How much do chess coaches cost? A chess coach can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price depends on the experience of the chess coach, the ability of the chess coach, the school that the chess coach works for and the availability of other chess coaches in your area. (chess coaches are usually paid on an hourly basis. Therefore, the more time a chess coach has spent coaching chess, the more likely that he or she will charge more than a new coach who has never coached chess before.)
Who should you hire? You should interview several chess coaches before hiring one. Interview them to get an idea of how they work, what they charge for and what their philosophy is about chess. Interview more than one chess teacher to get a better idea of who is best suited for your needs.
Do you need a full chess set? A full chess set is usually included with a coach’s fee. The price of all of your chess books will depend on the number of books you have and on the number of tournament games you win. For instance, playing regularly might mean playing many more tournaments than just a few, and winning some of them. Therefore, your books might cost more than just a few chess books.
How much will the Chess Coach pay you? A good chess coach will not expect you to pay him or her in “sticker money”. They will most likely give you a small monetary advance when you sign up for their training class. Be aware that a coach who charges you an entry fee will almost always require you to make monthly payments before he or she will allow you to take the class.
Can you meet your chess coach after you signed up for a chess coaching program? Most good chess coaches are very friendly. If you meet them in person, they are usually very interested in you as a person and in helping you improve your game. They will probably want to meet several chess players so they can select the ones that will be the best for teaching chess players.
Does your Chess Coach have references? It is always a good idea to check out other coaching candidates to see how they fair against the same types of students. You want someone with plenty of experience and success teaching chess coaches. Chess coaches with plenty of experience teach college students, so don’t hesitate to ask about their former students.
Do I have to pay for the coaching sessions? A good coach will offer to pay for your coaching sessions, no matter what the level. Sometimes a chess coach will offer free coaching if you sign up for an entire chess club. Check with your chess coach about these options.
Do I get one-on-one coaching from the coach? A good chess coach should be willing to sit down with you and go over the most common problems you are having playing chess. If you are having an issue playing at a level you are comfortable at, you may not get one on one coaching. However, many coaches encourage one-on-one coaching, so don’t be afraid to ask. If your chess books are outdated, your coach should know.
Does my chess coach have access to the chess books I use? A good chess coach should have access to the books that you use for your game. Be aware that some chess books contain material that is out of date. Your chess teacher should be able to get the latest books on that topic and point out any out of date information. Make sure your coach has access to the latest books.
How much training will I receive from my chess coach? It all depends on the amount of time you have available to dedicate to your chess training. If you have some extra time, some chess tutors offer chess lessons a few times a week or during the day. If you have more time or are only able to commit a few hours a week to training, you will likely receive more individualized training. Consider your own situation before hiring a chess coach.
Is my chess coach a good teacher or mentor? Good chess coaches are teaching and mentoring, not only promoting their own product. Many good chess coaches are signed up as members of the International Chess Federation, and take part in chess club activities and tournaments. If you are looking for a role model, chess coaches with both titles are highly sought after.