FM Derek Wu
Motivation should come from love for the game.
| Location |  United States |
|---|---|
| Languages | English (US), 中文 |
| Rating | 301126322242 |
| Hourly rate | 70 USD |
| Availability | Accepting students |
| Active |
About me
Hi! My name is Derek Wu, and I’m a FIDE Master from the United States. I’ve been passionate about chess since childhood, and I love helping others unlock their potential on the board.
Playing experience
Began playing tournaments at age 8, with 14+ years of competitive experience
Consistently active in strong events across the U.S. and internationally
Deep knowledge of opening theory, practical middlegame planning, and endgame technique
Consistently active in strong events across the U.S. and internationally
Deep knowledge of opening theory, practical middlegame planning, and endgame technique
Teaching experience
7+ years of private coaching with students ranging from beginners to advanced club players
Taught at numerous chess camps as an assistant coach, working with players of all ages and varying levels of experience
Experience with private lessons, group lessons, and training games (students pick the opening)
Taught at numerous chess camps as an assistant coach, working with players of all ages and varying levels of experience
Experience with private lessons, group lessons, and training games (students pick the opening)
Other experiences
Worked closely with fellow titled players and coaches, gaining insight into elite training methods
Played and trained in high-level chess environments, bringing tournament-tested methods into my lessons
Former Twitch chess streamer — built an online community by teaching, analyzing games, and interacting live with players of all levels. This sharpened my ability to explain concepts in a clear, engaging, and interactive way.
Played and trained in high-level chess environments, bringing tournament-tested methods into my lessons
Former Twitch chess streamer — built an online community by teaching, analyzing games, and interacting live with players of all levels. This sharpened my ability to explain concepts in a clear, engaging, and interactive way.
Best skills
Identifying and improving a student’s weak areas while building on their natural strengths
Creating personalized study plans that balance openings, tactics, strategy, and endgames
Helping students develop not just moves, but a structured thought process that improves consistency
Creating personalized study plans that balance openings, tactics, strategy, and endgames
Helping students develop not just moves, but a structured thought process that improves consistency
Teaching methodology
My coaching philosophy is about building independent thinkers at the board. Engines can always tell you the best move, but they won’t teach you why it’s the best move or how to discover it in your own games. That’s where I come in — helping students understand the ideas behind the moves so they can consistently find strong plans themselves.
I believe improvement comes from striking a balance: strengthening weaknesses without abandoning strengths. Every player has a unique style, and my role as a coach is to sharpen that style while guiding students through the areas that hold them back.
Above all, my goal is to help students grow into confident, well-rounded players who not only achieve results but also develop a lifelong love for chess.
I believe improvement comes from striking a balance: strengthening weaknesses without abandoning strengths. Every player has a unique style, and my role as a coach is to sharpen that style while guiding students through the areas that hold them back.
Above all, my goal is to help students grow into confident, well-rounded players who not only achieve results but also develop a lifelong love for chess.