If we're talking about opening preparation, then the Netherlands' Grandmaster Max Warmerdam is a guy you want on your side.
He may look like your typical brainy student, who studies economics in Tilburg University. But Max was the "secret weapon" of super-grandmasters from his country...until his popularity skyrocketed in the first half of 2021.
First, Max scored the Grandmaster-title by winning the Vergani Cup in January.
Not only did he run away with the tournament, with a score of 7/9 and a performance rating of 2639. He also played a crazy game in round three, which Youtube chess celebrity Agadmator dubbed as "the greatest queen sacrifice" of the year.
But it was in the 83rd Tata Steel Masters - an annual and local super-GM tournament - that Max stole the spotlight.
Thanks to Max's opening expertise and foresight, Dutch number two Jorden van Foreest won the tournament...making him the first Dutch winner of the Wijk aan Zee tournament since 1985.
"I have to give a big shoutout to my second, GM Max Warmerdam," said van Foreest who went undefeated — in no small part — because of his Warmerdam-powered openings.
News of Max's stellar preparation spread far and wide. Soon, he found himself working with four-time Dutch champion Anish Giri for the Candidates Tournament 2021.
Anish did not win the event. But his strong showing against seven 2700-grandmasters and title contenders helped cement Max's reputation as a reliable second.
Max Warmerdam has become too popular to still be called a "secret weapon." But what you may not know yet is that he's also a fantastic teacher.
During the World Online School Chess Tournament 2020, Max treated participants to a series of hour-long masterclasses. Many of which earned positive reviews and engagement from viewers.
As a coach, students give Max 10 out of 10. They just LOVE his patient explanation of advanced concepts...allowing them to "see" through the eyes of a grandmaster and play like one.
Imagine our delight when Max became an author for Chessable. And if you only give his courses a try, YOU will be delighted, too!
