Igor Epshteyn is a National Master and an expert in Russian methods of chess training. He has coached several world-class teams and players and he has published several articles on chess theory. In 1983 and 1986, Epshteyn was Head Coach for the Junior Chess Team of Belarussia. In 1980-89 he coached for the National Olympic Reserve School, working as the main instructor for middlegame strategy. Epshteyn also served as second for Boris Gelfand, Gennady Sagalchik, and Julia Levitan. As UMBC Chess Coach since fall 1994, Master Epshteyn has guided the UMBC Chess Team into top national rankings. He also holds a M.S. in theoretical physics. Epshteyn came to the U.S. in 1990. He works in New Carrollton and met Sherman at the 1994 UMBC Open Tournament.
Master Igor Epshteyn instructs the UMBC Chess Team at weekly coaching sessions. 1995 Maryland Scholastic Champion Edic Tsibulevsky (left) and his brother Mihka (right)--1996 Maryland Scholastic Champion---sometime join the sessions.