Meet Tom Shupe: US Chess Expert and Founder of MVP Chess

Chess Expert Tom Shupe Overcomes Obstacles to Achieve Success in Chess and Coaching

Tom Shupe, a US Chess Expert and the founder of MVP Chess, has a remarkable story of perseverance and success in the world of chess. Despite being introduced to the game at a young age by his father, it wasn’t until he was 28 years old and forced off the squash courts by a disability that he truly delved into competitive play and serious study of chess.

Tom’s journey in chess took him to the iconic Marshall Chess Club in New York City, where he competed in his first over-the-board tournament at the age of 29. While his performance may not have been stellar, the experience of playing at a venue steeped in chess history only fueled his passion for the game even more.

Under the guidance of IM John Bartholomew, Tom underwent a transformative journey in his chess game, learning valuable lessons such as reciprocal thinking. Inspired by his coach, Tom ventured into coaching and Twitch streaming, shaping his chess journey in unexpected ways.

One of the most memorable moments in Tom’s chess career was achieving the title of US Chess Expert at the Arlington Chess Club in January 2020. This milestone was a testament to his dedication and perseverance, balancing his chess pursuits with career and family commitments, as well as navigating life with a physical disability.

As a coach, Tom believes in active learning and personalized game reviews for his students, providing tailored insights to help them maximize their skills efficiently and affordably. He encourages his students to play games between lessons, while he meticulously analyzes those games to offer valuable strategic insights.

While Tom prefers teaching chess online for its efficiency and global reach, he also finds joy in offline teaching within local schools, contributing to the growth of the game in his community. His advice to students and chess players alike is to focus on enjoying the game and letting creative moves flow, rather than getting too caught up in rating numbers.

For those looking to improve their chess skills, Tom recommends Chess.com’s 15+10 rapid games as an ideal online training tool. He also challenges students with puzzles like Richard Reti’s endgame study to gain insight into their analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Tom’s favorite chess book, “Small Steps to Giant Improvement: Master Pawn Play in Chess” by GM Sam Shankland, played a pivotal role in enhancing his game and offers valuable insights into strategic pawn play.

To book a lesson with Tom Shupe, interested individuals can contact him via his Chess.com profile. Tom’s story is a testament to the fact that no age or obstacle is too high to make significant strides in chess, and his coaching philosophy reflects his passion for helping others improve their game.