Straight answers from FIDE Trainer Hemal Thanki and the Apex team on starting age, coaching, tournaments and how we train, at our Vejalpur and South Bopal branches in Ahmedabad and online.
Research shows that different players excel at different ages. Some started early (e.g., Capablanca at 4, Euwe at 5) and peaked in their 20s, while others started later (e.g., Kasparov at 10, Lasker at 12) and still became legends.
Absolutely! We welcome players of all levels, from beginners to advanced players. Our structured curriculum ensures that even beginners can quickly grasp the fundamentals and progress systematically.
A good coach should encourage independent learning, continuously upgrade their skills, and understand the child's psychology. They should provide learning materials and focus on long-term growth rather than short-term results.
APEX Chess Academy emphasizes six key Indian teaching techniques for chess calculation, including pattern recognition, quick observation, and opening preparation, ensuring well-rounded player development.
Yes, APEX Chess Academy offers both online and offline coaching sessions. Our online classes are interactive and designed to provide the same learning experience as in-person coaching.
Read how our online chess classes work, or see the weekly online & offline batch schedule on the Vejalpur branch page.
We track student progress through periodic assessments, tournament performance analysis, and practice session reviews. Regular feedback is given to help students improve their weaknesses.
We provide PGN files containing analyzed games, puzzles, and exercises for students to practice. These files help players review and improve their gameplay with detailed move-by-move insights. Additionally, students can access resources and weekly study material through our official website.
If your goal is to gain 400 rating points in a year, it's advisable to play tournaments where the average rating is slightly above yours. This means playing around 10 tournaments a year, one per month.
There are two types of stress: eustress (positive, boosts performance) and distress (negative, affects mental well-being). Players should learn to embrace tournament pressure while avoiding prolonged distress after losses.
We have two branches in Ahmedabad. Vejalpur: 16/B, Jaltarang Society, Near Police Chowky, Jivraj Park, Vejalpur. South Bopal: SF-224, Gala Hub, Beside Honest Garden Restaurant, South Bopal. You can also train online from anywhere in the world.
Batches and fees: Vejalpur branch · South Bopal branch · Directions on Google Maps
Message us on WhatsApp at +91 88668 88640 to book a free demo class. Not sure which level or batch fits? Attend one session and meet the coach, at Vejalpur, South Bopal or online.
It is our online training platform for enrolled students: a structured weekly plan with curated tactical and strategic puzzles, blindfold and MCQ assignments, analyzed games with integrated Stockfish review, a playing module, and scorecards and progress reports for every student.
Yes. Send your PGN, scoresheet photo or game link by email or WhatsApp, and the coach annotates it move by move: critical moments, missed ideas and a short list of what to train next. It is open to Apex students and outside players.
How it works and the fee per game: Chess game analysis
