A look inside GM Shyam Sundar's training camps

Making chess training affordable

If you want to excel in chess, you will sooner or later face the reality that pursuing a chess career is expensive. Coaching fees, tournament travel, and quality training resources add up quickly, making it difficult for many players to reach the top level. Every part of this journey is essential. Considering this, GM Shyam Sundar envisioned Chess Thulir as a space where coaching is provided at affordable rates for players. He truly believes that coaching should not be a privilege; it is a right that should be accessible to all. This belief shapes everything at Chess Thulir.

Shyam Sundar conducts regular training sessions and camps for players across rating groups. Last month, Chess Thulir hosted a series of offline camps in Chennai. To give you a sense of how training is tailored, he has shared four puzzles, one for each rating group from 1400+ to 2300+. Take a moment to solve the one that matches your level.

Puzzle 1

Puzzle 2

Puzzle 3

Puzzle 4

Each of these positions was carefully chosen to match the thinking level of different rating groups, from 1400+ to 2300+. As you go from one to the next, the increase in complexity and depth becomes quite evident. Naturally, training needs evolve as a player progresses. A 1400-rated player might miss one-move tactics. An 1800-rated player may see those patterns but struggle when multiple tactical ideas combine. Stronger players have good tactical vision, but at that stage, the difference between a good result and a great one often comes down to precise technique.

Around a year ago, I wrote an article on his journey. He started playing chess at a young age, became an International Master at 14, and a Grandmaster by 20. Since then, he has spent over a decade working closely with players. Today, he is one of India's reputed coaches. He has made quality training accessible through affordable coaching. This combination of high-level playing experience and a conscious effort to keep training within reach makes his coaching especially valuable for aspiring players. After all, they are learning from someone who understands not just top-level chess, but also the journey it takes to get there.

Here is a list of Shyam Sundar's achievements:

• Gold Medals in Asian Juniors in 2010 and 2011

• Silver Medal in Asian Juniors in 2006

• Bronze Medal in Asian Juniors in 2007

• Silver Medal in the Commonwealth Championship in 2012

• Gold Medal in World Youth Olympiad Team Championship in 2008

• Winner of the Montcada Open in 2017 and 2018

• Winner of Sant Marti Open in 2017

• Joint second place in the Indonesian Open in 2013

• Joint second place in the Hastings Open in 2012

A coach's true measure is not just in personal titles; it is in the players they shape. Over the years, several students who have trained under GM Shyam Sundar at Chess Thulir have gone on to achieve significant milestones.

Camps at Chess Thulir

Chess Thulir conducted a series of structured offline camps for beginners to advanced players throughout February in Chennai. The training happened through analytical discussions, calculation exercises, and the study of instructive tournament games. The sessions focused on fundamental chess concepts such as basic tactics, essential endgames, and developing structured thinking during games.

1. Below 1600 Camp (February 2–3)

The first-rated camp of the month was for players below 1600. Over two days, participants worked on improving calculation skills, positional understanding, and practical middlegame planning. The emphasis was given to building reliable thought processes rather than memorizing deep opening variations.

2. 1800+ Camp (February 4–6)

The next camp, for players rated 1800 and above, ran from February 4 to 6. Participants included Sharvaanica, Abhinav Kuchibotla, Kanishka, Niranjan, Nimalan, Tharshan, and Atharva. Sessions at this level moved beyond basic tactics into deeper middlegame understanding, calculation training, and analysis of critical tournament positions. Shyam Sundar gave a simul to the participants and analysed the games later to identify individual mistakes.

3. 2000+ Camp (February 9–13 & 16–20)

The 2000+ training camp was conducted in two phases, totaling nine days of training. Players from across India like and beyond, participated in this camp. At this level, the training shifted toward advanced positional play, deep calculation exercises, and extensive game analysis aimed at improving practical decision-making during tournaments.

4. 2300+ Camp (February 23–27)

The final camp of the month, for players rated 2300 and above, took place from February 23 to 27. This camp was for serious players who are already strong but need precise technical work to cross the next threshold. The camp focused on advanced endgame techniques, complex positional judgments, and preparation strategies for competitive events.

If, after reading this and going through the photos, you find yourself wanting to be part of such a training environment, then GM Shyam Sundar's camps at Chess Thulir might be worth exploring. You can contact him at chessthulir@gmail.com or +91-9600191670. You can also visit the academy's website here. For regular updates on upcoming camps and training sessions, you can join the Chess Thulir WhatsApp community through this link.

Also... if you found yourself stuck on any of the four positions earlier, here is how they unfold:

Solutions

Puzzle 1

Puzzle 2

Puzzle 3

Puzzle 4

Important links

Chess Thulir Website

Chess Thulir Instagram

Chess Thulir Whatsapp Community

GM Shyam Sundar's mission to make chess training affordable

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