Ukraine has produced some of the most creative and aggressive chess players in history. The Lviv region, in particular, is the hometown of legends such as Vasyl Ivanchuk, Alexander Beliavsky, and the Muzychuk sisters, Anna and Mariya. It was in this rich chess tradition that GM Volodymyr Vetoshko developed his dynamic and uncompromising playing style.

A product of the highly competitive Lviv chess scene, Vetoshko studied with renowned Ukrainian grandmasters Vladimir Grabinsky, Mykhaylo Olekseenko, and Adrian Mikhalchishin. Steeped in a culture that valued chess battles and deep calculations, he amassed an impressive list of junior accomplishments including five national titles and a silver medal at the Under-10 European Championships.

These early successes laid the foundation for his continued ascent. Then, at the age of 19, he became a grandmaster.

Today, Vetoshko channels his experience into his work as a coach, helping players from around the world develop sharper tactical instincts and a more confident approach to the game. In parallel, he is also the author of Chessable, where he distills his practical and combat philosophy into an opening course designed specifically for faster time control.

In this interview, Vetoshko shares practical tips for chess developers.

What is your chess training philosophy?

I believe every chess player is unique and therefore requires an individual approach. An improvement program that provides a big boost to one student may be ineffective for another student.

I always try to find out my students’ weaknesses and strengths, the types of positions they prefer (open/closed, dynamic/static, complex/simple, etc.) and we work accordingly: building a suitable opening repertoire, increasing the understanding of the positions they struggle with, discussing appropriate decision-making processes and many other things.

At the same time, there are a series of things that everyone needs to do consistently (like calculations, for example).

Suppose a player only has 3 hours a week to practice chess. How should they spend their time?

To be clear: it’s quite difficult to dedicate 3 hours a week significantly to chess training (if you have strong ambitions), but if you just love chess and want to improve it gradually, of course it’s still possible! And the plan in this case should be as simple as possible.

1) Complete the tactics at the start of the training session! Usually the game is decided by mistakes so tactics are the most important. And it’s a great warm-up too! Like stretching for an athlete before a match 🙂

2) Play online games (fast or at least lightning gradually) and make sure you analyze them immediately afterward. Remember, the most important mistake is the first one you make! Because you will most likely get the same opening position on the board in the future and you need to know whether you stick with the same approach or deviate. And most importantly, try to understand why!

3) Choose a simple opening repertoire that you like and stick with it; if you encounter a line you don’t know – add it to your repertoire after the game. Review your repertoire from time to time.

What are the biggest improvement factors for players under 1200 (Chess.com)? Under 2000?

For players under 1200 on Chess.com, the biggest factor is simple: tactics, tactics, tactics. In this Under 1200: learn the basic principles of chess and of course tactics, tactics, tactics! At this stage, 99% of matches are decided by gross tactical errors. Develop your combinational vision by solving numerous puzzles; pay attention to hanging pieces in each game (look for double attacks and defend your pieces). Stick to a simple opening repertoire where you experience a natural progression.

As we get closer to 2000, it becomes more important to improve other areas as well (position play, end game, and building a deeper opening repertoire). However, calculations are still important!

What is your preferred way to improve your skills at opening? What chess opening approaches are you trying to teach your students?

Apart from simply memorizing the lines, it is also important to understand the idea behind the moves and know the plan in the middle of the game.

I build my repertoire according to my preferences and style. I would find games in the database played by opening experts in a particular area of ​​interest and analyze them. Another important thing is to follow the latest matches from top tournaments. There are so many new things and interesting ideas being implemented! If I see some new approach in an opening I’m playing, I’ll analyze it with the engine a little deeper and add it to my existing repertoire as an alternative. And I can use it in my OTB tournaments, surprising my opponents! The element of surprise is very important in chess today.

Plus, there are so many great courses available at each opening, you just choose the course you like and learn! But afterwards I still recommend expanding your knowledge by going through the masters’ games annotated in the opening (the more the merrier!), trying to understand the ideas and plans throughout the game.

It is important to practice the lines you learn in online games. You will get a better understanding of the positions that appear and you will memorize the lines more effectively. If you encounter something unexplored, analyze it and add it to your repertoire. And don’t forget to analyze each game as soon as you finish it! 🙂

What is your preferred way to improve at the end of the game?

Study a series of theoretical endgames (the books that come to mind are 100 Endgames You Need to Know And Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual) and play annotated endgame legends (like Carlsen, Capablanca).

Is there anything else you would like to say to ambitious chess developers?

My advice: enjoy the learning process and try to learn something new every day!

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Chess course by GM Volodymyr Vetoshko

Throughout his courses, Vetoshko treats vacancies as springboards for initiative, calculation, and chess combat, which is especially effective for players looking to maximize their results in fast-paced, online formats.

His Rapid and Blitz 1.e4 repertoire was nominated for a Chessable Award last year as one of the Best Opening Courses for Whites. This is part of the 2025 Chessable Awards Sale and will be on sale until February 18, 2026.

Her newest course, Rapid and Blitz Repertoire for Black, is on introductory sale and will remain on sale through February 19, 2026.

Check out the author page!