Sam Shankland

Sam Shankland is an American professional chess player, born on October 1, 1991, in California, USA. He is highly respected among the chess community. Shankland began his professional career in his early teens and quickly rose through the ranks to become a Grandmaster - the highest title in chess.

Shankland is known for his strategic prowess, in-depth understanding of the game, and tenacity. He has won numerous individual awards, including the U.S. Championship, and has represented the United States in multiple Chess Olympiads.

Off the board, Shankland is also recognized for his contributions to chess literature, having authored several books and instructional materials, inspiring chess enthusiasts worldwide.

Early Career

• Start and Rise: Shankland started playing chess at a young age and quickly showed exceptional talent. He achieved the Grandmaster title in 2011.

U.S. Championship

• Victory: In 2018, Shankland won the U.S. Championship, a significant milestone in his career.

International Success

• Global Recognition: Shankland has participated in numerous international tournaments, earning recognition and respect in the global chess community.

U.S. National Team

• Debut: Made his debut in the U.S. National Team in the Chess Olympiad.
• Shankland has represented the United States in several Chess Olympiads, contributing to the team's success.

• Style: Known for his deep understanding of the game, strategic planning, and endgame prowess. Shankland is celebrated for his ability to maintain a strong defense while setting up clever attacks.

• Authorship: Shankland has authored several books on chess, contributing to the game's literature and helping others improve their skills.

• Sam Shankland is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and achievements on the chess board, but also for his contributions to chess literature and education. His impact on the world of chess extends beyond the board, inspiring aspiring players around the world.

U.S. Championship:

• Winner in 2018

Samford Chess Fellowship:

• Awarded in 2013

Books

• Shankland, S. (2018) Small Steps to Giant Improvement: Master Pawn Play in Chess. New York: Quality Chess.
• Shankland, S. (2020) Small Steps 2 Success: Mastering Passed Pawn Play. New York: Quality Chess.

Websites

• FIDE: Information about Sam Shankland’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fide.com
• US Chess: Details about Shankland’s career in US Chess. Available at: https://www.uschess.org

Articles

• Chess.com: Sam Shankland: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.chess.com/news/view/sam-shankland-wins-us-championship
• The Guardian: Sam Shankland’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/may/05/sam-shankland-wins-us-chess-championship

Interviews and Documentaries

• Various interviews and features on Sam Shankland, covering different aspects of his career, are available on various chess-focused websites and YouTube channels.