Chess Lessons.
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Private chess lessons tailored to you. In-person or online.
Meet a Few of Our Amazing Instructors
Background Check
Student Favorite
Jessica U.
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Speaks American Sign Language -
Bachelor's Degree - English - Creative Writing from California State University Long Beach -
Awarded College of Liberal Arts Exceptional Student Achievement Award from California State University Long Beach
Teaching Locations:
Online
Private Chess Teacher
Chess is a great hobby for children and adults alike! Learning chess helps develop and improve critical thinking skills, patience, problem solving skills, and memory, as well as being an incredibly fun game to play. I've been playing chess since I was a child, though recently, as an adult, my love for the game truly ignited. I understand how complex of a game chess is, and I will help you gain a strong grasp over the main concepts involved in the game at whatever pace you prefer. I've been teaching chess for over two years now (through private lessons and at the Los Angeles Chess Club) and my lessons are as fun and engaging as they are educational. We will analyze historical chess games, as well as games that you've played, where we'll learn about common openings, tactical motifs, mating patterns, theoretical endgames, and so much more in our lessons. Whether this is your first time seeing a chess board in your whole life or if you've been a casual player for years, I can help you ...
About Jessica
Hello, I'm Jessica! I can't wait to help you learn more about chess! I've been teaching at the Los Angeles Chess Club and through private lessons for almost two years now and I love watching my students improve. I've been playing chess for many years now and I spend multiple hours a day improving my
Recent Reviews
Background Check
Student Favorite
Danial A.
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Awarded 5 Time National Chess Champion from United States Chess Federation -
Business Administration from University of Southern California -
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Teaching Locations:
Online
Private Chess Teacher
At age 11 I achieved the title of Master, and since then have become an International Master (with 1 Grandmaster norm), 5-time National Champion and am currently the #1 18-year-old on the west coast of the United States. Without chess instruction from the most patient, inspiring, and hardworking chess coaches none of this would have been possible.
I began to play chess at 7 years old and after my coach ended our first class by saying, "Every champion was once a beginner" my youthful imagination ran wild and I was hooked. My early development in chess proved to be nontraditional where my structured classes provided by my school were supplemented by the aggressive, unconventional playing styles I learned from spending my weekends sneaking games in with hustlers at my local chess park. Yet learning these vastly different approaches to the game allowed me to become a more complete player, and after 6 weeks of practice, I could beat every kid in my class and almost defeated my coach. ...
About Danial
At age 11 I achieved the title of Master, and since then have become an International Master (with 1 Grandmaster norm), 5-time National Champion, North American Junior Champion, and am currently the #1 19-year-old on the west coast of the United States. Without chess instruction from the most patie
Recent Reviews
Background Check
Student Favorite
Andrew H.
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Teaches students 3 and up -
BA Finance from Bentley College -
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Teaching Locations:
Online
Private Chess Teacher
I am a passionate chess coach available for instruction of all levels. I have been teaching for over 10 years in many schools and training private students. I have helped establish top chess teams recently including NEST+M, PS33, and Success Academy.
Several of my students achieved highest performance awards - top 100 in the country, two of which are now rated as high as 2300. I have taught an advanced class with chess world champion Magnus Carlsen. I make learning and playing chess enjoyable and fun. I have achieved a Candidate Master title with FIDE and USCF ratings of approximately 2100.
I have a business degree in finance from Bentley University and have worked several years on Wall Street. I enjoy all aspects of risk management and how it combines elements along with chess. I love working with children and have a strong track record of making many strong relationships. You will not find a more dedicated coach. My average student gains 200-800 points in strength quickly! ...
About Andrew
I am a cool, energetic, and savvy instructor with a lot of experience. I've taught thousands of students over the years in schools and individually with a strong track record for gaining positive results. I have even taught a class at a chess camp with World Champion Magnus Carlsen. I am extrem
Recent Reviews
Background Check
Student Favorite
Siddharth G.
