FGM's criteria for student selection.

Here.

FGM's new motto.

Norlito posted this on his facebook and I couldn't agree more. So henceforth this will be our guiding philosophy and "motto".

It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
- Theodore Roosevelt

FGM Chess Camp.

Introduction: After our preliminary discussion on FGM's methods thus far, Norlito showed us his training methods into developing FM Paulo Bersamina into one of Asia's and Asean's strongest Junior from 8 up to the age of 15yo. Ref: here. See also our new team members on the side bar for profiles.

Norlito giving a short talk on strategy and correct thinking while playing on the board.

Norlito to Mark. Show me what you've got. 

Norlito on understanding deep position drills. Marks are given for understanding.

Competitor analysis. The boys helping each other prepare their opening lines against specific type of players. Here FGM was able to contribute some insights.

 Endgame drills.

Blindfold chess training with Mineth, the host of our chess camp.

Further detailing with Norlito checking on opening preparation.

Blitz training

Note: The training covered 8 days, morning, afternoon and night. So the photos are representative and many exercises were repeated in different positions in order to drill the lessons in. After the sessions we got a much better understanding on why The Philippines has 18 GMs and we have none. So after much discussion in collaboration, Norlito has joined FGM to bring our new and we believe improved, combined training methods to Malaysian competitors who are looking for International success. 

Fair warning. The training is very tough and not suitable for the faint hearted and the back door boys.

Related articles. Here.  And Here.

FGM Chess Academy re-opens for 2013.

With a new team, new courses and chess camps, FGM has started taking new students. Please stay posted for updates. More will come. Go to our team to see the new team. In the interim as we are updating please call Raymond Siew at 0165117308 for more information.

FGM 2012 Direction.

FGM has decided to focus purely on last mile activities from this year onwards. That means our concentration is to find ways and means to bring forth more FM's, IM's and our own GM. More will be announced later.

Special Announcement

First GM conducts training for ASEAN sponsored by Air Asia. Please read here

Special Announcement

Please take note that the partners have decided to close the Ipoh branch at the end of May due to unforeseen circumstances. Our apologies. First GM is currently in discussion to open up in KL. You will be kept posted.