Chess for Beginners: Early Gameplay, Fundamental Strategy

From 65.33 C$ /h

Chess is an engaging strategy game that supports and strengthens different cognitive fields; pattern recognition, calculation, planning and problem solving, and memory. Chess practice has been identified as a protective factor against dementia by health researchers, and it can provide a distinct form of mental engagement for those who haven't played before. Beyond its health and cognitive benefits, chess is fun! It is engaging and easy to learn, but hard to master. If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of chess, and developing a sense of strategy, I can teach online or in person. If you are someone who understands the fundamentals, and is looking for someone to practice with, and to analyze patterns of gameplay, we can do that too! My goal is to make chess fun, easy to understand, and something you can use as a way to develop a variety of skills!

I’m currently studying for a Master’s degree in Psychology, with a special focus on working with children and adolescents. As a child, chess was a large part of my development, and helped me to strengthen my focus, critical thinking,and problem-solving. I am eager to share this experience with you, and to help you or your student become a confident chess player!

Extra information

If you are interested in learning online you will need a working computer that can access Chess.com and use either Teams or Zoom.

Location

Use Ctrl + wheel to zoom!

At student's location :

Around Battersea, United Kingdom

Around London, United Kingdom

Online from United Kingdom

About Me

I am a passionate early learning educator and chess player. I have experience as a preschool teacher, as a learning aide for neurodivergent students, and as a tutor for students 3-12. I was a competitive chess player and have experience teaching chess for beginners and students.

Education

Bachelors of English Literature, summa cum laude, University of Pittsburgh
Bachelors of Political Science, summa cum laude, University of Pittsburgh
Currently, MSc Psychology, University of Birkbeck

Experience / Qualifications

3 years experience as a competitive chess player and children's chess coach
5 years of experience as an early childhood educator and reading specialist
Additional experience working with neurodiverse students

Age

Preschool children (4-6 years old)

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Chess

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

At student's home

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Early Literacy and Writing (nursery through early grades)

98 C$ /h

Early Literacy is fundamental for preparing students for primary school and beyond -- creating developmentally appropriate, structured, and fun lesson plans to support literacy can have an outsize impact in instilling a joy of learning and a sense of confidence in early readers. With a background in English Literature and teaching, I specialize in early learners and students for whom reading may feel intimidating. I will provide worksheets, activities, games, and work with parents to learn about what activities and topics are the most engaging for their student.

Alex

5.0

(1)

My three main areas of expertise (not necessarily in this order):

- Chess: I teach chess to beginners and intermediate players up to ELO 1800 or ECF 1700, working on the tactical and strategic aspects of openings, middle games and endgames.. "chess is life in miniature"!

- Fitness / Running / Triathlon: I coach people who want to get fitter and generally incorporate any endurance activity into a health(ier) lifestyle. I am a dedicated coach who has competed in several marathons and Ironman races (also qualified for the Ironman World Championship). I focus on nutrition, stress and sleep as well for a holistic approach.

- Languages: I specialize in tutoring Italian and Spanish; my style is to keep students challenged and motivated through simple classes and practical exercises (pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary).. I'm a demanding teacher but will guide you in a fun and interactive way.

Please contact me if you have any interest in spending more time and energy in any of these 3 areas, and don't forget that "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano" is a good approach to look after yourself :)

Mark

5.0

(1)

Chess is a great game for having fun and sharpening the mind. Suitable for all ages, I offer classes for beginners to advanced players from ages of 5 upwards. As an online player myself with a blitz rating of 2440, I find the study and play of chess endlessly rewarding and hope that some of my passion can rub off on you. I offer lessons on all aspects of the game from the opening to the endgame, from simple queen and king endgames to Novotny interference I can provide puzzles and exercises for any level.

Bekzod

5.0

(1)

Chess is always considered a booster of knowledge for intellectual development. Children who are good at chess can acquire good problem-solving and decision-making skills.

My classes are open to everyone who is keen to be clever. Students' results are integrated with the international ranking system. So you can monitor your progress.

Paul

5.0

(1)

-Economics is a social science, a social science that bothers the day to day activities of everyone, In our lessons the contents will be as relatable as possible, I will make the concepts relatable and help build your knowledge base.
- As Bilingual with German as a second language I understand what it takes to learn a another language at whichever stage and I can't wait to begin this journey with you. We will build on your Vocabulary, Reading, writing and comprehension skills through all the various levels.
-Chess is perhaps the best board game ever, let's begin your chess journey or help you build your game. We'll work on the openings, middle and end game. The lesson will firstly build your knowledge about the game from the basis then offer a grounded knowledge on various chess theories.

