natrix> Every time we're looking at a position that looks like a complete draw to me, he shows me amazing winning ideas.
No doubt. He is a strong Grandmaster! :)
natrix> He is helping to develop my sense of position by reviewing master game positions (many that he played in himself) and clearly explaining the positional & tactical ideas at every step, including methods of how to decide on superior moves myself! It's like a live version of "Understanding Chess Move By Move" by John Nunn
"Understanding Chess Move by Move" costs a few Euros and covers 30 games. Reviewing 30 games with a GM would cost significantly more... so my question to you is--in what way(s) have you found reviewing it with a GM is significantly better? In what way(s) has he customized your training to meet your individual needs?
In answer to your questions, I have had a couple visits with coaches. Their keen board vision was very insightful, but I'm not convinced regular visits are for me yet. I know what I need to learn next to improve, and I have plenty of material to go through.
I though it would be useful to post our opinions about chess coaches found here at chess.com
Anyone else taking lessons from a chess.com coach? If so, share your opinions regarding what you like about your coach. If you wish to post a negative opinion, please do so in the spirit of constructive criticism, so that coaches may read this and learn to improve their teaching methods!
I am taking lessons from chess.com member GM Rakhmanator. He's a *Great* coach in every sense of the word! He is actually taking university courses to become a professional chess coach & it really shows in his teaching style.
He is helping to develop my sense of position by reviewing master game positions (many that he played in himself) and clearly explaining the positional & tactical ideas at every step, including methods of how to decide on superior moves myself! It's like a live version of "Understanding Chess Move By Move" by John Nunn
He is the most knowledgeable and insightful chess player I have ever encountered. Every time we're looking at a position that looks like a complete draw to me, he shows me amazing winning ideas. We're beginning to play training games together. Of course, I expect to get crushed regularly, but what an awesome opportunity to review the games with the same grandmaster you're playing with!!