ChessMood Podcast On the Road to the Top 50 in the World | GM Bassem Amin on ChessMood Podcast
Dec 2, 2023
Grandmaster Bassem Amin, an Egyptian chess prodigy, rose to prominence as an FM by 11, an IM by 16, and a GM by 18. He shares intriguing insights about balancing a medical career with professional chess and the invaluable lessons learned from his military service. Bassem reveals how he adjusted his training to target a 2,700 rating and what propelled him into the world's top 50 players. With a focus on perseverance and mentorship, he offers aspiring chess players his top advice for achieving their dreams.
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Bassem's Early Breakthrough
- Bassem Amin surprised many at age 16 at the World Junior Championship by contending with top players despite limited exposure.
- His solid performance without extensive support defied expectations from a non-chess-centric country.
Bassem's Chess Origins
- Bassem began chess at five and a half, taught by his father who recognized early talent.
- He self-trained after initial coaching in Egypt, progressing through local tournaments to Arab championships.
Self-Study Fueled Growth
- Early chess training in Egypt lacked abundant coaching resources, making self-study and computers crucial.
- Programs like City Chess Art revolutionized his training by providing structured problem-solving practice.