NM Matt Jensen

United StatesUnited States

National Master from Minnesota and creator of ChessGoals (smarterchess on Chess.com) — a data-driven chess improvement platform.

Matt Jensen
Matt Jensen chess bot
Play on Chessiverse

Challenge Matt Jensen's chess bot

Rated 2395 — Calm and principled, with mainstream lines like the Queen's Gambit and the Slav as Black.

About NM Matt Jensen

Matt Jensen is an American National Master and the creator of SmartChess, a data-driven chess improvement platform. His background as a statistician informs his approach to chess training: where many improvement resources rely on intuition or anecdote, he favours measurable, structured methods.

That same orientation shows up in his playing style. His repertoire is mainstream and principled rather than flashy, and his games tend to be characterised by clean technique and a willingness to grind out long endgames rather than chase complications.

For improving players who like to think in systems — and who suspect their study time is being spent inefficiently — his content is a useful counterweight to puzzle-rush culture.

How his Chessiverse bot plays

Matt's Chessiverse bot is calibrated to 2395 Elo and plays a clean, technical style. With White it favours the Queen's Gambit and Indian Game mainlines; with Black it answers 1.d4 with the Slav. Expect long, accurate games rather than tactical chaos.

Known for

  • Founder of ChessGoals.com, a data-driven improvement platform
  • SmarterChess predictions and analysis on Chess.com
  • National Master and Minnesota tournament director

Openings Matt Jensen teaches

Frequently asked about Matt Jensen

Who is NM Matt Jensen?

Matt Jensen is an American National Master and the creator of SmartChess, a data-driven chess improvement platform. He brings a statistician's background to chess training, focusing on evidence-based methods rather than anecdote.

What is Matt Jensen's chess rating?

Matt Jensen holds the National Master (NM) title in the United States. His Chessiverse bot is calibrated to 2395 Elo, modelling his typical online speed-chess strength.

What is SmartChess?

SmartChess is Matt Jensen's chess improvement platform that uses data and structured study to help players identify gaps in their game and train more effectively than with ad-hoc puzzle solving.

How can strong club players use Matt Jensen's bot to improve?

At 2395 Elo the bot punishes loose moves and rewards methodical play. Strong club players around 2000-2300 can use it to practice converting small advantages, defending under sustained pressure, and playing accurate endgames.

Last updated 2026-05-24