IM Paulo Bersamina

What do you think makes you a good coach?

I think my experience as a player immensely helped me as a coach. It can help me understand certain situations where my students have some difficulties. 

What are your key strengths?

I am very patient when coaching students. I can also teach calculation techniques well.

Why do you love Chess?

It makes me feel good when I play especially when I win. It brings out my competitive spirit. 

When/how did you first learn to play?

I learned chess when I was four. My father taught me how to play; I usually play with my brothers around that time.

Why do you enjoy working with kids?

I feel good when I inspire kids to become better players. I also like sharing my knowledge and seeing them being used by my students.

What are your main Chess achievements?

I played in three Chess Olympiads (2014, 2016, 2022). I am also an Asian Indoor Games Silver Medalist. From age 8 to 20, I usually win Gold Medals in South East Asian Age Group Championships. 

How do you think Chess helps kids?

Discipline, Decision Making, Patience. When kids have a regular training regimen, it can help them to become more disciplined. Evaluating the positions and analyzing the risks can help them in their decision-making in life. Playing long-time controls encourages kids to assess, analyze, and calculate the possibilities in a given position, I think patience is being trained when this occurs.