papakwnnov

Playing Experience
I have been playing chess since the age of six, and I began participating in national tournaments one year later. Every year, except one, I ranked among the top six players, securing four first-place finishes. My experience includes participation in numerous European and world events held in Croatia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Georgia, India, and Vietnam. I travel extensively for tournaments, particularly to Serbia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia. My most memorable victory was against Erigaisi Arjun at the 2016 World Junior Chess Championship in India.

Teaching Experience
I have been teaching chess since the age of 18, though I began preparing younger teammates while competing in first-league and other team events. I served as head coach of the MAPO KERAVNOS team, which has played in the first league for many years, and I have also provided private lessons and taught school chess classes. Currently, I am head coach of a new team, S.O. ARISTOTELIS, focusing primarily on online lessons. My greatest coaching achievement has been guiding Dimitrios Bozanis, who reached a 2000 rating after just four months of weekly lessons, gaining 200 rating points.

Other Experiences
I hold a degree in mathematics with a specialization in data science. Mathematics and chess share a similar structure, and I find that each discipline enhances my understanding of the other. Presently, I also teach robotics, STEM, and various school subjects to young students.

Key Skills
My strongest skills, both as a player and a teacher, are deep analytical thinking and patience.

Teaching Methodology
In my view, endgames are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of chess, so I prioritize this area with a structured methodology drawn from classic resources such as Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual. Once a strong foundation in endgames is established, I shift the focus to tactical skills, emphasizing exercises that foster clarity and depth in calculation. Strategic concepts are then introduced, often through classical games, and the fundamentals of chess openings are covered afterward. I introduce openings last, as this is a challenging area that benefits from first identifying the student’s playing style before recommending a specific repertoire.

To enhance creativity and pattern recognition, I assign a weekly study related to the current topic we are covering. Naturally, my teaching methodology is adapted to meet each student’s unique needs and goals.