How to Find a Chess Coach?

Before starting your search, it’s important to answer a few key questions for yourself:

1. Why Do I Want to Learn Chess?

The answer to this question can fall into several categories:

1. I want to learn chess for personal enjoyment because I like it.
   This is the most common reason. Any qualified teacher with whom you can establish a good rapport will suit you.
2. I want to become a professional/Grandmaster/World Champion.
   In this case, the best path is to look for a specialized high-level sports school and prepare to train for 5–7 hours a day.
3. I want to develop my intellectual abilities through chess.

This can either complement the first point or be a distinct need. For example, in my experience, I once worked with parents who requested chess lessons specifically to enhance their child’s cognitive skills. The lessons included a mix of chess exercises, logic puzzles, and mathematical tasks. If you have this goal, you’ll need a coach with a program tailored to such training.
If you’re choosing a coach for your child, the questions are essentially the same, though they may need to be adjusted to reflect your child’s needs and learning style.

2. What Format of Lessons Suits Me?
-Online/Offline
-Group/Individual

For example, in my experience, children under 6 years old often learn best in groups—studying with peers makes it easier for them to grasp the material.

I’ve Made My Decision. What’s Next? What Are the Criteria for Choosing a Coach?

It’s essential to find a skilled professional. I’ve encountered situations where new students spent a year training weekly with another coach, yet during the first assessment, it was clear they lacked basic knowledge. The time and money were spent, but the results were disappointing.
Here’s what to focus on when selecting a coach:
1)Playing Strength
The stronger the coach as a player, the higher the likelihood they will be a good teacher. You can check their playing strength through FIDE ratings. If the coach’s rating is below 1700–1800 points, it’s unlikely they can guide you deeply into the secrets of chess.
2)Social Proof
An important factor is reviews and the coach’s social activity. If a coach actively maintains a blog or platform, that’s a plus in my view—you can familiarize yourself with their content and teaching style.
For example, I run a YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pavelchess
3)Student Achievements
Nothing speaks louder than the results of those who have trained with the coach. A good coach is always happy to share their students’ successes (example: you can find my students' results on my website, pavelchess.com).

Where to Look for a Coach?
Online Platforms
Recommendations
Chess Clubs

I hope this article was helpful! Please, write your feedback in comments!
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