Ovidiu

5.0

(1)

Greetings! I am a chess coach at the Uxbridge Chess Club in West London and I currently coach kids and teenagers who are looking into improving their game skills. With an ECF ELO score of 1800, I particularly enjoy going through the strategy and tactics surrounding chess, as well as the psychology of the player, which is often deemed to play a crucial role in the outcome of a game.

When coaching, I always employ a player-focused strategy. Indeed, I believe that the most efficient way to learn is by letting the individual discover their strengths and potential.

Feel free to contact me for a chat!

Claudio

5.0

(1)

Welcome to the world of chess!

Whether you're looking to refine your openings, sharpen your tactics, analyze your games, you're in the right place.

What You’ll Gain from My Chess Lessons:

♟️ Game Analysis & Strategy Development – We’ll review and break down your own games to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement.

♟️ Highly Interactive & Personalized Training – Lessons are tailored to your style, focusing on what excites you the most—openings, middlegames, endgames, tactics, positional play, and more!

Mahya

5.0

(1)

I’m Mahya! I’ve been playing chess for over 18 years and have competed in many tournaments, gaining valuable strategic and practical experience. I teach both beginners and intermediate players of all ages, and I offer fun, supportive lessons tailored to each student’s learning style. My background in psychology helps me connect with learners on a deeper level, especially children, making each session both engaging and encouraging. Whether you're looking to improve your skills, build confidence, or just enjoy the game, I offer both online lessons and in-person sessions in London. Let's make chess exciting, personal, and full of growth!

Nipun

5.0

(1)

Unlock the deeper logic of chess with a structured and strategic approach to the game — not just what moves to play, but why to play them.

In this class, I guide students through the three most crucial phases of chess — Opening, Middlegame, and Endgame — with a clear focus on positional understanding and strategic conversion.

⸻

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

✅ Opening Strategy Essentials
• Principles behind strong openings (control of center, piece development, king safety)
• Popular systems like the Italian, Queen’s Gambit, London System (depending on student level)
• How to avoid common traps and mistakes in the first 10 moves
• Understanding opening ideas instead of memorizing lines

✅ Middle Game Fundamentals
• How to create and recognize imbalances
• Planning based on pawn structure and piece activity
• Coordination of pieces for attacks or positional domination
• Introduction to motifs like outposts, weak squares, and open files

✅ Converting an Advantage into a Win (Endgame Transition)
• Recognizing when to simplify or exchange
• Playing with the initiative
• Converting small advantages (space, better bishop, weak pawns) into winning endgames
• Basic endgame knowledge to seal the game (king activity, opposition, promotion tactics)

Aary

5.0

(1)

You will learn how to play the openings, what to keep in mind, trading pieces and all these stuffs, including middle game and endgame.
Certain important aspects like what to and what not to do while in middle game as most beginner struggle to do so.

Dillon

5.0

(1)

Whether you’re a complete beginner learning how the pieces move, a parent looking for a fun and educational activity for your child, or an adult hoping to refine your strategy, these lessons are designed for you.

I first began teaching chess at Fernwood Primary School, where I introduced 10–11-year-olds to new tactics, strategic thinking, and proper chess etiquette. Some of my students even went on to represent England and Nottinghamshire in national competitions — an experience that showed me how rewarding it is to help others grow through the game.

My lessons are engaging, supportive, and tailored to each student’s level and goals. We’ll cover everything from openings and mid-game strategy to endgames and competitive play, always at a comfortable pace.

Whether you want to play socially, compete in tournaments, or simply strengthen your focus and problem-solving skills, I’ll help you develop confidence and enjoy every move on the board.

Goga

5.0

(1)

Im Goga, a 2100+ rated club player with years of experience and a passion for attacking, creative chess, for an exciting journey into the world of chess! This class is designed for kids who want to:

Learn the basics and fundamentals of chess in a fun, easy-to-understand way.

Develop tactical vision and spot winning opportunities like traps and forks.

Understand strategy and planning, not just memorizing moves.

Build confidence while learning to think ahead and make smart decisions.

Enjoy interactive lessons where they can play, ask questions, and even take back moves to experiment.

Whether your child is just starting out or wants to sharpen their skills,I will guide them with patience, energy, and a love for the game. Lessons include real-life examples, mini-games, and challenges to make learning chess both effective and exciting!