Michael Sole

Michael is our youngest and probably most enthusiastic coach. Living in Wellington, Michael is an active member of the Wellington Chess Club and a regular at the Wellington Sarapu Cup. We suspect he is trying to win it as many times as he can before he is too old to compete in the event!

Why do you love Chess?

I love how in chess, you can see your improvement and are constantly learning new things with everyone having room for improvement. I love chess due to the enjoyment of creating a complicated mess of a position that both you and your opponent need to navigate their way through and the shared sense of confusion that often connects the players.

When/how did you first learn to play?

I first learned to play as a young child playing with family, and later at school at a casual level. I began to take chess more seriously when I was in Years 7 and 8 where I was playing for my school and felt more motivation to improve and become the top board for my school.

Why do you enjoy working with kids?

I enjoy helping others and I find that kids have the most to learn and can adapt quickly with their excitement and passion that is unparalleled.

What are your main Chess achievements?

• I have achieved an 1800+ rating.
• Finished 6th overall at the 2017 interschool nationals with my school, Wellington College
• Joint winner of the 2014 C grade Wellington Chess club championships

How do you think Chess helps kids?

I believe that playing chess helps kids better maintain their focus and helps kids to practice being calm and quiet for long periods of time which can often be difficult. I feel that chess can increase the confidence of kids who would otherwise have little that they excel at and can give them a fair chance at success and recognition.