What inspired you to start coaching chess and how long have you been doing it?

Since I was a kid I have always been passionate teaching others about what I know and enjoy. Chess has been my biggest passion since I started playing, so I love helping others improve and sharing my passion for the game with them.

What is your proudest chess achievement or moment?

Reaching 2000 in just 11 months after starting as a complete beginner!

How would you describe your coaching philosophy or teaching style?

I believe that frequently revisiting key concepts and elements of chess in different ways helps reinforce the patterns needed to understand different chess positions and become a more experienced player.

How do you tailor your coaching to fit the needs of different students?

With less experienced, but also younger students I often adapt using engaging minigames and teaching the basic elements of chess strategy. With more advanced experienced students I help develop their opening repertoire, give tournament advice and sharpen their tactical skills.

Can you share an example of how you've helped a student improve their game?

I did tactics and game reviews in my student's lessons and after a year they increased 200 points in rating.

Who is your favourite chess player and why?

Javokhir Sindarov. I love how actively and dynamically the top players from Uzbekistan play, and his performance in the 2026 Candidates made me a big fan!

If you had one piece of advice for either new players or students wanting to progress what would it be?

Have fun whilst playing chess, and play a lot! The more chess you consume, the more pattern recognition skills you develop and the stronger you become, whether that be puzzles, books, lessons, games online or YouTube videos.

What is the most valuable lesson chess has taught you in life?

Discipline and focus. I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child but have managed to bring it under control a lot. I regularly study chess and manage my own schedule, and I focus for long periods of time in tournament games without any problems now - I've developed these skills in order to become a stronger chess player.

Do you have any memorable or funny moments from your chess coaching experience?

Most of my lessons with my students are generally very memorable. Sometimes if I give any funny allegories or stories when explaining something in the lesson, the students find it funny.

What are your favourite chess openings or strategies to teach?

I love the French Défense, and I love active or dynamic piece play in terms of chess strategy. However, none of my students actually play the French, and I'm fine with teaching theory in any opening to my students.

Jason Lam

Quick facts

Started playing chess at age: 11

Experience with: coaching beginner, intermediate, and advanced players

Chess rating: 1700

Favourite chess players: Mikhail Tal & Daniel Naroditsky

Hobbies: Guitar and Photography

My coaching philosophy: I prioritise pattern recognition and logical thinking skills, as well as identifying key strengths and weaknesses so that you can adapt to any game without needing to be concerned by the daunting aspect of memorising lots of openings and traps. Whether it's for casual games with friends or high pressure tournaments, fast paced bullet or slow classical timed games, I will help you to play your best in any scenario with confidence, develop your own playstyle, and most importantly of all to have fun!

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