Are Chess Lessons Worth it? Here Are The Prices In 2025
- Misha Vilenchuk
- Apr 28, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 25
We all know that exercise is great, but what about exercises that focus on the brain? Chess might be the answer you're looking for, though it's 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.
Is it worth it to pay for chess instruction?
The answer is yes... but chess lessons are worth it only when you use them to help improve similar aspects of the student's skillset.
If a child is good at debate, math, logical and critical thinking, why not improve that with chess? Rather than simply adding chess as another after-school activity that takes time and money. -- But how do you know if chess is for you, really?
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.
It's a great way to enhance self-esteem and courage, and it can encourage intellectual prowess.
Future leaders will need to be innovative in their strategies, as AI will handle much of the mechanical work. Providing effective instructions to AI results in better outcomes, exemplifying the 'strategic thinking' we need our children to have
Does getting a chess coach help?
Yes! Hiring a chess coach can help you improve your game. According to FIDE, beginner students working to increase their rank typically do so by around 120 points in the first 6 months of guided learning, but by around 45 points when they're self-taught.
A good chess coach will help you:
Identify your strengths and weaknesses
Develop a personalized training plan
Teach you new concepts and strategies
Help you analyze your games and learn from your mistakes
Provide motivation and support
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Chess coaches can be especially helpful for beginners and intermediate players. They can help you learn the basics of the game and develop a strong foundation. Chess coaches can also be helpful for advanced players who want to improve their specific skills or prepare for tournaments.
Of course, hiring a chess coach is not a guarantee of mastery. You still need to be willing to put in the work and practice regularly. But a good chess coach can help you accelerate your learning curve and reach your chess goals faster.
Here are some tips for finding a good chess coach:
Ask for recommendations from other chess players and chess parents
Look for coaches who are experienced and qualified
Make sure the coach's teaching style and personality are a good fit for you
Have a trial lesson with the coach to see if you like their teaching style and whether you feel comfortable with them
If you are serious about improving your chess game, I encourage you to consider hiring a chess coach. It can be a worthwhile investment that can help you reach your full potential.
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 phone support, reviewing work and providing feedback, helping to decide which competitions to participate in, and reviewing games in those matches.
- 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 (Certified Masters, for example).
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.
Is chess an expensive hobby?
Chess is a great hobby for people of all ages and backgrounds, and it's one of the most affordable hobbies you can find. All you need to play is a chessboard and a set of chess pieces, which can be purchased relatively cheaply. You can also find many free chess resources online, such as Chesskid and Lichess.
Even if you want to take your chess more seriously, there are still ways to keep the costs down. For example, you can join a local chess club or take online chess lessons, which are often much more affordable than in-person lessons. You can also buy used chess books and equipment to save even more money.
Here are some specific tips for making chess an affordable hobby:
Start with a basic chessboard and set of pieces: You don't need to spend a lot of money on fancy equipment to play chess. Rollable ones are best for kids
Use free online chess resources: You can learn the basics of the game and improve (to a point) using online resources like Lichess and ChessKid
Join a local chess club: Chess clubs are a great way to meet other players and improve your game. They often charge a small membership fee, but it's usually very affordable.
Take online chess lessons: Online chess lessons are a great way to learn from experienced players at a fraction of the cost of private lessons.
Buy used chess books and equipment. You can find used chess books and equipment at thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces.
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Where can I learn chess for free?
This completely free and open-source chess website offers various features, including interactive lessons, puzzles, and online play. It also has a large and active community of players, so you're sure to find someone to play against at your level.
We are particularly fond of this website since we believe chess should be available for everyone. The platform is very easy to use, though I'd not recommend letting your kids join any tournaments since the chat can get quite PG18+
The most popular chess website offers a variety of features, including free lessons, puzzles, and online play. It also has a premium membership option offering additional features, but you can still learn much for free.
ChessKid is a free and safe online platform designed specifically for kids to learn and play chess. With over 10 million users, it's a popular destination for young minds to explore the world of chess.
Chesstempo is a website that specializes in chess tactics. It offers a variety of free drills and puzzles that can help you improve your tactical skills.
Chessable is a website that offers a variety of free chess courses on a variety of topics, including openings, middlegame strategy, and endgames.
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What is a fair price to pay for chess lessons?
When considering chess lessons, it's important to find a price that reflects the quality of instruction while also fitting your budget. Here are some general guidelines for what you might expect to pay based on skill level:
Beginner or Kid Lessons
For beginners or children, a fair price is typically around $40 per hour. At this level, the focus is on foundational skills, basic strategies, and fostering a love for the game.
Intermediate Lessons
If you are at an intermediate level and seeking in-person lessons, the price range tends to be under $75 per hour. Intermediate lessons often delve deeper into strategy, tactics, and game analysis.
Advanced Lessons with Professionals
For those looking to take their skills to the next level, in-person sessions with a professional chess player can cost over $75 per hour, even if it's online, surpassing $100 regularly.
Here's a demo of a typical lesson with one of our coaches.
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!
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