Should I Get a Coach?
As I'm a National Master, many people seek help and/or advice from me on how to improve. They've been stuck at a certain rating level for some time now, and are trying to figure out how to burst through that platform that they're stuck at. Eventually, as they're pondering, they all ask me the same question:
Should I get a coach??? 
My answer: It Depends
I know, I know, the easiest way to respond to a question. "It depends". But I've really thought this one through! Here's some situations where you should get a coach, and other situations when a coach is not necessary.
Situations where a coach is necessary for improvement
1. If you are rated about 2000+ USCF (1900+FIDE), and have been stuck for a while. Anyone rated lower than this rating does not need a coach, but it could be good to have one.
2. If you struggle in the opening, have read many opening books, but still can't get your hands on theory. Since coaches are human, they can help teach openings much better than books/articles can.
3. You played a game, and you reviewed it afterwards but couldn't find anything wrong. (don't use the engine while reviewing games unless you are 2000+USCF or 1900+ FIDE! It doesn't help at lower levels) Basically, if you feel completely confused on how you lost a game, and no matter what you do you can't figure it out, having a coach could help you understand one of your major flaws.
4. If you are extremely flawed in one area of the game, and need to improve it quickly to catch up with the skill levels of your other aspects of the game.
For instance, if your skill levels are rated like this:
Opening: 1500
Middlegame: 1400
Endgame: 1500
Tactics: 1000
Clearly, you need to work on tactics. In these situations, having a coach to guide you could be helpful.
5. Overall, the most important thing a coach can do for you is identify your weaknesses. If you're stuck at a certain rating level, having someone else help you can really be night and day. 
Situations where a coach is not necessary:
1. If you are really low rated, like <1000 USCF. Just playing games will get you higher up, and studying by yourself is really important too.
2. If you're lazy. Evaluate yourself. Do you put in enough work? If you don't work, how will a coach be able to help you? After all, you are the one trying to improve. The coach is just a hand, guiding you along the way. If you don't even spend 1 hour a day studying chess, forget it. No coach is needed.
3. Another point: You don't need a GM coach if you are lower rated. You can start off with a "weaker" teacher like an NM or IM if you are a beginner chess player.
Some coaches to consider:
Advanced players : @Illingworth
Beginner-Intermediate players: @Chessdemon2019
You can find more coaches on chess.com, or ask around locally to see who offers chess training.
I hope this blog post was helpful and enjoyable to read! Please comment down below if you agree with the scenarios I gave for getting a coach and not getting a coach. Until next time!
