NM / AGM / FI / FA / NA / AO Alvin Alcala

A licensed Mechanical Engineer, National Master (NM), Arena Grand Master (AGM), FIDE Instructor (FI), FIDE Arbiter (FA), National Arbiter (NA), FIDE Associate Organiser (AO) and a Swiss Manager Expert User.

A graduate of Mapua Institute of Technology, I have built my career around two passions: engineering and chess. Both have shaped my approach to problem-solving, strategic thinking, discipline, and continuous improvement.

Professional Background

I have professional experience in the oil, gas, and mining industries in the Philippines, as well as overseas experience in Saudi Arabia, where I served as a Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) Manager.

I am also an ISO Lead Auditor (IRCA) and Six Sigma Green Belt Practitioner (ASCB Europe).

You can explore the full scope of my professional journey - www.linkedin.com/in/alvinalcala/

Chess Titles & Credentials

National Chess Federation of the Philippines -
National Master (NM)
National Arbiter (NA)

International Chess Federation -
FIDE Instructor (FI)
FIDE Arbiter (FA)
FIDE Associate Organiser (AO)
Arena Grandmaster (AGM)

European Chess Union and Asian Chess Federation -
Swiss Manager Expert User

My official FIDE profile - ratings.fide.com/profile/5218020

Tournament Organization

I have also organised grassroots chess programs designed to develop young players and increase participation in competitive chess.

One of my major initiatives is Search for the Next Chess Master (SNCM), a year-long grassroots chess development program featuring monthly FIDE-rated tournaments.

Read the latest article here on the SNCM tournament -
tinyurl.com/10th-SNCM-Event

Chess Computing & Advanced Analysis

I also have extensive experience using chess engines and advanced analysis software.

I operate chess computing resources with 72 total CPU cores, supporting deep engine analysis and opening research.

My analysis work combines human games, correspondence chess, engine analysis, and advanced/centaur chess games to build extensive opening databases and analytical trees.

I have also provided computer-assisted analysis and opening research for strong chess players, including Grandmasters, at the ChessBase Engine Cloud server.

Advanced / Centaur Chess

At one point in my career, I was honoured to be among the top Centaur or Advanced Chess (man + machine) players globally. My prowess in this innovative format led to significant victories, including:

Notable results include:

Champion — 1st Ultimate Chess Championship, 2015
Champion — FICGS Freestyle Chess Cup, 4th Edition
Champion — FICGS Freestyle Chess Cup, 5th Edition
1st Runner-up — Infinity Chess Team Cup, 2015
1st Runner-up — Infinity Chess Freestyle Chess Battle, 2014

Explore the fascinating world of Advanced Chess here -
tinyurl.com/Business-World-Online
tinyurl.com/Wiki-Advanced-Chess

Chess Literature

I have also contributed to chess education as a book tester for the Yusupov Build, Boost, Evolve series on ChessTempo.

Over several decades, I have competed in tournaments in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and online international competitions.

My tournament record includes numerous championships and podium finishes in:

Rapid chess
Blitz chess
Classical chess
Team competitions
Online chess
Advanced / Centaur chess

Notable achievements include championships in the Bahrain Chess Club International Tournament, Riyadh International Chess Tournament, Al-Kefah Electronics International Chess, Fakeieh Group International Chess Championship, Riyadh International Chess Championship, and Al Baha Open International Chess Tournament.

My competitive experience allows me to understand chess not only from a coaching perspective, but also from the viewpoint of an active tournament player.

I have 20+ years of chess coaching experience, working with players from complete beginners to advanced competitors.

I provide personalised training focused on each player's level, weaknesses, and goals, covering:

Tactical and strategic improvement
Calculation, visualisation, and blunder checking
Opening preparation
Endgame technique
Game analysis
Practical decision-making
Developing a strong chess thought process

I offer both online and over-the-board coaching, using ChessBase 2026 and Aquarium 2025 for training and analysis.

Book a coaching session: tidycal.com/alvinalcala
Contact me via WhatsApp: +63 956 379 7927

As a FIDE Associate Organiser, FIDE Arbiter, and Swiss Manager Expert User, I have extensive experience organising and managing chess tournaments.

I can serve as:
Tournament Organiser / Director
Chief Arbiter / Deputy Chief Arbiter
Pairing Manager
Match Arbiter

I also maintain tournament equipment that can support events of up to 150 participants, including:
Licensed Swiss Manager software
75 tournament chess mats
75 sets of tournament-size chess pieces
75 digital chess clocks

My strongest chess skills include:

Strategy — positional understanding, pawn structures, and long-term planning

Tactics & Calculation — combinations, threats, and forcing sequences

Visualisation — accurate calculation without moving the pieces

Endgames — applying principles and converting advantages

Opening Preparation — building practical opening repertoires

Computer Analysis — using ChessBase and Aquarium for preparation

Tournament Play — applying skills effectively under competitive conditions

My approach focuses on understanding how to think and make good decisions, rather than simply memorising moves.

Whether you are a beginner learning the fundamentals, an intermediate player trying to break through a rating plateau, or an advanced player preparing for serious competition, I can help you develop a structured training plan based on your individual needs.

Your chess improvement starts with understanding where you are and knowing what to work on next.