At first I found Yasser Seirawan a little strange, you know his somewhat theatrical mannerisms, but I gradually began to like him and now he's one of my favourites. I wouldn't dare asking him for lessons. He'd soon find that I resemble "Julian!"

Josh Waitzkin I like his teaching lessons in chessmaster. I think he could explain the most complicated chess lessons so that I understand them.

And Ben Finegold. He's very funny. A really good sense of humor.

Here are the results so far for the question,

"What chessplayer, living or dead, would you like to have as your chess teacher?"

J.R. Capablanca and Yasser Seirawan head the list with 6 votes each.

Mikhail Tal has 5 votes, and Garry Kasparov has 4. 

Here is the list of players in alphabetical order with the number of votes:

love it

Kramnik. Or Svidler. First Kramnik. He would surely analyse my games to death. 

I would probably go with Tal. While I'm a horrible player myself, I have been told by two different people that my playing style is reminiscent of Tal's – tactical, aggressive, and sacrificial. I might benefit from a teacher who played like me, but infinitely better, so that I could develop in a direction that suited me and keep polishing my strengths.

Weird Al is not listed. Why not? You got something against Weird Al?

Please forgive me. I can assure you that I have nothing against Weird Al.

I have added Weird Al to the list and you will see him there when the next update is posted.

Wanting Kasparov as a chess coach seems like wanting Gordon Ramsay to instruct you in cooking.

You have my thanks, @DoctorMove.

leiph18 wrote:

Wanting Kasparov as a chess coach seems like wanting Gordon Ramsay to instruct you in cooking.

Both Magnus and Naka improved as a result of working with Kasparov.

Chessexplained.

yes I doubt Kasparov shouted at Magnus he just expect everyone to do their best.

I wonder why anyone would want to work with Ramsay. if he shouts all the time.

Actually can I change my vote from Lasker to Tal?

Emanuel Lasker for me - he did write an instruction manual, and would be exceptionally stimulating to be around with his broad ranging mind.

If you'd like, Robert. Please confirm.

It is really hard not to say Tal!

Who did Tal train?

Ten days ago, I mentioned Tal's trainer, Alexander Koblentz. While I'd certainly love to have dinner with Tal, I doubt he'd be a great trainer. Tal was a great chess journalist, and a true wizard, but I'd rather have the person who trained him as my teacher.