It truly depends on your situation. For some people, independent learning with online resources is enough. Others need a little more of a push, with a coach. I've told people before to explore online resources, and come back to us after some time to decide if our coaching would still be valuable for them.
Are chess coaches actually worth it?
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Aug 25, 2025
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#3
It depends if you like learning on your own (the best imo), financial situation and other things. But because of information overload you need to carefully choose material for your level, that's when coaches come in to guide you. I'm one of them (shameless plug lol) https://www.chess.com/member/benkoni_kid
0kbutwedont_care-33 wrote:
Some people have benefited greatly from a chess coach because of structured feedback, accountability, and learning from their mistakes. However, I think autonomy in learning and understanding chess is better due to self-realisation, freedom in learning and being able to do anything we want. What do you guys think?
Coaches help a lot, in my opinion. A good coach won't restrict your freedom, and will adapt to your learning style. They analyse your games and tell you where you could have played better. It feels good to know someone is keeping closely with your journey. However, many good coaches don't teach players below 1500 or something. It might not be the best for everyone as many charge ludicrous sums of money.
Improving in chess is an investment either way: either $$$ or time. And a good coach can save you lots of time by accelerating your learning so you can do other things with your time.
Mar 20, 2026
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#6
I agree with NM @whogeeyao ....you will end up paying whether you like it or not if you really want to improve.
Mar 20, 2026
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#7
It depends on your situation and what your goals are. How quickly do you want to improve? Can you afford it? Are you a good authonomous learner or do you need guidance? Is the social interaction and accountability important to you? Are you a kid or an adult learner? And so on...
If you decide you want coaching, it makes sense to get a bit of an overview of what is out there before jumping onto the first offer
Mar 20, 2026
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#8
I'm currently 2400 Rapid / 2538 Blitz and I have never had a coach. In today’s world, between engines like Stockfish, analysis tools on Lichess/Chess.com, YouTube, chess books, and countless free apps/websites, all the information you need to reach a Master level is already at your fingertips for $0. If you are disciplined enough to analyze your own blunders, study endgames, and fix your opening mistakes, you can improve just as fast—if not faster—than someone relying on a weekly lesson.
Coaching is essentially a luxury service. It’s for people who want a 'shortcut' or need someone to point out things they might be too lazy to find themselves. It saves time, sure, but you can absolutely do it on your own.
Maybe once you are already extremely strong (pushing for GM/IM titles), a coach becomes necessary for specific high-level prep. But if you are a beginner, intermediate, or even an advanced player, you can improve significantly without spending a dime on coaching. The tools are all there; you just have to use them.
Mar 21, 2026
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#9
The problem Leviakerman is its not $0. Its not if you actually do the analysis.
Mar 21, 2026
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#10
I once thought the same as well. But I have lived it and its not free.
Some people have benefited greatly from a chess coach because of structured feedback, accountability, and learning from their mistakes. However, I think autonomy in learning and understanding chess is better due to self-realisation, freedom in learning and being able to do anything we want. What do you guys think?