Get to know: WFM Ruelle Canino (PHI)

Introduction

Hailing from the archipelago of Mindanao in the Philippines, Ruelle Canino has managed to turn heads this year, despite being only 16 years old. Firstly, she won the Philippines National Women's Championship with 8.5/11 while being much lower rated compared to the top seeds. Then followed a European tour, which culminated in a successful participation at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest. There, she managed to win team Gold with the Philippines in the B Team Category, while also meeting top GMs like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana for the traditional selfie. Since January 2024, her FIDE rating has skyrocketed from 1836 to 2264. Once she obtained the WFM title, she's determined to continue down this path. Let's find out more about the mindset and preparation that is hidden behind her performances.

In action on board 4 at the FIDE Chess Olympiad, Budapest 2024 - photo by Paul Truong

Rapidfire quiz

A quick ice-breaker before we get into the tougher questions:

• Castling short or long? Short.
• Who's the GOAT of chess? Magnus Carlsen.
• Favorite opening? English Opening.
• Best chess book or course you’ve read? My System by Aron Nimzowitsch.
• Favorite subject in school? Social Studies.
• Top 3 destinations for tournaments abroad? Paris, Switzerland, Norway.
• Top 3 Filipino dishes? Adobo, Sinigang, Afritada.
• Favorite social media platform? Instagram.
• Ding or Gukesh? Gukesh.

Watch Ruelle outplay experienced Argentinian WGM Claudia Amura by employing her favorite opening:

Proudly holding up the Gold medal obtained with the team in the B Category at the Budapest Olympiad 2024

Interview

What initially drew you to chess, and at what age did you begin taking it seriously?

I come from a family of chess players. When I was 5, I would just watch them play, but then I noticed that each tournament win came with a prize. That’s when I became more interested in learning chess, and my parents taught me the basics. Unexpectedly, I excelled, winning local tournaments consistently. At that point, my parents decided to hire a coach and give me serious training when I was 6.

You started 2024 with an Elo rating of 1836 and are now at 2264, having achieved the WFM title in the meantime. What was a turning point for you this year, and how has your preparation changed to reach this milestone?

Before reaching 2264, I faced a lot of losses, disappointment, and self-doubt. In April 2024, I reached 2097 Elo, but then I experienced a string of losses at the Asian Schools Championship and in local tournaments in the Philippines, which brought my rating back down to 1904. That experience made me realize I needed to trust myself more and approach training with more discipline. So many people were rooting for me, and I was already so close to my goal—why would I let it slip away? That’s the mindset I hold every time I start to lose hope. Before the Olympiad, the Philippine team went on a European campaign for almost a month, and that experience helped me gain rating points and maturity, especially in tournaments in Germany and Spain. (interviewer's note - these countries are ideal destinations for "Elo farming", as discussed here)

How do you balance training with school and other commitments?

I manage to balance my studies and training through good time management. I cut down on unnecessary activities and stay focused on my priorities. I used to be an honor student, and even though it’s challenging to catch up after tournaments, I make it work. I ask classmates and teachers for updates on missed classes, and my school is very supportive of athletes, which helps a lot.

Which areas of the game - like opening preparation, endgame studies, or psychological resilience - do you find most challenging, and how do you work to improve them?

I struggle with endgames; they’re more challenging because there are fewer pieces, so each move has more weight. A single mistake can shift the advantage, or even cost the game by losing tempo. To improve, I focus on endgame puzzles and studying endgame strategies to expand my knowledge and feel more confident in these critical moments.

Chess in the Philippines has a rich history, though so far only one woman, Janelle Mae Frayna, has reached the WGM title. How do you view your place within the chess community here, and where do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself as a young player striving to help women’s chess grow in the Philippines. Earning my WFM title serves as an inspiration to young people with similar dreams. My achievements show that they too can reach their goals. I hope to use my platform to share my experiences and encourage others to pursue their passion for chess. Looking ahead, I’d like to continue competing and strive for the WGM title, ideally while still young. I also want to support local tournaments to nurture new talent. At the same time, I aspire to become a psychologist and establish a stable life.

How do you stay mentally resilient after tough losses or setbacks? Do you have any routines to recharge?

After a tough loss, I quickly get back on track and shift my focus to the next round, refusing to let it affect me negatively. I review the game to identify my mistakes and reflect on what I could have done differently. Once I’ve analyzed the game, I take a moment to calm myself and listen to uplifting music. A song that really helps me is Huwag Kang Matakot by Eraserheads, which means “Don’t Be Afraid” in English.

In what ways has being a titled chess player shaped your life, friendships, or family dynamics? How do they support you?

Even before I earned my WFM title, my family was my strongest support system. When I was just starting out in chess, they encouraged me to pursue my passion. They’ve supported me every step of the way, even helping me to enter tournaments despite financial difficulties. There was a time we joined a tournament with only enough money to cover the registration fee and travel. We knew we had to win if we wanted to make it back home, which only strengthened our determination. My success feels like a family achievement, and it has brought us closer. Being a titled player has also helped me connect with others my age who love chess. I’ve made friends through tournaments, and though we’re rivals on the board, our friendship remains strong. My FEU Chess Team is like a second family, providing constant support.

Is there something about chess that you think most people don’t realize or understand? What do you wish more people knew about the game or the life of a young chess player?

One thing a lot of people don’t realize about chess is that it’s not just about strategy; it’s about getting inside your opponent’s mind. Many people say chess isn’t a sport, but what they don’t understand is that players dedicate hours every day to studying, analyzing games, training their memory, and even building physical stamina to stay focused during long matches.

And finally, “Who is Ruelle Canino?” Describe yourself from a third-person perspective.

Ruelle Canino isn’t just a chess prodigy; she’s the breadwinner of her family, a young girl shouldering responsibilities far beyond her years. Growing up in a humble home, Ruelle learned early on that chess wasn’t just a game—it was a path. It was a way to uplift her family and bring them hope. Each tournament, every victory, is a step closer to making life a bit easier for the people who have supported her journey with so much love and sacrifice.

Ruelle is also the kind of friend you can always count on: generous and deeply loyal. While most people know her as a focused competitor on the chessboard, her friends see someone who’s always there when it matters. She listens with genuine care, ready to lend a hand or share a laugh, no matter how busy or challenging her schedule gets. For Ruelle, friendship is as meaningful as any championship, and she values her friends with a warmth that reflects her character both on and off the board.

Behind her fierce concentration and unwavering dedication to chess is a softhearted young woman who feels everything deeply. Every match, every move, carries weight. She loves the game, but with that love comes pressure—pressure to win, to represent her family and community, and to live up to the expectations of those cheering her on. Every victory feels like a gift to the people who believe in her, and every loss stings a bit more because of how much she cares.

That's a wrap, folks! Let me know in the forum comments if you liked this content and would like to see more similar interviews.

• Thanks to WFM Ruelle Canino for taking the time to answer the questions thoughtfully
• Interview responses lightly edited for clarity
• Conducted 9 Nov. 2024 by Vlad Ghita