Chess Lessons

I was thinking about taking some chess lessons and wanted to see if anyone had any experience with some of the coaches.  I have also seen some other websites that offer 1 year training to achieve master level, called www.chessmasterschool.com . Does anyone have any experience with any of these?  Are any of them worthwhile? How does anyone recommend to improve quickly?

Chris, we have about the same USCF rating  roughly and I think a coach is the way to go.  You probrably can achieve expert alone with very very hard work, but you can cut off years of trial and error just to get someone to work with you and help/share knowledge.  As far as the "Chess Master School," You should be skeptical of any service with any guarenteed results.  It's probrably like any other online service that just dumps a bunch of puzzles with you.Especially since they tout that "X GM is a member of our staff."  lol. 

I have had about three coaches in my lifetime.  The first was more informal when I was about 1400 just starting in chess.  I think it was just good to play with someone that was stronger.  My next coach was an expert when I was around 1500.  It's generally okay to work with someone 300 rating points higher than you... the only drawback is... don't expect to necessarily go higher than that coach's rating if you remain with them!  On the flipside, I don't think a GM that trains world champions is necessary when that's not what you are trying to do and is too expensive.  I think with your level of play (probrably A class/ Upper B Class strength) you at least need a coach that is a senior master.  The problem with having an expert coach is that their is a "gap" in their learning most of the times, especially if they haven't been coached by a strong titled player. 

I have a coach right now, IM John Bartholomew and he is great.  He will look over all of your games and make an individualized plan for you.  However, if you can find a local coach face to face, I would recommend that.  I am in Alabama, and their definitely is a lack of coaches here for the most part.  Right away, I noticed a difference between the expert coach and this guy's knowledge, even from their recommendations for openings!  (i.e. the expert recommended things with narrow lines like the Alekhine's 4 pawns with c4 - totally opposite with my new coach).

But know that a coach is a long term thing and not all coaches are created equal.  If you find that you aren't vibing with the coach or have bad chemistry after about 3-4 tournaments, get someone else.

Check out this forum for information on the chessmasterschool

http://icsdiscussion.forumotion.net/forum.htm

We have some pretty good improvement resources here at Chess.com:

http://support.chess.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=14

Don't get me wrong, I think the site is great.  I just think I could possibly improve more quickly given a more rigorous, set training schedule. I am largely self taught and I think a 'program' from someone who has done it before may benefit me.

Right,

I think online stuff is a good supplement.

what an interesting conversation - I teach myself - I did not realize that there was such a formal learning process - no wonder I lose all the time (other than the fact that I cannot play)   - :o)   

Hi, I have bought the chessmastersschool course about 6 months ago and it wasn't very helpful. The tactics, you could get way better ones in a regular tactics book like 1001 etc. The strategy and annotated games were ok but a annotated games book would have been better. Overall, it was a waste of what, 30-40 bucks? So please, instead of spending your money on the course, just buy 2-3 good strategy/tactics book. Also, for some reason, 2-3 months after I bought the course, they said my account didn't exist. So I contacted them but no replies came. Don't fall for those internet scams!

It's funny you mentioned that!  I just spoke with someone about being careful about "promise to improve" software.  Ironically, the best software I've used is a relatively unheard of package called "Chessimo" from GM Milos.  It's cheesy but teaches pattern recognition, I would hardly recommend it.  (and it has a free trial that doesn't expire :-) although I eventually purchased.

I used to have CTart 3.0 (I think that was the name) and it was pretty much the same, Political. It was a tactics program that was much like the one on this site. It would get harder as you completed tougher problems. I have actually started taking lessons from a real person online and am very pleased with my decision.