You definitely are paying the wrong coaches. Ive been a lot of OTB coaching (im planning on switching to online once i break 2k on chess.com.) i like to be interactive and make sure the student is always learning. Coaches aren’t a waste. Just ask if you can get a free 30 min session to see if you want to pay next time. You will find the right coach. Trust me!(:
Chess Lessons a Waste?
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Mar 27, 2025
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#3
Hi Brian,
It looks like you picked coaches that teach their standardized material (which they probably copied from a book).
Chess coaching involves much more! Such as analyzing the sgudents' games, trying to uncover the problems in place that make you commit certain mistakes.
Do you think that your coaches are generally qualified? If yes, what is their exoerience and do they hold sny certificate?
I am rated 2100 fide, have a fide instructor title and focus on things such as thinking processes (calculation, finding ideas etc.)
Hi I've had a few relationships with chess coaches over the years. They all seem to be well meaning people, but I've never felt I have improved as a result of the lessons. Often we end up spending our lesson time solving tactical puzzles (sometimes blindfold), endgame puzzles, or learning an opening theory. I rarely have had them provide instruction on how to actually improve or learn the techniques I might need to solve an endgame. I have felt I have picked more of this up by studying the principle in a chessable course or watching a youtube video on the topic by some chess master or other. What is the point of the chess coach, what am I missing? I don't need to shell out good money, while chess coach sits there silently on video and watches me struggle with some super challenging puzzle! Am I alone on this? Thoughts?