Magnus Carlsen Praises RB Ramesh: How the Indian Coach Trained Chess Stars

Recently, Magnus Carlsen, the current world number one, praised the exceptional calculation skills of Indian chess players. He particularly highlighted the work of coach RB Ramesh, who has significantly contributed to the development of young talents like Praggnanandhaa R and Vaishali.

RB Ramesh, a former grandmaster and respected coach, has shaped the careers of many young Indian chess players. His unique training methods have yielded extraordinary results. Carlsen himself noted, "The kids trained by Ramesh are very calculation-based," adding that his approach is key to their success.

Praggnanandhaa, now an eighteen-year-old chess prodigy, described one of Ramesh's intense training methods: "We created a position on the board and started calculating from there. We were past move 15, but the pieces stayed in the same position. We had to visualize all the lines in our minds and find good moves." This method significantly improved their ability to handle complex positions and prepared them for challenging games.

In an earlier interview, Ramesh explained the logic behind these exercises: "We do a lot of training without moving the pieces on the board. Most players train by moving pieces, but that doesn't improve their visualization skills. That's why Pragg is probably the best among all players of his generation when it comes to visualization."

Praggnanandhaa's journey to the top of the FIDE World Cup 2023 in Azerbaijan was marked by several significant victories, including wins over the world number two and three, Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana. His coach, RB Ramesh, provided a technical analysis of his performance: "Prag outplayed the world number two and three. On this journey, he did a couple of key things incredibly well. One is his endgame, and the other is how he defended a bad position."

Ramesh emphasized that the ability to defend bad positions and fight for every half-point is crucial: "When you play a lot of games, you make mistakes and end up in bad positions frequently. Prag defended those positions and fought back to salvage multiple half-points to claw back into the game. This is very crucial, and I think he did it really well."

Thanks to these skills and training methods, Praggnanandhaa has become a national hero and a role model for young chess players in India. His achievements and incredible talent are proof that under the guidance of a great coach like RB Ramesh, young players can reach the pinnacle of world chess.

What is Blindfold Training?

Blindfold chess is a method where a player analyzes and plays games without visual contact with the board and pieces. Instead, all moves and positions must be kept in the player's mind. This training method is challenging but very effective for developing a range of skills crucial for success in chess.

Why is Blindfold Training Beneficial?

1. Improves Visualization: Blindfold training forces players to visualize the board and piece movements in their minds, enhancing their ability to see several moves ahead and consider different variations.

2. Strengthens Memory: Players must keep the board position in their heads throughout the game, which significantly improves their memory and ability to recall various tactical and strategic motifs.

3. Increases Concentration: Without visual aids, players must fully focus on the game, leading to better attention and concentration during actual matches.

4. Develops Analytical Skills: Players are compelled to analyze positions and plan moves based solely on their internal mental image, improving their analytical skills and ability to quickly identify key positions.

How to Properly Conduct Blindfold Training?

1. Start Simple: Begin with small sections of games or simple positions with fewer pieces. Gradually increase the complexity as you become more confident in visualizing these smaller positions.

2. Use Aids: Computer programs and apps can be helpful for beginners. There are tools that allow blindfold play by showing only the moves, not the board.

3. Practice Regularly: Regular practice is key to success. Dedicate part of your training time exclusively to blindfold games to improve your visualization and concentration skills.

4. Analyze Games: After each blindfold game, return to the board and analyze how well you kept track of the position. Identify mistakes and areas for improvement.

5. Work with a Coach: If possible, work with a coach who can provide feedback and advice on how to effectively train blindfold. An experienced coach like RB Ramesh can suggest specific exercises and drills tailored to your needs.

Blindfold training is challenging but immensely beneficial. Thanks to this method, players like Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali have become more capable of handling complex positions and maintaining a high level of play even under pressure.