Mention that you have a coach, and no matter what the reason, people assume you’re looking for big wins and huge successes. Whether it’s a fitness coach, lifestyle coach, or chess coach, there are lots of reasons why you would choose to follow the advice of one. Contrary to popular perceptions, you don’t have to be an aspiring pro either – anyone can use the services of a coach, from complete beginner to expert.
If you have an interest that you wish to get involved in and maybe take further, where do you go to learn?
Should I Get a Chess Coach? 🤔
Books and online blogs can only take you so far, videos, again, are limited in their usefulness as they lack the interactive element and they are not tailored to your own unique playing style. Working on your chess with friends is helpful, but distinct from building a structured training plan with a professional coach. Some of the key benefits of working with a coach include:
⭐️ An unbiased, objective opinion
⭐️ Fully diagnose your strengths and weaknesses
⭐️ Focused learning
⭐️ New perspective
⭐️ Build a personal training plan
⭐️ The benefit of knowledge and experience
Why do players look for a chess coach? 🤔
Beginners can gain a lot from hiring a chess coach. Whether you choose to have one for a while, or only a short period while you learn the basics, a weekly session, or once a month is up to you. A good coach offers encouragement, prevents the annoying procrastination that most of us are experts in, and can avoid bad habits developing.
Many coaches provide an online coaching service, allowing their students to be based anywhere that can hook up to the internet, and they are surprisingly affordable.
For those players that aspire to IM or GM level, a good coach is essential. Experience in strategic openings, middlegames, and endgames, and the opportunity to practice styles of play, including tactical and positional, cannot be gained from books or videos.
A coach can offer honest feedback and game analysis, plus expert tuition, focusing on the areas that require work. It is no coincidence that most top players have worked extensively with professional coaches from an early age. Judit Polgar, the strongest female chess player of all time, was coached by her father from childhood. Magnus Carlsen, the World Champion, worked with one of Norway’s strongest Grandmasters as a child and later even trained with the legendary Garry Kasparov to sharpen his game even after breaking into the world’s elite. Coaching can be a valuable resource at all levels!
Should you get a chess coach? 🤔
Taking students ranging from complete beginner to expert, RetiOpening coaches can help you improve your game and help you achieve your specific goals. With a selection of experienced trainers, we are confident that you will be able to find the right coach for you.
