The fourth edition of the Morphy Residential Chess Camp starts from 3rd to 7th May 2026
A residential chess camp in the calm surroundings of nature is something every player would love. Away from daily distractions, it allows players to focus deeply on their game and reflect on their thinking. This is the approach of the Morphy Residential Chess Camp that is held every year in Trimbakeshwar. The camp is designed for young players to improve their chess while taking part in thoughtful activities like meditation and outdoor games. By blending chess training with personal growth, they want to help children become better players and better thinkers. The fourth edition is scheduled from 3rd to 7th May 2026. Read the article to know more. Photo: Vinod Bhagwat
A residential chess camp
The third edition of the Morphy Residential Advanced Chess Camp was recently held in Trimbakeshwar. It was organised by Morphy Chess Academy to provide structured, high-quality offline chess training to players. The camp’s core belief is that chess training should go beyond improving ratings and results. The focus was equally on thinking better, living better, and growing as an individual.
The camp was conducted under the guidance of CM Vinod Bhagwat, a FIDE Certified Trainer and one of Maharashtra’s renowned chess coaches. Fourteen young players from different parts of the state came together for this residential camp. Their ages ranged from 6 to 14 years, and among them were five rated players.
The camp began with grouping the players according to their playing strength so that everyone would receive training suitable to their level. A strong emphasis was placed on game analysis, which formed the backbone of the chess training. Players played several training games and were first asked to analyse their own games independently. Only after this self-reflection did the coach step in. Special middlegame positions were also given to students to play among themselves. These exercises helped sharpen calculation skills, positional understanding, and decision-making. Later, the same positions were revisited to demonstrate more accurate and refined ways of handling them.
However, the camp was not only about chess. Equal importance was given to overall development. Students took part in meditation sessions, physical activities, games, and mind-sharpening exercises. They were also introduced to musical instruments such as the drum and harmonium. In an age dominated by screens and digital distractions, this camp encouraged a meaningful digital detox! Children spent time in nature, interacted freely with peers, and learned to stay present.
The location itself played a major role in shaping the experience. Trimbakeshwar has a calm and peaceful environment that helps to stay calm and focused. It was easier for students to absorb intense training while also feeling refreshed mentally.
One of the most impactful moments of the camp was a special interactive session by Mrs. Shobhana Bagwe, an expert teacher of the Art of Living and a retired Manager from the Reserve Bank of India. She spoke to the students about meditation, emotional balance, discipline, friendship, and the importance of consistency. Her words resonated deeply, reminding the students that the qualities needed to succeed in chess are the same ones needed to succeed in life.
The organisers also provided the players with home-made food throughout the camp, and it was appreciated by both students and parents. Overall, it was a good combination of serious chess training, mental conditioning, and nature-based learning.
Here is what three students had to say about the camp:
Rajveer
"I recently attended the third Morphy Chess Residential Camp in Nashik, Triyambakeshwar. The camp's serene natural surroundings complemented the exceptional chess experience. Learning chess amidst nature added a unique dimension to my training. The camp offered more than just chess, with activities like badminton, cricket, and football during breaks. Our coach provided valuable insights, and the resources – including chess books, boards, and clocks were top-notch. The camp's focus on details, healthy vegetarian food, and meditation sessions created a conducive environment for improvement. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and interact with like-minded peers. Thanks to Vinod Bhagwat sir, for giving us a good experience at Morphy Residential Camp."
Gaurish
"I have been to the third Morphy Chess Residential Camp, which was held at Nashik, Triyambakeshwar, Mumbai. So we had this camp. It was right in the heart of a village. The chess experience was quite immaculate. But even the natural surroundings, that experience is more worth it. The actual chess part is quite good, but if you can learn it in nature, I would go there a thousand times. I really liked that camp very much, as it was a great testament. In our days, we had so much fun within that camp as we could play extra-curricular activities, such as badminton, cricket, football, etc., which could be played during the breaks. Our chess experience was quite good as we had a great coach as well as a lot of things which could help us, including some great chess books, chess boards, many clocks, etc. All of them, this Morphy Residential Camp focuses on the small things that many ignore, but everybody requires. Very simple, healthy vegetarian food was provided three times a day, and the food was also amazing. Also, the atmosphere there, which we could feel, was quite nice. We had many other people, such as Art of Living coaches, Chess Grand Master parents, who came to felicitate us. We did activities such as meditation (as it calms the mind for playing chess), as it is quite important. Thank you!"
Aarav
The fourth edition of the Morphy Residential Chess Camp is scheduled to be held from 3rd May to 7th May, 2026. The camp offers two participation options:
Option 1: Residential Camp (with food, stay, and training)
Regular Fees: Rs. 20,000
Early Bird Offer (25% off, valid until 31st January 2026): Rs.15,000
Seats available: 20
Option 2: Day Camp (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, non-residential)
Regular Fees: Rs. 15,000
Early Bird Offer (10% off, valid until 31st January 2026): Rs. 13,500
Seats available: 10
Additionally, one special honorary entry has been reserved for a chess player aged 8 to 14, recommended by ChessBase India. The organisers will provide full support for training, food, and accommodation for this student. Interested candidates can apply through this form.
If, after reading this, you would like to be a part of the camp, you can connect with the organisers for participation details.
Email ID: morphychessacademy333@gmail.com or vinodbhagwat081976@gmail.com
Phone number: 9588630433
Note: ChessBase India’s role is limited to helping this event reach more people. The planning and execution of the camp are solely the responsibility of the organisers.
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