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Speaks Gujarati, Urdu, Hindi, English -
Awarded Bachelor Business Management and Textile Technology from De Monte University -
Teaching since 2014
Teaching Locations:
Online
Private Chess Teacher
I have been teaching chess for six years and my students have gone on to tournament level and won competitions. Within the first few lessons, my students have developed a deeper understanding of chess strategies As they progressed further in their lessons they have developed special moves to win the chess games. I take pride in my students' success and love working with them. I do provide tournament chess boards for my students.
About Siddharth
Hi there, my name is Siddharth and I have been teaching chess in public and private schools, including private lessons, over the last six years. I love to see students grow with each lesson and accomplish their goals. Under my tutelage, I have helped students advance from beginner level to tourna
Recent Reviews
Is a wonderful chess coach.
Background Check
Student Favorite
Cindle V.
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Speaks Spanish, English -
Teaching since 2008 -
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Teaching Locations:
Online
Private Chess Teacher
I am ranked as a top female chess player and have played the game for most of my life. I have played in many national, state, and local tournaments and place well. I have been teaching students of all ages for over 15 years. I make lessons fun and enjoyable but also very understandable. I teach all levels and ages. This is a great game and I believe anyone can benefit from learning the game of chess.
About Cindle
Hello, my name is Cindle V. and I love teaching music and chess. I have been teaching for 12 years. I have a bachelor's degree in music education and am currently teaching around 30 lessons a week to students ranging in ability from beginner to professional. My experience working with all types of l
Recent Reviews
Background Check
Student Favorite
Atousa P.
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Speaks Russian, Farsi, English -
Teaches students 4 and up -
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Teaching Locations:
Online
Private Chess Teacher
Learn Chess from a Woman Chess Grand Master!
She's been teaching chess from beginner to advanced level for more than 10 years.
She's been playing chess professionally Since 1996.
About Atousa
Becoming the world youth champion at 12 and chess Grand Master at 20, would have never been possible without receiving the best chess lessons from my trainers and coaches. Everyone needs guidance in chess, I’m here to share my knowledge with you. Despite being a professional chess player since
Recent Reviews
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Hear From TakeLessons Chess Students
Over the past 12 years, we've given over 3,000,000 lessons to happy customers around the world.
My weakness is that I have the tendency to rush, or to assume that a move is the correct one, when it's not! Dipankar's system has taught me to stop assuming, to look for further moves and to choose the correct move more often than before.
My Chess rating has gone up and I am a much stronger player today thanks to Dipankar! I strongly recommend him to any Player that wants to improve."
Private Chess Lessons Near You
Nearly 15 centuries old, the game of chess originated in northern India in the sixth century C.E. The game then found its way to Persia, where it was adopted by Muslims after Arab conquests. With the Moorish invasion of Spain, chess found its way to Europe, where modern our modern rules of the game were developed.
Chess tournaments began in the late 1800s and during the 20th century, advances in chess strategy and theory became increasingly prevalent. The computer completely changed the way people play, learn, and train for chess tournaments, as chess engines and databases began tracking and recording chess moves and strategies.
Apart from the strategy of the game, chessboards and pieces are veritable works of arts. With one king and one queen, two rooks, two bishops, tw
o knights, and two pawns, chessboards make attractive and fun centerpieces. If you want to learn more about playing chess, beat the computer, or love the game and want to learn to play like the greats — Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, Magnus Carlsen, or another — then studying with a private chess teacher can help you master the chessboard.
Why Learn to Play Chess?
Often seen as a brainy game, it might not be surprising to learn that chess is very good for your brain. Regular chess playing triggers the growth of dendrites, which help conduct brain activity in general and more specifically in the prefrontal cortex (responsible for judgment, planning, and self-control). Chess play has also been shown to increase IQ, stave of dementia, develop creativity, and improve reading comprehension. Chess players really do train and work-out their brains, getting smarter with every move.
