Study Queries

Hello lovely Chess.com members!

I am nearly 16 yr old and thinking of going for my first rated tournament at the end of this year or so. As I am thinking to studying Chess seriously for next 9-10 months seriously, I have decided to create a study plan or hire a coach. Here are some of my questions which I think if y'all can answer will keep me in good stead:

1. I'm thinking to begin with Endgame study which will be going on equivalently to Tactics training. But I'm puzzled as to which book or software will help me in effective endgame practice. Some recommend Silman, Nunn's books while some people suggest a software like Chessbase 13 or CT art is better than books as they offer interactive training. 

2. Secondly, i have got John Watson's Opening book Volume 1. But I don't think I'll be using it in first couple of months of my training.I wanted some ideas as to when I should start using this book (period).

3. I am also thinking of hiring a personal coach. Can anyone recommend a good coach or online academies where Chess Coaching is given for comparatively affordable price ($20-$35/h).

4. I also noticed Chess.com has its study plans too! But it doesn't seems like a study plan for me. Due to the fact that the video library stuff is only accessible for subscribed members... Is it worth subscribing for a membership just to complete the study plan fully?

Also, should I participate in the rating tournament and do something in Chess field along with my academics? Is it worth for some fun?

Thanks!

Hi.If you are still interested we can start working...I have place for 2 new students...

But one advice when you deal with chess coach you nead to respect the deal...Not to change and not to inform...

Ok.Now we can start???And pls add me on skype or private chat...

Ok than if you are interested contackt me after 22.March.Tnx

Internacional master and Fide Instruktor Dejan Stojanovski

Hello.  I will give you what advice I can.  Responding to your numbered points.

1 Likely books and interactive training.

Starting with endgames as a big part of your study is a brilliant idea.  They throw a lot of light on the game as a whole, and often badly neglected by those trying to improve.

2 Can't comment on the book, have not read it.

The way to study openings is to learn the ideas behind the opening, play it, look up to see what both sides did right and wrong, repeat.

3 +4 Can't really comment.  Never had a coach [though I have coached kids] and don't know the sources you quote.

There is a wealth of entirely free info online and I can recomend some.

a) GM Daniel King on youtube.

He mostly does reports on current tournaments with analysis.  Lots of others do similar stuff, King stands out, he is a GM, so knows his stuff and has an excellent command of english.  Game reports are engaging and contain a lot of info.

b) Scholastic Chess Center, St Louis also on youtube.  They run classes and put the lectures online.  There are lots of speakers, topics and levels, find what you like.  Recomend Akobian.

c) GM Dzindzichasvilli has a bunch of videos online.  They are samples from a lot of CDs he wants to sell.  Good stuff, was a top US player for a long time.

1. Silman's endgame book is a good choice. Not so much because of its content but because it is - unlike many other endgame books - fun to read.

 I'd also recommend to do your 5 tactics exercises daily. That shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.

I dont agree with you....You nead coach maybe not long time but at least some number of lessons to give you direction how to continue working alone.If you work alone with out help from coach you can work one year for something what can coach tell you in 1 lesson.

It's not your choice if the event is rated. The organizers will decide.

I think if the op has decided to give a coach a try; and said coach has contacted him and there is an apparent agreement it would practically be rude to giving the op alot of advice on how to further improve.

no offense, op but you should" respect your coach", if you've truly decided to be his pupil.  you should seek information from him and strive to follow his instructions to the letter.

some coaches offer just alittle and others can absolutely give you much more than you can hope to do.

if I can judge from what has beeen said, IM Trainer is one of the latter.  This is Good!  he has Solid credentials nobody else on this thread has.   best of luck.   if you didn't want someone that that would give you lots of advice and structure your improvement;  why did you ask?

some people DO like to "do it themselves"- if that is you, then don't ask for coaching.  ask for advice, and and do as jengaias advises.... lots of serious games-  look for a good book (or two)....

On the other hand, a good coach gives you confidence that you CAN achieve achievement, and you have little guarentee you'll make any improvement- no matter how books you buy.  IMHO.

well, we are bound to disagree about a lot I suppose.

but, I have an "online" coach.  I find him instructive.  I very much respect strong chess players, but It seems to me- that there are many ways to improve.

nevertheless to ask for a coach and THEN look for alot of patzer advice is off. Even you would agree with that, wouldn't you?

You are welcome.  :)

Somebody else mentioned something I should have, lots of long play against strong opposition.  Preferably in competition.

And try playing casual games like competition, at least for you.  Touch move, don't take moves back.

Jengaias has reached his limit, on how often he will agree with me.  Nevertheless, i think i understand his vibe.

and it is not about getting lots of low-rated and sometimes conflicting advice.

@ IM_Trainer.  Do you have a brief comment about the OP's questions.  I know you prefer answering question on your own thread.  but for the sake of those who Might consider having you as a coach.   What about the Op's concerns?....

and I am very curious, Specifically whether you design a thorough improvement program for your pupil?  or whether you want THEM to be loooking through books,etc??

... shoot.

we might not get answers.  the IM says he won't answer questions til the end of the month.

I will answer here.What is your question?

thank you.

do you create a personalized study program for a new pupil- or do you prefer they are already reading books and have a study program?

This is my last post from this and I will dont reply anymore to anyone from this...First write your name and surname and than we can diskuss...Second if you have bad experience with some coach that not mean all coaches are bad...You write so bad  things so I will dont reply anymore to you...Chess player without name...