FAQ

Modern chess players have amazing tools and a wealth of information at their fingertips. Strong chess engines can easily point out the obvious mistakes in their games. There is at least one chessable course on almost any decent opening. It's easy to find good chess content on YouTube, Twitch and other platforms. Top chess events can be followed live with GM commentary.
However, it's not easy to develop a proper thought process without a coach. It's particularly difficult to realize what one's biggest weaknesses are and what to focus on. Stockfish can tell that a certain move would be better, but it won't explain how the double pawns as part of a pawn majority are a long term issue, or why being a pawn up doesn't automatically mean that trading pieces is a good plan.

If you can read, write and move chess pieces on a board, you're in the right place.

I am not the right coach for total beginners. The absolute minimum should be around the 1200 level. If you are lower than that, just play a lot and find a local coach.
I also think that the coach should be at least 200 points stronger than the student, meaning that I won't take people rated over 2200 FIDE. I know that even top, world class players, have seconds, but their job is completely different (preparing specific opening lines in depth, suggesting strategies for specific tournaments and opponents, admin stuff and so on). I'm pretty sure PH Nielsen is not teaching Magnus how to play the Carlsbad pawn structure.

I have tried various platforms, but currently I find lichess.org to have the best interface for teaching purposes, using the "study" feature. If you don't have an account with them, please create one. It's free of charge.

The standard duration is 1 or 2 hours. Most students prefer to have them weekly or every 2 weeks. But I try to stay flexible. If you have other suggestions, please fill out this form.

My schedule is extremely busy, and last-minute cancellations are not welcome. But I am aware that sometimes life gets in the way, so I won't charge for a lesson that didn't take place. Exception - repeated no-shows.

No.

A common question that is difficult to answer, at least until I get to know the student. It depends on age (younger people improve faster), amount of chess time available (more is better), current level (easier to improve when starting low) and talent. Keep in mind that chess is hard, be realistic.
If statistics mean anything to you, I can provide numbers (will update them at some point):
January 2000 - December 2020 8614 lessons; 252 students; average rating increase after 20 lessons (minimum to show a real objective improvement) - 185 online rating points. Players under 1500 gained on average 260 points, players rated 1500-1800 180 points,  and in the 1800-2200 90 points (but twice as many for those who took 50+ lessons).

The lichess study page has an in-built microphone symbol, allowing direct voice communication. The other option would be Skype (you can find me as danvas67). I don't mind typing if anyone prefers that (I type almost as fast as I speak).

  • top reviews on ICC and on another independent website (no longer online)
  • a lot of experience as a coach (started in 1999)
  • affordable
  • good results (students who are now stronger than I am!)

But you shouldn't automatically trust me (or anyone else). Try other options as well, see what works for you.