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GM GrandmasterThinking Lichess coach picture

GM Davorin Kuljasevic

With dedication and persistence, improvement is inevitable.

LocationPlovdiv Bulgaria
LanguagesEnglish (US), Hrvatski, български език
RatingFIDE: 2539
Hourly rate$120/hr ; Prepaid block discounts are possible
AvailabilityAccepting students
Active

About me

Grandmaster and FIDE trainer, rated 2539 FIDE, 37 years old.
Born in Zagreb, Croatia. Currently living in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
I offer chess lessons and coaching to those serious about improving their game (minimum 1600 ELO FIDE). I like to share my knowledge and passion for chess to help students improve.
If interested, please contact me at: dkuljasevic@gmail.com.

Playing experience

Top competitive achievements:
- 4th place in World Youth U16 in 2002
- Winner of international tournaments: SPICE Spring 2011, Zupanja 2011, Mediteran 2011, Split 2013, Castelfranco 2014;
- Team achievements: Mitropa Cup team 1st place with Croatian national team in 2004, 2013 and 2017; US Chess league: 1st place in 2007 and 2008 with Dallas Destiny; multiple winner of Croatian cup and 1st league with teams 'Mladost' Zagreb and 'Liburnija' Rijeka

Teaching experience

I have 16 years of coaching experience.
Some of my current/former students are: GM Sankalp Gupta, GM Visakh Narayanan, GM Vignesh Narayanan, IM Poh, Yu Tian, IM Vedant Panesar, IM Kevin Wang, IM Jadranko Plenca, and IM Dante Beukes.
I worked as a Junior chess coach at Dubai Chess and Culture Club from 2015-2017, where I also received my FIDE Trainer (FT) title in 2016.
Worked as a coach of Finland men's and women's national teams from 2019-2021.
I have published instructive chess content in collaboration with New in Chess, Chessable, chess.com, Chessbase, Modern chess, thechessworld.com, Internet Chess Club (ICC), and Forward Chess.

Other experiences

I graduated with a Masters degree in Finance from Texas Tech University in 2011. I got my undergraduate degree in Finance and Operations Management from University of Texas at Dallas in 2009.
I was editor-in-chief of 'Sahovski glasnik' (Chess Herald), the official monthly chess magazine of the Croatian Chess Federation from 2013 to 2015.
In 2014, I hosted the TV show 'Sahovski Komentar' ('Chess commentary') on Croatian National Television, aimed at popularizing chess among chess enthusiasts and broader audience.
Author of bestselling books 'How to Study Chess on Your Own' and 'Beyond Material'. My newest books are 'The How to Study Chess on Your Own Workbook', Volumes 1 and 2, and Ding Liren's Best Games, all published by New In Chess.

Best skills

1. In-depth game analysis, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and creating study plans
2. Calculation improvement (especially visualization)
3. Awareness of opponent's resources - development of prophylactic thinking
4. Understanding of typical middlegame positions, pawn structures, and plans
5. Endgame technique

Teaching methodology

1. Analyzing student's games in depth
2. Focusing on areas that need improvement
3. Improving student's understanding and analytical skills through joint analysis
4. Personalized homework exercises
5. Opening databases for student's opening repertoire
6. Suggesting high-quality chess books, online training resources and self-study methods
7. Monitoring student's progress, providing feedback, designing study and tournament plans

YouTube videos