GM Swapnil Dhopade

Hello Friends!
I am an Indian Grandmaster, a professional Chess coach for about 7 years now. I was the coach of the Indian Women's team in the Asian Nations Cup in 2018 and the World Team Chess Championship in 2019.
I was also the coach of one of the youngest Grandmasters in the world Raunak Sadhwani, who became a GM at the age of 13 years and 9 months.
I am the founder of an online Chess academy - Chess Pathshala. I and my entire team of professional coaches train young kids from all over the world through my academy. We have a number of well-designed courses in my academy suitable for different levels of Chess players. Do have a look at these on my website - chesspathshala.in/
If you want to connect with me regarding coaching and other projects by filling the contact form on my website. You can also send me a direct message on Lichess.
You can also follow me on my Youtube Channel - www.youtube.com/channel/UCf-rsuzjRdwuDVDeFJbAdHQ. I stream regularly on my YT channel.
Looking forward to connecting with you!

I have more than 20 years of playing experience.

I am coaching young ambitious chess players for more than 7 years now.
I was the coach of the Indian Women's team.
I was also the coach of one of the youngest Grandmasters in the world Raunak Sadhwani, who became a GM at the age of 13 years and 9 months.

Apart from being a player and a coach, I am also a chess writer and an author.
I have written a book on Petroff Defence. Its name is 'Playing the Petroff'. It's published by Quality Chess Publications.
I have also created a course for Chessable on the Benko Gambit. The name of the course is "Lifetime Repertoires - Benko Gambit".
I have also created repertoires and video series for Modern Chess.

My first priority is always to get to know my student well. Not just in chess but also the strengths and weaknesses in my student's character.
Only when I have clarity about my student, I create a systematic training plan for them. This is also the procedure that all the coaches in my academy apply.
I have created courses and material that I use to target specific weaknesses in my students play. After every class, I make sure to send homework files to students which enhances their learnings from the class.

I always believe that the way you communicate is more important than the quality of your teaching. If you are not a good communicator you will find it tough to explain simple themes to your students. No matter how knowledgeable you are as a coach.
Communication in a friendly manner becomes super important, especially with young chess players.
So my first priority is to teach my students in a friendly way so that they understand the concepts clearly.