Meet Coach Dane And Be Part of Our 1st Community Lesson This Friday
Dear Improvers,
This Friday marks the 2026 launch of NM Dane Mattson’s community classes, and if you’ve ever wanted a welcoming place to grow your chess in a supportive environment, this is it.
A National Master, longtime competitor, and passionate community mentor, Coach Dane combines decades of tournament experience with a deeply human approach to improvement. We sat down with him to talk about coaching, resilience, inspiration, and why no one should feel alone on their chess journey.
NM Dane Mattson ("Fischwitsch") is a USCF National Master, experienced chess coach of over 20 years, and a content creator for Chess.com. He is best known as the curator of the Chess.com Daily Puzzle, the creator of lessons, and a guide to player improvement, particularly for beginners and intermediate players. Subscribe to his YouTube channel here.
We asked him about the classes he teaches for our Improvers and also some personal questions, so you can get to know him better.
Q: What can students expect from your online lessons?
Coach Dane: Students can expect a welcoming, positive, and encouraging learning environment. My aim is for everyone to have fun and gain at least an insight or two about the 64 squares and beyond!
Q: How do you want players to feel after one of your sessions?
Coach Dane: I hope students feel more connected with the game of chess, as well as feel a greater bond with our chess community of fellow learners.
Q: What excites you most about coaching the Improvers community?
Coach Dane: Studying and playing chess can, at times, feel like a solitary and frustrating experience. Like many of us, I also share moments of self-doubt and can become discouraged with my own play and perceived progress. I am always excited to share my own journey with our Improvers community, and raise awareness that we are far from isolated on this path. Together, we can grow and learn as fellow travelers on the road to chess improvement.
I have had the privilege to meet several kind and inspiring people through the Improvers Club. Their stories, insights, and engagement help me improve my ability and perspective as a chess instructor, and also positively motivate my own chess development story. We’re all in this together!
Q: What’s the best way for students to get the most out of your lessons?
Coach Dane: Leave your rating and preconceived notions at the door. I will present material that intends to be beginner-friendly, but also I sprinkle in moments of reflection and learning opportunities for more experienced players as well. Bring an open mind and positively contribute to our community—I want us all to have a great time discovering the mysteries of chess together.
Q: Moving to your personal chess journey, who is your favorite chess player to watch, past or present?
Coach Dane: I’ve always found GM Levon Aronian to be a source of great inspiration. I am quite thankful to see him continue to work on his game, challenging, and at times reinventing himself in the modern era.
Of course, legendary Grandmaster Vasyl Ivanchuk serves as eternal inspiration as well. 
Q: If you could give your younger chess-playing self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Coach Dane: Embrace the beginner's mind and follow what inspires you, rather than only focusing on what is perceived to be the most practical or “efficient” path.
Q: We’ve heard that you sometimes play in tournaments alongside your dad. When was the first tournament you played together, and how often do you get the chance to compete in the same event?
Coach Dane: My dad taught me how to play the game of chess at the age of four, although I was by no means a child prodigy!
My first tournament was the 1994 Cedar Mountain Beginners Tournament in Franklin, Minnesota, USA. I won the tournament with 4.5/5, and was awarded a prize that the tournament organizer signed for the second time over 20 years later!
As an 81-year-old chess prodigy, my dad and I still try to attend at least a tournament or two each year to stay sharp!
Join The First Class This Friday
NM Dane Mattson’s first community class kicks off this Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. ET / 16:00 CET / 8:30 p.m. IST.
- Learn in a supportive, judgment-free environment
- Gain practical, actionable insights
- Connect with fellow improvers
- Rediscover the joy of the game
Whether you’re just starting out or reigniting your chess journey, this community is built for you.
The classroom has a maximum capacity of 50, so be sure to join early—only the first 49 participants will get a spot once the Classroom opens on Friday. No registration is required; just come prepared, and be there on time to grab your seat (or your square!).
As always, if you have any ideas or questions for future classes, feel free to leave them in the comments or share them in the "Ask Coach/Community" forum in our Improvers Club.
Leave your rating at the door. Bring your curiosity. The road to improvement is better when we walk it together.
