Chess Instruction

How much does it cost? The short answer is that it varies based upon how far from Boca Raton you live, and how much work needs to be done for the student. During the school year typical rates are from $30 to $75/hr with an average of 40-50. It is less if you commit to a series of lessons up front. During the summer some very inexpensive promotions may be in place. the best way is to call me (954) 652-9049

If your child is not sure if chess is for him/her, you can always try a group class which are $10-$15 / week.

Lessons at your home or office are typically weekly and are usually one per week for kids. They generally are an hour for kids less than 7. Advanced learners might take 1.5 hours at a time ( with a slight discount ) or when a tournament is approaching, might elect to have additional lessons. for online lessons you can join FICS ( www.freechess.org) and I can help you get set-up see questions below related to this

If you live south of Boynton Beach Blvd, or north of Hollywood Blvd it is convenient to do live lessons. If you live south of Ives Dairy Rd, or north of Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

Then I will need advanced notice to set up the lessons.

Normally one week is enough. exceptions are made for some referred students.

The area is south Florida in general.

Yes! There are quite a number of details that must be negotiated directly with the school. but this is a great asset to a good school. It is important to have a REAL chess PROGRAM which includes professional scholastic classroom chess trainers experienced in classroom administration and with the contacts and knowledge to involve the school and some of the program participants in intramural competitions and state and national chess affiliations. See the "School Chess" tab.

Generally 6-7 years old is the best time to start. There are many VERY bright kids under the age of 6 who can learn effectively from scheduled lessons, but many of them are not always ready when the lesson is. Many are too active and not inclined to focus on one thing for a hour. I would say your child is ready if;

1) They ask for chess lessons

and

2) They show the ability and willingness to sit and listen and take an active part in learning.

Some kids, often girls under 7. Answer questions so quietly that they are barely audible. They appear very intimidated. They often are. Parent naturally hesitate to put kids into situations which scare them. Girls are often more comfortable playing against other girls. Chess is a good way for them to experience the fact, first hand, that girls can play chess as well as boys. Martial arts are good at getting kids to come out of their shell. I like to help people call me ( and look at the next question?)

I am very very good at helping kids with ADD or ADHD. I am also very helpful about it in general. ADD / ADHD is a challenge for chess. Chess is very helpful for ADD/ADHD. It is also a good self image builder which can be so important to ADD and ADHD individuals.

I am quite experienced with dealing with such students. As long as they are relatively high functioning and have reasonable use of language, autistic persons often have a near photographic memory, which is very useful in chess. Some such students may need a parent or helper near by, especially if they are given to unexpected turns of emotion resulting from frustration.

Some degree of developmental delay is not going to prevent a student from benefiting from chess or enjoying it. If the student is truly very delayed chess may not be productive. It is important not to place expectations where they would likely cause disappointment. Such students who do learn to play chess well are proud of their developed skill and are often ready to demonstrate it!

Call for a consultation on the phone to discuss if lessons are right for the student in question. If so, schedule a time and date to begin!

I train students who are as high as USCF 1600. I believe I am one of the best instructors in the USA for such students and my track record bears that out.

If you have / are a teenager or an adult rated higher than that call me and I will make an appropriate recommendation.

During the school year, especially after October, this is an easy question to answer, but often my schedule changes. It is best to call to schedule lessons or assessments.

You can cancel a lesson and not pay for it if you give at least 7 days notice. You can pay 1/2 if you give at least 2 days notice. If you have purchased a block of lessons there are no discounts, makeups or refunds for missed lessons - it is like buying a theater ticket or missing sessions at a college course. That is why such arrangements involve a discount.

Yes! On Mondays at 3:00 PM E.S.T. I do a one hour free lesson on ICC.

I can do a 15 min free online Skype lesson as an intro / sample if requested and arranged and scheduled for a true prospective student.

No problem! I will meet you where you wish. I have all equipment with me. I will leave you with some materials. IF you wish I can purchase for you chess sets and pieces and chess clock(s) and book(s) and bring them to you.I can even arrange followup personalized video(s) and/or computer programs I write especially for your student!

F.I.C.S is the Free Internet Chess Server. It is free and you can play chess there. This is the  only free site I recommend and you can download software you will need there ( safe secure and stable ) and get a "handle" ( name to call yourself, like a label ) and a password sent to your email. Do NOT share the password with me, but, by all means, feel free to share the handle. If you have never done so before and you have a USCF rating of under 1200, I will analyze one of your FICS games free ( by email or 15 session via Skype)

A rating is a number which tells how good you are at chess. The average rating is about 1400, the standard deviation is about 350. You have to be 2000 to be an "expert" and 2200 is "master". If you do not have an official rating you do not need to worry about it. If you are the equivalent of 100 times your age this is good for young players ( and impossible for some of us!) The USCF applies ratings and so does the ICC and FICS. Ratings from other sources are rather meaningless and not good bases for comparison. Blitz ratings are 400-600 points lower that the USCF rating would be. See below how to get a USCF membership

The U.S.C.F. is the United States Chess Federation ( note online it is also the US cycling Federation! ) It has all the information you need about mamberships. You will likely wait until ( and if ) you wish to join an actual tournament. Most organized school events require USCF membership(s) but it is always possible to purchase a membership online or at the site.

You do not need equipment for your first lesson. It is highly recommended that you NOT buy chess sets or boards until you meet with me and know which type to get. The tiny hollow pieces sold in dime stores are not suitable, and the super expensive ones sold in gift shops and luggage stores are not required. For about $8 you can get the chess pieces and it is about $6 for a chess board. For about $30 or less you can get a very professional setup ( www.hollywoodkingschess.com ). You will eventually need a chess clock ( $30 to $100) and I will likely recommend some books at some point tailored to the student ( $8 to $40)

The content must be tailored to the students level, age, and temperament. In general students will learn how to conduct basic endgames and how to win advantageous situations with very few pieces left ( endings ) They will learn specific sequences of moves to make for an effective start ( openings ) They will learn a number of basic "tricks" which are called tactics which enable them to checkmate or win pieces, They will also learn general ideas about how to play including what to do when you have more( or less ) pieces, what to do with a lead in development etc. (strategy). How to play with ( or against ) various pawn structures. The key ideas of common setups and move sequences and pawn structures. They will learn how to think in chess ( and in life!) They will learn critical thinking and logic more thoroughly than any other way!