12 section

-1998 US Nationals 6th place JV Section

-1998-2000 Multiple State Championships (KY)

-1999 All America Cup 2nd place Blitz tournament

-2011 US Amateur West 1st place Blitz tournament

-2019 October Chess.com Coach of the Month

I have many student references, don't hesitate to ask! English is my native language, and I have flexible hourly rates for students of any age.  Feel free to contact me with any questions  

My role on the Chess.com content team is to write articles and player profiles.  Here is some of my work:

What If Fischer Had Played Karpov in 1975?

Top 10 Chess Books

History of Chess

What If Caruana Had Beat Carlsen in 2018?!

Chess Board Dimensions

Bobby Fischer

Anatoly Karpov

Jose Raul Capablanca
Mikhail Botvinnik

Ulf Andersson