Are Chess Lessons Worth it? Here Are The Prices In 2023
Updated: Oct 24
We all know that exercise is great, but what about exercises that focus on the brain? Chess might just be the answer you're looking for, though is not made for everybody.
When it comes to the average price of chess lessons, they can range from:
$20 to $150 per hour ($40 avg) - Online private lessons
$40 to $250 per hour ($70 avg) - In-person private lessons
$80 to $200 for 10 lessons ($120 avg) - Online group lessons
You have to note that the higher the degree of instruction of the coach, the higher the rates, so expect high prices for National and International Masters.
Learn from Certified Masters for as low as $29,99 for online private lessons and $130 for group lessons. Yup, I'm not kidding :)
Is it worth it to pay for chess lessons?
The answer is yes, but it depends on the student's character and objectives.
Chess lessons are worth it only when you use them to help improve similar aspects of the student's inherent skills.
Like if a child is good at debate, math, logical and critical thinking, is a great idea to help them improve with chess, but if the child has a natural tendency to be good at physical activities like swimming and is already excelling at it, it might be wiser to help him or her improve their already over-the-top skills in the physical aspect and engage intellectually at home with other activities that are free.
Table of contents:
Here's why chess is totally worth it:
It's one of the most effective sources of brain “weight-lifting”.
It helps with cognitive development and enhances critical thinking skills. Plus, there's a huge community built around it, so championships and tournaments are very common. Here are 10 things chess does to your brain
Playing chess can help increase confidence and self-esteem.
Positive reinforcement comes in many forms, and being complimented on intellectual achievement can reinforce the capabilities and self-awareness of the child.
Chess can help prepare children for the increasingly intellectual-and creative-demanding world we live in.
It's a great way to enhance self-esteem and courage, and it can encourage intellectual prowess.
PS: Have you heard the phrase "AI is going to replace us all"? It's false, it's not going to replace us all, it's going to replace people who don't use their minds in creative ways that AI can't compete with. So is easy to say that the rulers of tomorrow are the creatives of today, and chess can enhance that creativity.
Things To Consider Before Hiring A Chess Coach:
What is the student going to be doing?
A good chess coach should help broaden the student's knowledge of the game, and develop habits and "muscular memory" so they're more inclined to play instinctively. That means learning around 70% of the time, and implementing for the rest of the lesson.
What are you getting directly from the coach?
A structured framework to become a better chess player. This consists of analyzing past games, putting together a training plan, providing email or telephone support, reviewing work and providing feedback, helping to decide which competitions to participate in, and reviewing games in those matches.
Though not every coach offers this, we guide ourselves by what we usually do at our price point, so your mileage might vary depending on the coach or institution.
How do we define a good chess coach?
A high level of communication skills, emotional intelligence, a standard of professionalism, consistency, and a record of top-level chess proficiency (we only hire Certified Masters).
Your coach should always be on time for classes, genuinely care for the student’s progress, interact directly with parents for feedback, and engage with the student by helping him find tournaments and events he can participate in.
Conclusion
Chess lessons are a great way to empower children with cognitive activities that enhance their critical thinking skills, self-esteem, and confidence. It's important to find the right coach for your child and set clear goals and objectives. The cost of chess lessons varies, but the benefits are undeniable. So, go ahead and invest in your child's cognitive development!
Do you want a taste of chess improvement? Book a 1-hour trial today!