Oscar Ironside

What do you think makes you a good coach?

I’m an expressive, articulate coach who explains ideas clearly, with an engaging style. I’m patient, encouraging, and I love helping students understand their path toward improvement.

What are your key strengths?

My key strengths are my understanding of chess fundamentals, pattern recognition, and clear communication. I’m great at keeping lessons fun and focused, especially with younger players, drawing on my experience as a children’s music tutor.

Why do you love Chess?

I love chess because it’s the perfect mix of logic and creativity. There’s nothing quite like spotting a tactic or watching a plan come together the way you imagined. It’s incredibly satisfying, and every game is a new challenge to solve!

When/how did you first learn to play?

My dad taught me the basics when I was a young child. I played on and off growing up, and over time, my interest grew into a real passion.

Why do you enjoy working with kids?

I enjoy working with kids because they’re curious, energetic, and full of potential. I love seeing their confidence grow as they improve, and I know firsthand how rewarding it is to fall in love with learning chess.

What are your main Chess achievements?

I’m currently rated around 1600 on Chess.com, and while I haven’t had experience in tournaments yet, I’ve put a lot of time into studying the basics, and I love passing that knowledge on.

How do you think Chess helps kids?

Chess has been shown to improve memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. But beyond that, it teaches patience, forward-thinking, and resilience — skills that help kids succeed in many realms of life.