Straight answers to the questions parents ask us most often, written by the coaching team, and useful whether or not you study with us.
Most children can learn the moves from around age five, provided the lesson is short and playful. Readiness is less about age and more about whether the child can sit and focus for roughly twenty minutes and take turns without frustration.
For a five to seven year old we teach in short bursts with lots of visual work and mini-games rather than full games. From about eight onwards, children can usually handle a full 45-minute lesson and a complete game.
Two live classes a week plus 10–15 minutes of puzzles on most days is more effective than one long weekend session. Chess improvement comes from frequent short repetitions, exactly like learning an instrument.
If your child is only able to practise twice a week, that is fine, we will pace the syllabus to match rather than pushing them through material they have not absorbed.
Ask about the ideas they used rather than whether they won. 'What was your plan?' teaches far more than 'Did you win?'.
Let them lose. Losses are the fastest teacher in chess, and a child who is protected from losing tends to avoid stronger opponents, which stops improvement.
Avoid coaching over their shoulder during games. Even correct advice at the wrong moment breaks their concentration and makes the game feel like a test.
Early progress shows up as fewer pieces left hanging, then as visible plans, then as calm play under time pressure. Rating changes are a late and noisy signal, especially in the first year.
At each of our five stages, the child has to demonstrate a specific skill, for example delivering basic checkmates reliably, or explaining a plan in a middlegame position, before moving up.
1:1 suits children who need a bespoke pace, are preparing for tournaments, or are shy in groups. Small groups suit children who are motivated by peers and enjoy friendly competition, and cost less per class.
Many families start with a group class and add occasional 1:1 sessions before a tournament. The demo class coach will make a recommendation.
Play practice games at the real time control at least a week beforehand, keep the pre-event routine ordinary, and agree that the goal is to play good moves rather than to win a certain number of games.
Expect tiredness rather than tears: a full day of tournament chess is mentally demanding. Snacks, water and a break outside between rounds make a large difference.
