Do You Need a Chess Coach?
So, do you really need a chess coach? It's a bit like asking if you need a TV or ice cream—sure, you can live without them, but they certainly add some spice to life. After all, one could argue that fundamental sustenance—food, water, air, and shelter—is all that truly mandates our existence. Yet, in the pursuit of a life rich in flavor, additional elements weave themselves into the tapestry of our experiences
I started out as a self-taught chess enthusiast. My mom gave me the lowdown on how the pieces move when I was around four or five, and my grandpa played with me after that. But delving into the heart of the game? That was all on me.
Fast forward to high school, and I joined the Novi Sad Chess Club for a tournament. That's when it hit me—I was facing opponents who knew the game inside out, thanks to some serious coaching. While I was still trying to pull off a killer tactic, they were chatting about open files and diagonals, double attacks, forks, skewers, outposts, removing defenders and exploiting weaknesses, as if it was a casual conversation. I felt like I was listening to a philosophy debate in a language I didn't speak.
Then came this book, "Chess, the Game of Millions" by IM Dragoslav Andric. It was my gateway into the world of openings, endgames, and all that jazz. But without a guide, I fell into the classic beginner's trap—focusing too much on openings and traps. Spoiler alert: nobody at the tournament fell for my traps.
While I was pondering whether I should've picked football over chess, I realized something. Those kids who were racing ahead had something I didn't—someone who opened up a treasure trove of chess knowledge for them. They had mentors who showed them the ropes, and it made all the difference.
But hey, I didn't throw in the towel. I kept at it, winning my way through the categories. It took until 2003 for me to snag the title of national candidate master. Meanwhile, my coached buddies had already aced all of that years earlier.
In 2004, I decided to share my chess wisdom with some teenagers dealing with behavior issues. Picture this—a bunch of rowdy teens, some of whom didn't even know the chess rules. It was a challenge, but in just two months, they went from clueless to pulling off mates in two and nailing tactics left and right. That experience lit a spark, and I knew I loved teaching chess.
Last August, I dipped my toes into the online chess world, and it was a blast. Connecting with folks worldwide, watching my students snag tournament wins and boost their online ratings—it was like cheering for your team at a big game.
Teaching chess is a bit like shaping clay. You get to mold your students into chess wizards. Their wins become your wins, and you grow together. It's not just about teaching; it's about forging a connection that goes beyond the chessboard.
So, to circle back to the big question—do you need a chess coach? Well, you can definitely go at it alone, but having a mentor just makes the whole journey a heck of a lot more enjoyable and effective.
