Axel Smith

Axel Smith is a Swedish Grandmaster, author, and one of the most influential chess trainers of his generation.

He is best known for his widely acclaimed books Pump Up Your Rating and The Woodpecker Method, which have transformed how players around the world approach training and improvement. Rather than focusing on memorisation alone, Smith’s methods emphasise structured repetition, pattern recognition, and long-term development – ideas that have had a lasting impact on modern chess training.

Throughout his career, Smith has combined high-level competitive play with a deep interest in how players actually improve. His work bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering concrete tools that ambitious players can apply immediately.

He has also demonstrated exceptional mental endurance. In 2011, he set a Swedish record by playing 15 games simultaneously while blindfolded, scoring an impressive 11½–3½ after eight hours of intense concentration.

At ChessParty, Axel Smith offers insight into what it really takes to get better at chess – from training philosophy to practical methods you can use yourself. Whether you’re aiming to improve your rating or simply understand the game on a deeper level, this is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the leading minds in modern chess training.