Online Or Real Life Coaches?

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of taking chess lessons from a professional coach. Chess.com has a lot of online coaches available to choose. But I'm wondering whether real life coaches can teach better as they are real human beings who you can interact in a normal way? 

Anyone took the lessons before from both online and real life coaches? I would like to hear their feedbacks. 

I think that depends on how you like to be teached. Personally i think i would go for a coach that i could meet IRL. I don't take chess lessons (thinking about i though..), but i guess it is a matter of personally preferences. Why not try out both online and IRL lessons? 

Pros and cons. it's nice to practice OTB. Then again, it's nice to have the chat and moves saved for future review. If I met IRL, I would want to also receive PGNs and be able to record the lesson or get something written or diagrams or something for later review.

Hi guys, 

Thanks for the comments. I guess I just have to try both and see which one I like better. Here in Singapore, it will cost about $60 an hour to train with FIDE approved trainer. Most of the online teachers on Chess.com is charging around this rate as well. 

Typically, GMs charge more than Masters, but won't necessarily be better teachers. If you are a Master yourself you might need a GM though.

My opinion is OTB face to face coach is the best.

Henry--You told me multiple times that you can't even make a link, so of course you are going to feel that way. That being said, I do see your point and some definite advantages in OTB lessons. The ideal, in my opinion as a learner, is to have exposure to OTB lessons with PGN files of the lessons and descriptions thereof (recorded audio and/or writing...or a video of the lessons). Some provide this with the latest software, but I don't know if they provide this in addition to OTB lessons. I'm not sure how feasible my "request" really is, however. For me, thoug, it is invaluable to be able to go back over the chat and the PGNs. Then again, I miss out on the tactile feedback and muscle memory that helps if one wants to play OTB tourneys....that is also invaluable.

It is much easier to talk to someone than having to type everything. Easier to play at the board in person and show things on the same board.

Hey guys, I am not professional. But I would love to teach anyone if anyone is willing. Please contact me for more info.

Have you heard of Skype?

Anyway, OTB is great but you miss out on having a lesson you can review...

You can review if you take notes as you should and get homework which you will. I do not skype and it is still not the same as looking down at the same board and playing on it.

I find that taking notes is distracting. My Spanish teacher was phenomenal and would type up the notes after each lesson and email them to me. She charged 3x as much as other teachers, but she was the best. I think I would rather pay extra and have the teacher send PGN files and emails after the OTB lesson. The notes I would take would not be as good as what the teacher would provide. Anyway, if I ever hire a chess coach I may see if I can get someone who does this. I'm sure they would if you pay for their time.