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FAQ

When does the next program Start?

We have programs starting all the time. For details refer to Squad location and meeting times.

So who are the Coaches?

We have selected the best coaches available for the task at hand. Some players look to a coach's rating as a measure of how good they are... we know that can be misleading. We have selected coaches who are firstly and most importantly able to engage with their students and inspire and motivate them to reach their full potential.

Paul Macdonald - Chess Coach Paul has been teaching Chess for many many years and as the 2014 NZ Chess Championships Major Open Champion, Paul knows what it takes to play and win in serious Chess. Although Paul has beaten many NZ Champions being a great Coach is mainly about creating a positive learning environment with lots of encouragement and support.
Bruce Pollard - Chess Coach Bruce is a great ambassador for Chess. He runs a number of coaching clinics at various schools around Auckland and also runs the Waitakere Chess Club Junior club. Bruce interacts with kids in a very positive and encouraging way which enhances kids' learning.

Additional coaches will be made available to the squad and guest coaches may be brought in as required.

Due to the power of the internet we are able to bring international coaches onboard to help too! Online lessons will be given by International Master Robert Jamieson.

IM Robert Jamieson Internaional Master Robert Jamieson has been one of the foremost chess players and coaches in Australia for the last 30 years! A former Australian Champion, Australian Open Champion and Australian Lightning Champion. A member of the Australian Olympiad Teams in 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980 and 1982. Former President of the Australian Chess Federation, holder of the Australian Simultaneous games record and owner of the largest private library of chess books in Australia. Since 1885 there have only been 10 Life Memberships of the Australian Chess Federation awarded, Robert holds one.

With the added support of your peer group and online resources you will have all the support you need to become a much better chess player!

What Guarantees can you give that I will become a much stronger player?

The short answer is we cannot guarantee results. However, we are highly confident that you will get the results you are looking for. Our students move from strength to strength because they have all the resources and support they need - just take a look at Our Successes - the results speak for themselves.

As with anything, what you get out of the program is what you put into it. The NZ Chess Academy program:

ü Has the right environment with peers of similar ability

ü Is full of support and encouragement from exceptional coaches

ü Has the right structure and content with hundreds of professionally edited sample videos!

ü Gives you access to comprehensive learning materials

ü Supports you at events where you need the most support of all

ü Pushes you to strive for excellence through take-home exercises

ü Is catered to your individual needs

ü Is run professionally by professionals who teach chess for a living

Do I have to attend every tournament?

No, you don't have to attend every tournament available. However, the more tournaments you enter the more experience you will gain and the stronger you will become. Remember, you will receive free coaching for all approved events you attend so it is a great opportunity to improve your chess!

Will the program run over the school holidays?

Yes, the program will run over school holidays. At times you may be going on holiday and miss a few squad sessions. Don't worry, everything will be made available online so you can be sure you haven't missed anything and can catch up when you return from holiday.

So how do I get started?

Simply make an expression of interest using the form at the bottom of this page. We will contact you and discuss the program with you. Please note expressing an interest is not a guarantee that you will be accepted into the program.

When do I have to register by?

The sooner you express your interest the better. We can only cater for a maximum of 12 students for each squad. For details of which squads are starting and when, refer to Squad location and meeting times.

Where to from here?

NZCA Enquiry



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