Hannah Beach
Quick facts
Started playing chess at age: 5
Experience with: coaching beginner and intermediate players
Fun facts: I make films for a living
Hobbies: I enjoy doting on my cat, fixing up my house and cold swimming.
QA with me
Q: What inspired you to start coaching chess and how long have you been doing it?
Q: What is your proudest chess achievement or moment?
Q: How would you describe your coaching philosophy or teaching style?
Q: How do you tailor your coaching to fit the needs of different students?
Q: Can you share an example of how you've helped a student improve their game?
Q: Who is your favourite chess player and why?
Q: If you had one piece of advice for either new players or students wanting to progress what would it be?
Q: What is the most valuable lesson chess has taught you in life?
Q: What are your favourite chess openings or strategies to teach?
A: I visited a prison to coach chess and realised how fulfilling it was, not just to play with people as keen on chess as me, but to play against people so in need of any kind of social interaction. It made me realise the beauty in sitting with someone, having something shared to concentrate on.
A: While I’m not the strongest player, I am the most convincing. I’d say I’m most proud of how many friends I’ve roped into playing with me, some of whom are now as enthralled by it as I am.
A: I’m quite liberal in my approach, letting the kids guide me and tell me what it is they want to learn.
A: I usually give a broad lesson, then let those with a good level of understanding play, while I focus on more direct teaching with those less sure.
A: I recently taught a class in which I focused on dominating the centre of the board during the opening moves, as it occurred to me that most kids go for the edge pawns at first.
A: The Queen, because I’m a feminist.
A: Chess is deeply metaphorical. Find the fun in the challenge and focus on playing to learn, not to win!
A: Think before you speak/move/react etc.
A: I love shocking the kids with an early game castling
Book Your Taster Session