MARK RUBERY CHESS

On the with Chessbase perhaps website the ‘World’s Alisa strongest Melekhina chess conducted trainer’- an Vladimir interview Chuchelov. The Russian GM who now resides in Belgium has coached top players such as Loek Van Wely, Teimour Radjabov, Anish Giri, Fabiano Caruana and was mentor to Hou Yifan, the top women’s player in the world. Here follow a few extracts on the method of coaching chess at the highest level… AM: Did you consider applying your training methods to improving your own chess?

VC: Unfortunately, it was too late. I actually realized that in fact I was never a real professional player. Being “professional” requires a totally different set-up and approach to training. I had only a very vague idea at that time. AM: What is your method to improving your students’ chess? VC: It always starts with a 60-hour course called “Strategic balance.” All my Students are familiar with it. Then we begin routine work such as analyzing games, working on your opening repertoire, and having calculation sessions. You have to be focused, motivated and willing to work hard. Learning to work efficiently is what counts the most. There is no one formula for success – it depends on each individual player. Everyone has different weaknesses that must be tuned. AM: By “focus,” do you mean that one must study solely chess?

VC: Not necessarily, but when you are studying chess, you must focus purely on chess. It cannot be half-half. Only then you can be efficient. AM: How did you begin working with Fabiano Caruana?

VC: I met Fabiano’s father during the 2010 European Championships. I was there with another of my star students, Anish Giri. There were not many spectators and while waiting for the end of the round, I talked to Fabiano’s father occasionally. A few weeks later I got an invitation to come over to Lugano, Switzerland. It seemed that Fabiano enjoyed the training sessions. However, Fabiano was not very trusting of a new trainer, so I had to prove my authority. In the end, it worked out well. At first, I assisted him only at major tournaments, but for the past two years I have assisted him at nearly all of them. AM: Describe the preparation process between you and Fabiano.

VC: There is some misconception about preparation at the top level. It doesn’t have to be long it has to be efficient, right to the point. Of course it doesn’t always go that way, but it is the right direction, less is always better. This wisdom I managed to pick up still making my first steps, working with Loek Van Wely. It has to be balanced. A player needs to preserve energy for the game, do not prepare for one game as for three. AM: Do you have a routine for the tournament? VC: In the evening after the round we try to relax, maybe go for a walk and discuss the game, thinking about what is next, what our options are for the next game. In the morning we work for 2 - 2.5 hours, then have lunch and the round starts. Time passes quickly at these events. AM: While watching the games live, what is going on in your mind?

VC: I try to keep a distance and not to get involved, but it’s not that easy.

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