FM Dimitrios Papakonstantinou

I was born in 1996 in Thessaloniki, Greece, where my lifelong passion for chess began at the age of six. Alongside my chess career, I pursued academics with the same dedication, earning a degree in mathematics and a master’s in data science.

While studying, I never stopped playing or teaching chess. Competing nationally and internationally has shaped both my character and my approach as a coach, combining analytical precision from mathematics, data-driven problem solving from my academic background, and the creativity and discipline that chess has instilled in me for over two decades.

Today, I balance my roles as a professional coach and competitive player, dedicated to sharing my experience and helping students grow not only as chess players but also as thinkers. Also working as AI researcher in center for research and technology Hellas (CERTH).

I have been passionate about chess since the age of six and quickly rose through the competitive ranks, winning national titles in the U18 (2012) and U20 (2015) categories. Over the years, I have represented my country in prestigious international tournaments across Europe and Asia, including events in Croatia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Georgia, India, and Vietnam.

Competing at this level has given me the chance to face some of the strongest players in the world. One of my most memorable victories came at the 2016 World Junior Championship in India, where I defeated Erigaisi Arjun, who is now among the world’s top grandmasters.

As a coach, I bring this wealth of competitive experience into my teaching. I understand what it takes to succeed at every stage of a player’s development, from building strong fundamentals to preparing for high-level tournaments. My coaching style combines clear instruction, practical strategies, and personalized training plans designed to help each student reach their full potential.

Whether you are a beginner looking to master the basics or an advanced player aiming to sharpen your competitive edge, I am committed to guiding you on your chess journey with professionalism, patience, and passion.

I began teaching chess at the age of 18, starting by preparing my younger teammates for 1st league matches and other team competitions. Since then, I have built extensive coaching experience across clubs, schools, and private lessons. For many years, I served as the head coach of MAPO Keravnos, a team competing in Greece’s top division, before moving on to lead S.O. Aristotelis with a focus on online training.

Currently, I am the head coach of ESTH, the most historic chess club in Thessaloniki and consistently ranked among the top three clubs in Greece. This position allows me to work with ambitious players across all levels, guiding both rising talents and experienced competitors.

My coaching philosophy is centered on practical improvement and competitive readiness, blending structured training with personalized guidance. A key example of this is my student Dimitrios Bozanis, who gained over 200 rating points in just four months of weekly lessons, achieving a 2000+ rating.

Whether teaching beginners or advanced players, I aim to deliver measurable progress, inspire confidence, and help every student realize their full potential.

I am a graduated mathematician specialized in data science. Mathematics and chess have similar structure, each topic helps me with the other. Right now I am working as a research associate in the National Center for Research and Technology (CERTH) in visual computing and AI research.

Key Skills:

Deep Analytical Thinking – Strong ability to break down complex positions and guide students through structured problem-solving.

Patience and Clarity – Ensuring every concept is explained at the right pace, adapted to the student’s level.

Tactical Expertise – Special focus on sharp tactical vision and practical combinations.

Strategic Understanding – Strong foundation in classical and modern strategic principles, enabling long-term planning and positional play.

Opening Preparation – Knowledge of sharp and dynamic openings, integrated with tailored repertoires to match each student’s style.

My teaching philosophy is based on building strong fundamentals while tailoring the training plan to each student’s individual needs. I follow a structured methodology that develops chess understanding step by step:

Endgames First
I believe endgames are the foundation of true chess mastery. By starting here, students gain clarity in calculation, improve their decision-making, and develop a deeper understanding of the game. I rely on proven classics such as Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual to ensure structured and thorough coverage.

Tactics and Calculation
Once solid endgame knowledge is established, I focus on sharpening tactical skills. I provide carefully selected exercises to strengthen calculation accuracy, visualization, and pattern recognition, ensuring students can confidently handle practical positions.

Strategy Through Classical Games
To understand chess at a higher level, we study strategic concepts through classical games. This approach teaches students how great masters approached key themes such as pawn structures, piece activity, and long-term planning.

Openings Tailored to Style
Openings are introduced last, as they are both the most complex and the most personal aspect of chess. I first identify a student’s natural style, whether tactical, positional, or universal—before building a personalized repertoire that fits their strengths. This ensures the opening stage becomes an asset, not just memorization.

Weekly Studies
Every week, I assign a study designed to boost creativity, imagination, and deep calculation skills. These studies are usually linked to the themes we are currently covering, making the learning process more engaging and effective.

Above all, I adapt my methodology to the unique needs and goals of each student. Whether preparing for tournaments, striving for rating milestones, or simply seeking to enjoy the richness of chess, I ensure every lesson brings clear progress and long-term growth.