I enjoy the game. I have been here since 2021. My game is getting worse. I need lots of help: Somehow, I cannot find the two simplest items on this website for beginner's chess. Help? How do I learn to set up the chessboard properly? Which way should the board game be oriented?
Second: I need to learn how to read and record chess moves. Those rank and file notations. I can not find these simple lessons on Chess.com
Every chess student needs a different approach.
When a student joins my chess school, the first step is always a deep dive into their profile:
– Chess.com and Lichess ratings
– Puzzle rating
– OTB experience (if any)
From there, I build a personalized learning plan based on how much time the student can realistically invest each day and week. I also ask one key question:
What is your goal for the next 30 days?
Based on that goal, the work begins.
Each student receives daily tasks every morning, tailored specifically to their needs. I actively track their progress and adjust the plan immediately if I see issues or missed patterns.
Once per week, the student sends me a game of their choice. I create a video analysis, which allows me to:
– Identify critical mistakes
– Track improvement
– Refine the training direction
In addition, we have one or two 60-minute live lessons per week (recorded) to go deeper into key positions and ideas.
This is a proactive hybrid system:
– Structured daily work
– Continuous feedback
– Direct communication (Slack – anytime)
This constant interaction between coach and student is what creates real progress.
Results so far:
– 25+ tournament trophies in the USA
– 10+ students reaching 2000+ on Chess.com
– Average improvement: ~80 rating points (depending on level)
– 14 Irish Junior National Champions
– 2 British Junior National Champions
– 3 FMs under the age of 16
– 60+ tournament winners (junior and senior)
Progress in chess is not easy — but it is simple with the right guidance.
Only 2 places left for the May group.
Book your free trial:
https://scheduler.zoom.us/darko-polimac/coaching-with-darko-
Or contact:
dpolimac@gmail.com
Send your Chess.com / Lichess username to get started.
FIDE Trainer
Darko Polimac