Hi. I would like to sign up as a student as I want to development my game, especially my middle game and strategy of the game. Current rating is 1228 and this is my highest. No official rating. I only play online chess. When I am at a better standard I would like to become a mentor. I prefer 3/5 days time control. How do I sign up to become a student?
Mentor Program
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@mustang2001
That's enough to sign up as a student. We just need to wait for a mentor now.
Thanks
I am willing to sign up as a mentor. My current rating is 1814 (although that's probably going to drop soon...I have several games that aren't going well, some against lower rated opponents). My highest rating was 1829. I do have an official USCF rating (but it is only provisional, after 3 tournaments) of 1601. Right now, I am only willing to mentor one student at a time, but might be willing to increase that later. I can play 3 day games, but would prefer 5...any longer than that, though, and I might forget it's a mentor game! 
Hi. 3 day games would suit me. Are you willing to take me as a student?
yes
Hi. Just accepted your games. Look forward to learning.
Take backs option. How do I do this? Games started so is it too late to change?
I messed up in setting up the games. We can abort those two and start two new ones that will allow takebacks.
Thanks
I'm not good enough to be a mentor, but I'll be a student.
@Mustang2001
I'd prefer that you waited for my approval.
@Conflagration_Planet
please read the full post. You need to fill out more than that to be signed up for this program.
Hadn't realised I needed to wait for approval to start. What else do I need to complete? Can we carry on with the games?
Nothing
yes
Thanks. Do you want any feedback?
Not now. Maybe in about a month's time.
Thanks
I would like to be a student. I typically function in the 1500-1550 range on chess.com. My highest rating is not representative of a 'good' period, but simply that I had higher stats when I first joined chess.com. I am an attacking player and would prefer a mentor that is an attacking player as well, since I find strictly defensive play boring. I would like to work on my endgame as it is improving but I miss simple elements at times. Hope that is enough.
As part of the mentor program within the Learning Group, it is important that we the stronger members of the group can help out the weaker members strengthen their level of play, and in the long-term, for the entire group.
There are slight modifications to this mentor program to the usual mentor program that occurs on chess.com. There will be three categories (maybe four, but that will need to be considered). They are:
1. Mentors
2. Students
3. Mentor-to-Mentor discussion (Via games)
4. Student-to Student discussion (This one needs to be considered. If you wish for this category to exist, please let me know and submit reasons)
Here are some of the guideless for the actual mentoring that I would like to point out (Although most of it should be common sense).
As a student, here you are expected to:
1. Ask your mentor questions
2. Tell him what you want to learn (and if he/she says no, you may need to ask why. Perhaps they don't think you are of the suitable level to be taught etc.)
3. If during your mentoring game your mentor makes a move you don't understand, ask "why did you make that move?" And also ask them "What move should I do in this position?"
4. Simply keep in mind that YOU are the one that is targeted to improve during this mentoring program. Fire away with your questions.
To the mentors:
1. If your student makes a move that you think is bad, simply take the move back, and tell them why you do not approve of it.
2. Be considerate of your student. They are not supposed to be up to your standards. So if they do not understand what you are talking about, maybe you did not explain clearly enough or maybe they are not up to the level to understand and utilise the concept/s you are trying to teach them.
3. Ask them what they want to learn in case they are too shy.
4. Sometimes, even as the better player, it should be adviseable that you as a mentor, should at least hear the reasons your student has for making the moves he/she made, before you tell them your suggestions.
So here is the list for the actual mentor program:
Mentors:
USERNAME ---> Currenlty Mentoring USERNAME/USERNAME
1. Jesorak (1814) ---> Currenlty Mentoring mustang2001 and piecefodder
2. Cruiseylee78 (1770, but has been up in the 2000s) -----> Currently mentoring Wanderain
3.
Students:
USERNAME ---> Currently Mentored by USERNAME/USERNAME
1. Mustang2001 ---> Currently Mentored by Jesorak
2. Wanderain (1500-1550) ----> Currently Mentored by Cruiseylee78
3. macieleng (1361)
4. Piecefodder (1000-1100) -----> Currently mentored by Jesorak
5. eckat (1191)
6. The_Absolute_One (Unrated)
7. mcwelch (1042 Blitz)
Please comment down whether you want to be a "MENTOR" or a "STUDENT" or "BOTH".
Along with all of that, please fill out the following:
1. What is your CURRENT rating?
2. What is your highest rating achieved on chess.com? (Online chess only)
3. Do you have any official ratings? (FIDE/USCF/ACF etc.) If yes, what is it?
4. How many students are you willing to take at one time? (to the mentors only. Students will so far have a maximum of one mentor at a time. Numbers may change if large numbers of mentors are available).
5. What is your preferred time control for the game?
Take note that all games must be played with the "Takebacks" option. This ensures that the student can try again (mentors if necessary :p) after making a mistake or showing variations.
I would advise the mentor-to-students have two games going on (one for each colour) if the pair is discussing openings, opening traps etc.
If you have any other questions, please ask me right away, and I hope that this mentor program will be a success!
Good Luck with your chess! :)