Back on April 11, 2025, Jiang Haochen at just 14 years old, becoming the youngest International Master in China at that time.
His coach, Grandmaster Wang Rui, couldn’t hold back the excitement, pulling Jiang into a tight celebratory hug. Jiang’s response? Just a quiet, bashful smile.
Started Chess at 6, International Master by 14
Born in Jinan in 2011, Jiang Haochen started learning xiangqi (Chinese chess) at age 3. “Rook, Horse, Cannon” were the first Chinese characters he learned. When introduced to international chess, the three-dimensional pieces captivated him. By 6, he began formal training. Within half a semester, he moved from the beginner to primary class. One year later, he became a National Chess Association Master, the highest amateur title in China, and earned a reputation as one of Jinan’s fastest-rising young players.
“He learns very fast,” his mother said. “What takes other kids half a year, he can do in three months.” At 7, he earned the title of National Chess Master and was known as one of the fastest-improving young players in Jinan. At 8, he won the National Youth Chess Championship and the Li Chengzhi Cup for the boys’ under-8 group.
Since then, with his mother always by his side, Jiang has trained in top chess academies across China—including the Wuxi Base, the Hangzhou Branch, and later the Shenzhen Longgang National Training Base—starting a semi-professional chess path.
A Long List of Wins
Jiang’s training paid off. In October 2022, he won the boys’ U12 group in the National Online Blitz and Rapid Championships. In December 2023, he took home both rapid and blitz titles in the U12 category at the Asian Youth Championship.
In February 2024, he won the boys’ Group B title in the National Youth Championship and the 29th Li Chengzhi Cup, scoring 11 straight wins. These victories didn’t come easy. He trained 3 to 6 hours a day, often playing against computer programs. When asked if it ever got boring, he answered calmly, “I split my time into different parts and focus on each one.”
In May 2024, his hard work earned him a spot on China’s second national chess team at the Shenzhen base. From there, he began competing in more international events. In July, he won the 6th Boyi Cup China Youth Open. In February 2025, he claimed the Serbian Senta International Open, earning a grandmaster norm and qualifying as an international master.
In just 2025 alone, he won five international titles. Over the years, he’s collected over 40 medals and many trophies, each one marking a step in his journey from beginner to international master.
The Secret? Stay Calm
Jiang says that staying calm is one of his biggest strengths. Talking about his latest championship win, he said, “My coach and teammates helped a lot with tactics and strategies. I believed in our plan and felt confident.”
His strategy in the key games? “Stay solid, pressure the opponent, and wait for them to make mistakes.” He’s also a fan of history, saying he’s read Five Thousand Years of Chinese History so many times the book is worn out.
His mother says he’s completely in love with chess. “He’s passionate, focused, and enjoys it deeply,” she said. “Of course, there are tough times, like when he gets frustrated. But that’s normal. He’s still a child, and we try to support him and help him stay motivated.”
Even his classmates admire him. “What we like most about Jiang is how focused he is,” said his classmate Ning Jinyang, after playing a quick game with him and losing. “His calm attitude and strong basics are what make him great.” Their teacher, Yu Liying, added, “We’re proud he’s in our class.”
Daily Training and a Love for the Grind
Jiang was selected for the Chinese national second team in May 2024, launching into professional-level coaching. He trains 3 to 6 hours a day, even outside tournament periods. “Playing chess is a happy thing for me,” Jiang said. “I do tactics, play blitz online, and analyze master games. I also make sure to keep up with school.”
Jiang embraces defeat as a learning tool: “Winning doesn’t expose your weaknesses; losing does,” he explained. After an early-round loss to an Iranian opponent in Serbia, Jiang regrouped, won four in a row, and then defeated the tournament favorite, an Iranian grandmaster, by calmly punishing his rush during time trouble. That win sealed Jiang’s gold.
The Road Ahead
When asked about his journey, Jiang reflected: “Even if it’s a long road, you’ll get there. Even if it’s hard, you’ll finish. Interest is where it starts, passion drives you, persistence helps you win, and discipline brings success.”
With a FIDE rating of 2450, Jiang ranks third among all Chinese players born after 2010. But he’s not satisfied: “My goal this year is to become a Grandmaster, improve my rating, and win glory for China in world-class events.”
The journey of this “genius boy” is only just beginning.
I’m Xuan Binh, the founder of Attacking Chess, and the Deputy Head of Communications at the Vietnam Chess Federation (VCF). My chess.com and lichess rating is above 2300, in both blitz and bullet.