Chess is also a great game for meeting new people and making friends. You can join a chess club, become a member of the World Chess Federation, or play in tournaments. As you win games (and lose) games, you'll gain self-confidence and improve your problem solving skills. You'll also develop lasting friendships with like-minded individuals.
The Best Way to Learn Chess and What You'll Study in Lessons
Sure, you can find plenty of free chess classes online, but the best way to learn to play chess fast is by studying with a private chess tutor. Every private lesson is different. For example, chess lessons for adults differ from chess classes for children in terms of teaching style, training approach, and content. Plus, your tutor will customize each lesson to keep you motivated and interested, while you learn at a pace that's comfortable for you.
Sample Curriculum for Beginner Chess
If you've never played chess or have just a little experience, then beginner lessons are for you. In these lessons, you'll be introduced to the rules of chess and some beginner strategies to help you improve and understand the nature of the game. Your beginner chess teacher might cover the following subjects:
- Learn the rules of the game
- Study opening strategies
- Learn how to apply opening strategies to play
- Understand counting
- Open vs. closed positions
Sample Curriculum for Intermediate Chess
If you've had some experience playing chess, but want to take your skills and stratagems to the next level, then intermediate lessons are for you. In these lessons, you'll challenge increasingly complex opponent strategies and learn to develop your own techniques. Your intermediate chess tutor might cover the following topics:
- The Petroff Defense
- Playing fluid positions
- Learn to develop pieces
- Understand the concept of delayed attacks
- Finding your opponent's weak spots
Sample Curriculum for Advanced Chess
Advanced lessons are intended for expert professional chess players to continue to develop their skills and challenge themselves to improve their game. In these classes, you'll have the opportunity to work with a professional to improve your techniques, recognize your opponent's intentions, and more. The subjects studied in advanced lessons depend greatly on each student's goals and interests, but your teacher might choose to cover the following topics:
- Recognize and avoid traps or poised pawns
- Study the game's dynamics and tension
- Learn to make highly strategic exchanges
- Use computer chess to explore strategies
- Competition and tournament preparation
How to Find a Chess Teacher Near You
Ready to master the chessboard with the help of a private teacher? You're in luck because finding a chess tutor on TakeLessons is easy! A simple search for a chess teacher near you will direct you to a long list of highly qualified and experience chess teachers. Before choosing the tutor who's right for you, we recommend looking at several profiles and reading through reviews left by other chess students, like you.
The price of chess classes varies, but most teachers base rates on the length and frequency of lessons. With so many teachers to choose from, you should have no problem finding a tutor who fits your budget and your schedule. Plus, you'll find that investing in private lessons pays off quickly, as you learn new strategies quickly and improve your skills after only a single lesson!
Popular Chess Articles from our Blog
The end of the game has come. You have successfully out-maneuvered and outfought your opponent, conquering large swaths of the chessboard, and approaching that triumphal moment when you will topple the opponent’s king and declare that he has fallen---in other words, a checkmate (recall that “checkmate” is an anglicization of “shah mat”, Persian for “the king is dead”)… Only to realize that you don’t quite know how to finish the game, which inevitably results in a slapsti …
By Josh Freimark
I will admit to you, the reader, that most of the articles I have written thus far assume that the reader is already a fairly avid chess player, who is aware of the basic rules of chess and thus is interested in learning more advanced strategies, traps, and tricks with the goal of decisively defeating the opponent. But, of course, not everybody is born knowing the rules of chess---there are, in fact, many out there who are unfamiliar with the game, and need an introduction. Especially now …
By Josh Freimark
As a game, chess is traditionally divided into three phases: the opening, the middlegame, and the endgame. While all three are important, today I’m going to help you start out strong in the opening. When I first learned how to play chess, I played openings that really did not help me improve and left me with an awkward start to the game more often than not. Eventually, I adopted some of the openings that I will show you in this post and my rating skyrocketed. Opening Principles The first …
By Kyle Barry