Chess Classes – Main Page

How it works

To takes online chess classes with Will, all you need to do is setup some free easy software, make an appointment and be on Skype during your class time. Your first appointment is only $5 and none of the software cost any money. For more detailed information please see our How it Works page.

Why William?

Will has been teaching chess for over 6 years and has been playing chess since he was 4 years old. He is a US Chess Federation National Chess Master which places him in the top 0.1% of rated chess players. More importantly, what Will feels separates him from other chess teachers is his passion for chess, specifically his passion for teaching chess. Will believes that chess teaches life skills, thus Will feels that he grows as person when teaching chess while helping others do the same. Will feel’s chess is his chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others. You will easily see this passion during your first discounted lesson or in any of the articles and videos on the site. For more information on William please check out Will’s Biography page

Will is in the top 0.1% percentile of rated chess players in the United States (#243 / 400,000+ active chess players)

Will’s Teaching Style

Will’s teaching methods include personalized one-on-one instruction, which include both extensive mentoring and training.

Personalized One-on-One Training

The training portion occurs during the actual class. This is when Will works through specific examples of problems and puzzles tailored to your (or your child’s) weak areas and noting progress to continue to offer the best source of instruction. As Will continues working with you and tracking your progress he will continue to find your weak areas to improve on them.

Mentoring

The mentoring portion occurs outside of the lesson. As long as one takes lessons with Will he is always available to answer student’s e-mails and continue to guide them outside of the sessions. Will feels that excelling at chess requires more than just the class sessions and that establishing a regiment for studying chess everyday is essential. William can’t force students to do their homework but when they choose to do so they will drastically improve and with Will always available for questions, it makes progressing much easier.

Children vs Adults

Will has extensive experience with people of all ages and understands the importance of tailoring the chess lessons and work. Adults seem to work better using techniques such as mastering a specific opening or possibly suggesting a specific book or training program to use. For Children, this usually entails puzzles and more “engaging” chess activities that a child will enjoy. Children typically work better with lessons and more structure as well as inspiring examples. Adults typically work better with more independent projects. For both children and adults using instructive games played by chess masters to show how the various ideas and moves are interconnected always seems to work well. Also, reviewing a student’s previous games are another teaching method that is both useful for children and adults, which also helps Will decide how to tailor the student’s chess curriculum.

Lesson Plans

Lessons are designed for understanding and application of various tactical, strategic, opening, and end game themes. Will spends significant time preparing adjustments for the student’s subsequent lessons (lessons which he’s developed over time). Each lesson is tailored to each student by adjusting these lesson plans. Study materials for class and homework are provided. Supplemental materials for independent study such as chess books, web sites, and software may be suggested to the student.