What do you think makes you a good coach?
I believe a good coach needs both passion and patience, and those are two qualities I naturally bring to chess. I enjoy helping young players discover the game in a way that feels fun, relaxed, and rewarding.
My main goal is to get kids engaged, curious, and enjoying themselves. Once they are genuinely interested in the game, improvement tends to follow naturally. I want students to feel comfortable experimenting, asking questions, and trying ideas without being afraid of making mistakes.
For me, coaching is not just about teaching the “right move” — it is about helping students enjoy the process of thinking for themselves.
What are your key strengths?
- Patience – I am happy to take the time needed for a student to understand a new idea.
- Calmness – I stay level-headed and create a relaxed learning environment.
- Creativity – I enjoy thinking outside the box and finding different ways to explain or approach a problem.
- Curiosity – I am always interested in learning something new, both about chess and about how different students think.
- Adaptability – I understand that every child responds differently, so I adjust my approach to suit the individual.
- Positive energy – I like making lessons enjoyable and helping students associate chess with challenge, discovery, and fun.
Why do you love chess?
Chess is a beautiful game because there are so many possibilities. No two games are ever exactly the same, and every player develops their own style.
Some players are aggressive, some are patient, some are tactical, and others prefer long-term strategy. I love seeing those different styles meet across the board and watching how each game develops as a result.
That variety keeps chess interesting. There is always another idea to explore, another pattern to discover, and another way to approach a position.
When and how did you first learn to play?
My older brothers taught me to play when I was around eight years old. We played regularly, and that is where my interest in the game began.
Unfortunately for them, they became a little less enthusiastic once I started beating them.
That early sibling rivalry made chess fun and competitive, and it helped spark a long-lasting interest in the game.
Why do you enjoy working with kids?
Kids are creative, curious, and often unpredictable, which makes working with them enjoyable. They do not always approach a problem in the way you expect, and that can lead to some really interesting ideas on the chessboard.
I enjoy seeing how each child expresses themselves through their play. Some are bold, some are cautious, some love tactics, and others enjoy finding unusual solutions.
Helping students discover their own style, gain confidence, and enjoy the process of improving is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching.
What are your main chess achievements?
- Developing a lifelong enjoyment of chess from a young age.
- Building experience through many years of casual and competitive play with family and others.
- Developing a strong appreciation for different playing styles, strategies, and creative approaches to the game.
- Continuing to learn and improve through regular play and curiosity about the game.
- Sharing my enthusiasm for chess with young players and helping them enjoy the game for themselves.
I do not have formal tournament achievements, but I think there is value in remembering that chess is ultimately meant to be enjoyed. If students leave a lesson excited to play another game, try something new, or keep learning, I consider that a success.
How do you think chess helps kids?
Chess develops important skills such as critical thinking, prioritisation, planning, creativity, and decision-making.
During a game, children constantly have to decide what matters most. Should they defend a piece, create a threat, develop another piece, or prepare for something their opponent might do? They learn that they cannot do everything at once, so they must assess the position and make choices.
Chess also encourages creative strategy. There is often more than one reasonable way to solve a problem, which gives children the freedom to experiment and develop their own ideas.
Over time, chess helps kids become more thoughtful, more confident in their decisions, and more comfortable working through complex problems.