Arush Singh

What do you think makes you a good coach?

Even though I haven’t held a formal coaching role before, I believe I would be a good coach because I’m patient, clear in my explanations, and genuinely passionate about chess. As the Chess Club Captain at my high school, I helped organise games and support other students, which gave me experience guiding others in an informal leadership role.

When helping friends or discussing games, I focus on breaking ideas down simply and making sure they understand the reasoning behind moves—not just what to play. I aim to create a supportive environment where improvement feels achievable.

What are your key strengths?

My key strengths are patience, strategic thinking, leadership, and communication. Being Chess Club Captain helped me develop responsibility and the ability to support and motivate others. Chess has also strengthened my problem-solving skills and my ability to think ahead before making decisions.

I stay calm under pressure and focused, which is important both in competition and when guiding others.

Why do you love Chess?

I love chess because of its depth and strategy. Every game is different, and there is always something new to learn. I enjoy the challenge of planning ahead, spotting tactics, and thinking creatively. The feeling of finding a strong move after careful calculation is very rewarding—and that’s what keeps me motivated to keep improving.

When/how did you first learn to play?

I first learned to play about four years ago, when a friend who already knew chess taught me the basics. At first, I was learning the rules and how the pieces move, but as we kept playing, I became more interested in the strategy behind the game. Over time, I began focusing more seriously on improving by learning tactics and analysing positions more deeply.

Why do you enjoy working with kids?

I enjoy working with kids because they are naturally curious and enthusiastic when they discover something they enjoy. It’s rewarding to see someone understand a new concept and grow in confidence. I’m patient and supportive, and I like helping others realise that improvement comes from practice and learning from mistakes.

What are your main Chess achievements?

One of my main achievements was winning 6 out of 6 games in an interschool chess tournament. That experience gave me confidence and showed me the importance of focus and consistency.

Serving as Chess Club Captain at my high school is also something I’m proud of, as it allowed me to take on leadership responsibilities and support other players. Alongside that, I’m proud of the steady progress I’ve made over the past four years and my commitment to continuous improvement.

How do you think Chess helps kids?

Chess helps kids develop critical thinking, concentration, patience, and decision-making skills. It teaches them to think ahead and consider consequences before acting. It also builds resilience, because losing a game encourages reflection and improvement rather than giving up. These are skills that benefit them both academically and personally.