TheGandhiOfChess

About me

Hello! My name is André Sousa and I am 24 years old, from Portugal. I have a Masters in Electrical Engineering, but I am a chess professional, coach and player, and it is my passion to play and understand chess better and to pass that knowledge to the people around me.

Playing Experience

I started learning chess when I was around 4 years old, but my first official tournament was the youth district championship under 8, which I won at age 7. I have played many tournaments, both in Portugal and internationally, and my biggest wins and achievements could be:

- youngest Portuguese International Master ever
- youngest Portuguese Classical National champion ever
- 5 times Portuguese Classical Champion
- youngest Portuguese Blitz national champion ever
- 2 times Portuguese Blitz national champion
- 1 time Portuguese Rapid national champion
- 2 times Galician Champion with the team "Ourense Chess Club"

I also have a lot of experience gained by playing a World Cup, 3 Olympiads, 4 European Individual Championships and many Youth European Championships. My best classical win was obtained against GM Gadir Guseinov (rated 2661 at the time) and the best draw against Ivanchuk (who does not need any introduction). I am also the player who drew Carlsen in his infamous banter blitz where he exclaimed " This is the dumbest move I've ever seen!"

Teaching Experience

I have been coaching for the past 9 years, though much more seriously only for the last 3. I have worked with players from the Portuguese Olympic girls team, which became WFMs, some players that have improved but not at the national stage, and I am currently coaching a group of promising young portuguese talents, among others.

Some of my best students who have been showing big improvements are:

ratings.fide.com/profile/1971344
ratings.fide.com/profile/1945130
ratings.fide.com/profile/1969420
ratings.fide.com/profile/1966677
ratings.fide.com/profile/1966260
ratings.fide.com/profile/1954342

Teaching Methodology

My lessons are mainly going through your games and discussing the various chess questions that come by. If there are no games, I discuss with you instructive positions / games, targeted at your own weaknesses.

I can also help with opening preparation, but in my opinion I suggest that this should not be the focus of our cooperation. I think that openings are rather easier to study alone, and it is much more important to use your time (and money!) to discuss chess with me, rather than going through opening lines. I can help with choosing openings though, as that is not very trivial.

I give weekly homework as well for you to work on your own

Send me a message if you are interested in playing chess better!