Insights from FM Gauri Shankar on 1000GM's Mission, Norm Tournaments, and Chess Opportunities
Coach Q: Welcome to the 1000 GM Player Profiles! I'm Coach Q, and today we have FM Gauri Shankar with us. How are you feeling today, Gauri?
Gauri: I'm doing well, thank you for having me on the show.
Coach Q: It's a pleasure to have you here. Let's start with a few questions about 1000 GM. What do you see as their mission?
Gauri: From my perspective, 1000 GM aims to provide opportunities for aspiring players to achieve their international master and grandmaster norms. They want to make it more accessible for players in the United States to participate in high-quality tournaments without the financial burdens associated with travel and entry fees.
Coach Q: How do you think this mission will impact the chess scene?
Gauri: I believe it will have a significant impact. By organizing these norm tournaments every weekend, 1000 GM creates a more competitive environment, raising the level of play in the American chess scene. It gives players a chance to train and prepare for these events, ultimately improving their skills and ratings.
Coach Q: Have you participated in norm tournaments before? If so, what was your experience like?
Gauri: Yes, I have played in several norm tournaments. I often compete in the ones held in Charlotte, as they are well-organized and offer a great playing environment. Norm tournaments provide a higher level of competition compared to regular weekend events, and they require players to bring their best game to the board.
Coach Q: How much money have you spent on norm tournaments in the past?
Gauri: It varies from tournament to tournament, but the expenses can add up significantly. Entry fees, travel costs, accommodation, and other expenses can easily amount to thousands of dollars. It can be a financial burden for players and their families, especially when multiple norm tournaments need to be attended to achieve the desired title.
Coach Q: Do you think there is systemic discrimination in chess towards financially privileged players when it comes to norm opportunities?
Gauri: Unfortunately, financial privilege does play a role in accessing norm opportunities. Not everyone can afford the costs associated with traveling and participating in these tournaments. It creates a disparity where players with more financial resources have better chances to pursue their norms compared to those with limited means. However, I'm glad to see organizations like 1000 GM working to address this issue and make norm tournaments more accessible.
Coach Q: How important is the concept of quality in norm tournaments, specifically round-robin events?
Gauri: Quality is crucial in norm tournaments, especially in round-robin events. The caliber of players is generally higher, and the level of preparation is more intense. This pushes players to bring their best game and raises the overall quality of play. It creates a challenging and rewarding environment for participants, enhancing their chess skills and offering valuable learning experiences.
Coach Q: It's fascinating to hear about your experiences in norm tournaments. You mentioned that you obtained your first IM norm in 2009. Can you share more about that?
Gauri: Absolutely. It was quite an interesting experience. I played in one of the norm tournaments organized by a local organizer in Chicago. Back then, my family couldn't afford much, and I even remember taking the bus to the tournament venue because we didn't have a car. Despite the lack of preparation and financial constraints, I managed to achieve my first IM norm, which was a pleasant surprise.
Coach Q: That's remarkable! And you mentioned you got your second IM norm in 2011. Did you approach that tournament differently?
Gauri: Not really. My second norm also happened in a similar fashion. I didn't have much time for preparation as I was busy with school and other commitments. My brother and I would work multiple jobs to make ends meet, and we would play the tournament without much sleep. It was a challenging time, but we were driven by our love for chess and determination to pursue our goals.
Coach Q: It's incredible how you managed to achieve norms despite the obstacles you faced. What happened after obtaining your norms? Did you continue playing in norm tournaments?
Gauri: Surprisingly, after getting my norms, I didn't participate in many tournaments. Financial limitations and other life circumstances forced me to take a break from competitive chess. I focused on my education and pursued other job opportunities to make a living. It wasn't until later, when I became a chess coach almost by accident, that I reconnected with the chess world.
Coach Q: That's fascinating. How did you transition into coaching?
Gauri: After graduating from community college, I started coaching as a means to make a living. Initially, I took up various odd jobs like waiting tables and driving for Uber. But coaching gradually became my main source of income as I found joy in helping students improve their chess skills. The positive feedback from parents and seeing my students succeed motivated me to pursue coaching full-time.
Coach Q: Balancing coaching and personal chess growth can be challenging. How do you manage your time between coaching and your own chess development?
Gauri: It's undoubtedly a balancing act. I have multiple roles, including teaching chess in schools, providing personal coaching, and streaming on Twitch. Teaching in schools is fulfilling as it helps children develop their cognitive skills and boosts their confidence. Personal coaching allows me to work closely with students to help them reach their goals. And streaming allows me to engage with a broader audience and share my love for chess. It's a hectic schedule, but I believe it's possible to continue my own chess journey while also coaching others.
Coach Q: That's commendable. How has coaching influenced your own chess growth?
Gauri: Coaching has had a significant impact on my chess development. Teaching chess to others helps me reinforce my own understanding of the game. It forces me to stay up-to-date with chess theory and constantly seek ways to improve. Additionally, observing my students' progress and witnessing their successes is incredibly rewarding and keeps my passion for chess alive.
Coach Q: Lastly, what are your aspirations for the future, both as a coach and as a player?
Gauri: As a coach, I aim to continue making a positive impact on the lives of my students. Seeing them grow and succeed brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
Coach Q: Thank you, Gauri, for joining us today and sharing your thoughts on these important topics.
Dive into the world of chess with FM Gauri Shankar! Discover 1000GM's mission, Norm Tournaments, and endless chess opportunities.
Srikanth Bangalore