What do you think makes you a good coach?
I am genuinely passionate about teaching and committed to making sure every student understands what they are learning. I do not simply explain a concept once and move on—I take the time to find different ways of presenting an idea until it makes sense.
Every child learns differently, so I aim to create lessons that are clear, encouraging, and suited to the individual student. My goal is to help students feel comfortable asking questions, working through challenges, and developing confidence in their own ability.
What are your key strengths?
-
Adaptability – I adjust my teaching approach to suit each student’s learning style, personality, and level of experience.
-
Clear explanations – I enjoy finding simple and practical ways to explain ideas that may initially seem difficult.
-
Patience and persistence – I am willing to revisit a concept and approach it from a different angle until the student feels confident.
-
A willingness to learn – I am a fast learner and enjoy developing new skills, strategies, and teaching methods that can improve my coaching.
-
Encouragement – I create a positive environment where students feel comfortable trying, making mistakes, and learning from them.
Why do you love chess?
I love chess because it develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a way that is both fun and engaging. Every game is different, which means there is always a new position to analyse, a new challenge to solve, and a new lesson to learn.
Chess rewards careful thought, creativity, and patience. I also enjoy the fact that players can continue improving for many years, as there is always another strategy, pattern, or idea to discover.
When and how did you first learn to play?
I first learned to play chess in primary school with my friends. Much of my early learning came from watching other people play, noticing the moves they made, and then testing those ideas in my own games.
By playing regularly, I gradually developed a better understanding of the game and improved through experience. This has also influenced the way I coach, as I understand the value of observing, practising, making mistakes, and learning step by step.
Why do you enjoy working with kids?
I enjoy helping children develop confidence, independence, and a positive attitude toward learning. It is incredibly rewarding to see a student understand something that they initially found difficult or begin applying a new skill without needing assistance.
Children bring curiosity, energy, and fresh ideas to every lesson. I enjoy supporting them as they work through challenges, celebrate progress, and discover that learning can be both enjoyable and rewarding.
What are your main chess achievements?
-
Playing and enjoying chess consistently for many years.
-
Developing a strong appreciation for the game’s strategic and problem-solving elements.
-
Building knowledge through regular play, observation, and practical experience.
-
Using my understanding of chess to introduce students to the game in a clear and encouraging way.
-
Helping young learners develop confidence and strong foundational skills.
While I have not competed professionally, I believe effective coaching is also about being able to communicate clearly, connect with students, and help them enjoy improving. Supporting a child as they understand a new concept, solve a difficult problem, or gain confidence at the board is an achievement I value greatly.
How do you think chess helps kids?
Chess helps children develop logical thinking, concentration, patience, planning, and decision-making skills. It encourages them to slow down, consider different options, and think about the possible consequences of each move.
It also teaches children to think ahead and learn from mistakes. A poor move does not have to define the whole game; students can reassess the position, adapt their plan, and keep trying.
These lessons extend well beyond the chessboard. Chess can help children become more confident problem-solvers, more resilient learners, and more thoughtful decision-makers in everyday life.