Finding a chess coach isn’t difficult, as there are many websites that provide lists of coaches, from enthusiasts to famous GMs. However, there is one nuance. The real challenge is finding the right coach — one who will actually help you improve, rather than just take your money and leave you feeling stuck.
As a chess coach, I’ve worked with players of all levels, from beginners learning the basics to advanced players aiming for tournament success. I’ve also been on the other side, searching for a coach myself several years ago. And unfortunately, I got burned one day. So I know how easy it is to end up with a coach who isn’t the right fit you, someone who doesn’t personalise lessons, rushes through material, or simply teaches the same things to every student.
Today, I will share with you all the experience I have gained in this field and will explain how to find a chess coach, so that it won’t be a waste of time and money. Here is in detail, what we will cover today:
Why you need to define your goals and expectations before searching for a coach
5 biggest mistakes you should avoid when choosing a coach
Key qualities to look for in a chess coach
Define your goals and expectations before searching for a coach
Many players start looking for a coach without knowing exactly what they need. They assume that just having a coach will make them better. But if you don’t have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, even the best coach won’t be able to help you effectively.
Before searching for a coach, take some time to answer these questions:
What is my current chess level? (For example, am I a beginner, club player, or advanced tournament competitor?)
What is my short-term goal? (Growing my rating from 1300 to 1600 points, preparing for a tournament, identifying and improving specific weaknesses, etc.)
What is my long-term goal? (Do I want to reach a specific title or just become a stronger player overall?)
How much time can I realistically commit to studying chess each week? (This could be as little as 30 minutes)
Do I prefer structured lessons or a more flexible, problem-solving approach?
Having clear answers to these questions will help you choose a coach who matches your needs. It also prevents frustration — many players expect quick results but don’t realise that improvement takes time and consistent effort.
Most importantly, be honest with yourself and your coach. If your goals and level of commitment aren’t clear, it’s easy to end up with a coach whose teaching style doesn’t match your needs. That’s how lessons become a waste of time instead of a valuable investment.
5 biggest mistakes you should avoid when choosing a coach
Many players think that hiring a coach automatically guarantees improvement. But simply having lessons isn’t enough — you need the right coach for your goals. Making the wrong choice can lead to months of wasted effort and money. Here are the most common mistakes when choosing a coach:
1. Choosing a coach based only on rating or title
A Grandmaster (GM) or International Master (IM) might seem like the perfect coach, but being a strong player doesn’t automatically mean they’re a great teacher. Some high-rated players struggle to explain concepts clearly, while others aren’t engaged enough in their students' improvement.
Besides this, some great and famous chess players have had a talent for playing chess from their childhood. They have learned and grown on a very intuitive feeling. This means that they view chess in a different way and may not understand the struggles you have. As for them, it was really easy to overcome them.
So instead of focusing only on rating, look at their experience coaching players at your level. Have they helped students similar to you reach their goals? If yes, then that is a great sign. A good coach doesn’t just play well — they know how to teach.
2. Expecting instant results
Improvement in chess takes time, even with the best coach. Some players quit after a few lessons because they don’t see immediate rating gains.
A good coach provides a structured plan, but it’s up to you to put in the work outside of lessons. If you expect results without consistent study and practice, no coach will be able to help you.
3. Not clarifying expectations before starting
Many players begin lessons without discussing their goals, preferred learning style, or commitment level. This often leads to frustration, as the coach and student may have different expectations.
Before committing to lessons, make sure to:
Tell the coach your goals — short-term and long-term.
Discuss the structure of the lessons — do you prefer solving puzzles, analysing games, or working on specific areas like openings or endgames?
Be clear about your available time for study — so the coach can plan accordingly.
4. Choosing a coach who gives generic lessons
Some coaches follow a "one-size-fits-all" approach, giving the same lessons to every student. If a coach doesn’t adjust their teaching to your specific weaknesses and strengths, your progress will be slow.
A great coach identifies your unique playing style, weaknesses, and strengths, and then tailors lessons accordingly. If you notice that your coach isn’t adapting their teaching, it may not be a good fit.
5. Making a decision based on their hourly rate.
This mistake is quite similar to the first one, as usually the higher the title of the chess player, the more he wants to charge for the coaching session. Besides this, we have a quite typical set up – quality things are always expensive. I agree that it makes sense, but not 100% in this case. So don’t aim to work with the most expensive coach within your budget. Instead, focus more on understanding if the coach has the key qualities.
Key qualities to look for in a chess coach
If you’ve thoughtfully read this so far, then you already understand that the first things you should check are whether the coach has successfully worked with students like you and whether they will adapt to your needs. However, there are a few other important factors that can make or break your learning experience.
1. A coach who is engaged in your progress
A great coach doesn’t just show up, go through a lesson, and move on. They actually care about your improvement and put effort into tracking your progress.
You can tell if a coach is invested if they:
Remember your past lessons and build on them.
Ask about your recent games and challenges.
Give specific feedback on your independent study and guide you on what to work on next.
If your coach never follows up on your progress or seems detached from your learning, it’s a sign they’re not truly engaged in your improvement.
2. A great connection and comfortable working relationship
You’ll be spending a reasonable amount of time with your coach, so the dynamic between you matters. Even if they’re a strong teacher, if your personalities clash or the lessons feel uncomfortable, it won’t be an effective learning experience.
A good way to test this is to ask yourself after the first few lessons:
Do I feel motivated and eager to learn after the session?
Do I feel comfortable asking questions and discussing my struggles?
Is the learning environment positive and supportive?
A coach doesn’t need to be your best friend, but if you dread lessons or feel like your concerns aren’t being heard, the working relationship won’t be productive.
3. Lessons that go beyond just the basics
A good coach doesn’t just walk you through a few tactics or openings — they help you build a structured path for improvement.
Look for a coach who:
Gives homework or study recommendations between lessons.
Explains how to improve, not just what to study.
Helps you develop strong habits for self-study and tournament preparation.
If a coach only runs through random puzzles or games without a clear plan, it’s a sign they aren’t thinking long-term about your progress.
Ready to train with the right coach?
At Mindful Chess, we have coaches for players at all levels, from beginners to advanced competitors. We offer online chess coaching for adults and kids. So if you're interested in finding a coach for your specific needs and goals, feel free to contact us, and we will help you find the perfect match for you.
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