Show notes
Despite an impressive chess résumé as one of the U.S.’s top women players, Tatev Abrahamyan has had moments when she questioned whether it was all worth it. After a prolonged slump, she not only considered giving up on ever earning the International Master title, but she nearly quit competitive chess altogether. Fortunately, Tatev persevered. Earlier this year, she unexpectedly finished second in the Woman’s American Cup, and then in August, she delivered a standout result that earned her the International Master title at age 37 — more than 10 years after achieving her final required norm! Remarkably, Tatev’s performance was so strong that she also secured her first GM norm.In our conversation, Tatev reflects on: Why a timely vote of confidence from a mentor propelled her toward a $30,000 prize Opening advice and the enduring value of endgame studies What she has learned from this roller-coaster journey — and what she advises others facing slumpsTatev’s story is both candid and inspiring, and I look forward to following her next chapter at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Championship and beyond.Check out Tatev’s courses here- and if you sign up for Chessable Pro, be sure to use this link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=proMentioned: IM Kostya Kavutskiy, GM Josh Friedel, Endgame Labaratory by GM Jacob AagaardMentioned: GM Yasser Quesada Perez0:24- Patreon mailbag question: Was there any change to Tatev’s mindset leading up to this breakthrough?Mentioned: You can check out Tatev’s games from the tournament here:https://www.chess.com/events/budapest-one-week-budapest-one-week-gmFM Mike Klein’s article about Tatev’s title:https://www.chess.com/news/view/abrahamyan-plays-best-tournament-of-career-earns-im-title-gm-normMentioned: IM Kostya Kavutskiy’s blog post about analyzing with Ivanchukhttps://hellokostya.substack.com/p/2025-spring-eurotripMentioned:Chess Studies: Solve to Evolve https://www.chessable.com/chess-studies-solve-to-evolve/course/300770/Mentioned: Jeanne Sinquefeld prize for a woman earning the GM title https://www.chess.com/news/view/jeanne-cairns-sinquefield-award-us-female-grandmastersAlso mentioned: GM Felix Blohbergerhttps://www.chess.com/news/view/being-a-chess-professional-in-europe-sucks-blohbergerYou can reach her via the Lichess coaches page: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
