By Amy Licht
Photo courtesy of BASIS Chandler
BASIS Chandler senior Sandeep Sethuraman has been playing competitive chess since he was 8 years old. Now, he’s the captain of the chess team at BASIS Chandler and is an International Master—the second-highest title awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Sandeep became an International Master last year. Since then, he’s continued to compete in state, national, and world championships, all while coaching his fellow players at BASIS Chandler.
“The chess community at BASIS Chandler is very tight knit, and I’ve learned so much by being a player and a coach here,” Sandeep says. “I’ve learned to never underestimate my opponents, and to always give my teammates the best possible scenarios for success.”
In August 2023, a cover story written by Sandeep was published in “Chess Life” magazine, the official magazine of the United States Chess Federation. In his article, Sandeep writes about what it means to win and lose at highly competitive national events.
“Being recognized in ‘Chess Life is amazing,’” says Sandeep. “That magazine reaches over a quarter million people every month. So, to have my article published and have people read and learn from my analysis, that’s a great feeling.”
