Online Vs. In-person Coaching, Group Vs. Individual Lessons
As a chess enthusiast looking to elevate your skills, you might be contemplating whether to opt for online or in-person lessons, and whether to choose group classes or one-on-one sessions with a coach. Let me share my experiences from over twenty years of chess coaching to help you make an informed decision.
I started teaching chess two decades ago, working initially with troubled boys in a public institution. Surprisingly, they showed great respect and attentiveness during the lessons. Over the years, I’ve taught various groups and individuals in-person until about two years ago, when I ventured into online chess coaching.
What have I discovered?
For complete beginners, especially children with a rating below 400-500 Rapid on Chess.com, group lessons are quite beneficial. Small groups of up to four students create a synergy that makes learning more engaging and fun. The competitive element of solving puzzles, playing games, and participating in quizzes keeps them entertained and focused, allowing the coach to concentrate on teaching.
For more advanced players, whether adults or older children, one-on-one lessons are the superior choice. These students can delve into their specific queries, learn at their own pace, select lesson topics based on their interests, and build a deeper, more personal relationship with the coach, which greatly enhances the quality of communication and knowledge transfer.
Why online chess coaching is the future
For a long time, I believed in-person lessons were the best option, primarily because it was the traditional method, and all experienced coaches in my area worked that way. However, based on what I know now, I am convinced that online lessons offer more to both coaches and students.
Here’s why:
1. Convenience: Neither the student nor the coach needs to travel. You can take or give lessons from the comfort of your home, saving valuable time and energy.
2. Efficiency: Online platforms eliminate the time-consuming setup of physical boards. There’s no need to manually set up positions on a demonstration board and then transfer them to individual boards, reducing the likelihood of errors and the time needed to correct them. Additionally, students don’t need to take extensive notes, as everything can be saved and reviewed digitally.
3. Resourcefulness: An organized coach can prepare lesson files in advance, complete with annotated variations and sub-variations, allowing students to review and practice independently. This preparation ensures that more material is covered in the same amount of time compared to in-person lessons.
4. Enhanced Visualization: During online lessons, the use of arrows and colored squares to highlight key moves and plans greatly aids in understanding and visualizing chess strategies. This visual aid is crucial for grasping complex concepts and improving board vision.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Online coaching is often more economical. Students receive comprehensive annotated materials for self-study, essentially gaining permanent access to the lessons. This added value makes online coaching a better investment in the long run.
6. Access to Technology: Modern technology has opened up incredible new possibilities for chess training. Databases, thematic collections, and computer analysis enhance the quality of lessons and accelerate learning. A dedicated coach who leverages these tools can significantly boost a student’s progress.
Of course, preparing these materials requires time and effort, and unfortunately, some coaches might improvise lessons, not fully utilizing the available technological advancements. But when done right, online chess coaching offers unparalleled advantages.
In conclusion, if you are an adult with at least an intermediate level of chess skill, online one-on-one coaching is the best option for you. For parents of young children just starting their journey into the exciting world of chess, group lessons with peers of similar age and skill level are the way to go.
