NM Connor Clarke

My name is Connor Clarke, I am a 20 year old National Master from England. I am currently studying a maths degree at Oxford University, but outside of this I spend most of my free time on chess! I am heavily involved in my university chess club: I am currently the president and I run weekly advanced chess training sessions and I will I'm a youthful, enthusiastic chess coach with an attacking and aggressive playing style. I specialise in speed chess, having achieved a peak FIDE blitz rating of 2244.

I've been playing chess since I was 6 years old. Since then, I have played in hundreds of tournaments, both local to me (London) and international. Some of my best achievements include:

England Junior Squad Member (2017)
U18 UK Delancey Challenge Blitz Champion (2020)
Playing in Division 1 of National League (2022)
London Chess Championships 1st Place (2023)
Oxfordshire League Division 1 Player of the Season (2024)
National Master Title (2024)
In winning team in British University Chess Championships (Division 1 - 2024, Division 2 - 2025)
Won my game in the 143rd Varsity Chess Match - longest running chess match in history (2025)

I've been private tutoring chess for 4 years - I've had over 20 students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. I also run biweekly advanced training sessions at the Oxford University chess club, for players rated 1500 and above.

In the past, I've received coaching from multiple teachers, so I know what makes (and doesn't make!) an enjoyable, informative lesson. I also have experience tutoring maths, and excel in explaining complicated ideas in a simple way.

My expertise lies in the opening, however lessons can (and will) focus on many areas of the game including middlegames, endgames, tactics, game review, chess psychology and much more! I have a variety of resources I use in my lessons. My past students say I excel in clearly communicating complex ideas, whilst keeping things simple and informative.

Before each lesson I will discuss with the student what they would like to work on. I will then prepare material based on this choice. During the lessons I think it is important the student is inquisitive, hence I always try to be approachable, and encourage questions to be asked. I can also be contacted by my students out of lesson times for questions/advice. Homework can be provided if requested. I try to set clear, regular, realistic goals with all my students, and help them achieve these!