Are online chess classes effective? Tips for a hassle-free learning experience
Updated: Sep 20
Learning chess is a rewarding and challenging hobby that can improve your cognitive skills, creativity, and strategic thinking. However, not everyone has the time, money, or access to a qualified chess coach or a local chess club. For that reason, online lessons are becoming more popular and convenient for aspiring chess players. But are online lessons as effective as in-person classes?
As with any form of online learning, there are some drawbacks compared to traditional chess lessons. One of the main cons is the lack of personal interaction. In traditional classes, you have the opportunity to receive immediate feedback from your coach and engage in discussions with fellow students. This kind of interaction helps deepen understanding and build relationships within the chess community.
Pros of online chess classes:
- Your pace and schedule
Online lessons allow you to choose when and how often you want to study chess with a Master. Some academies like ours offer a totally flexible schedule, so it's a matter of having a computer, a decent internet connection, and readiness to become a top 10% player.
- You can access a variety of resources and instructors
Not all coaches and students are the perfect fit for each other, so finding a perfect match for the best results is essential. You can scope for the full range of coaches there are available online. Even better, you’re not restricted to looking in the same area, you can have a coach from anywhere in the world!
- You can save money and time.
Online classes are usually more affordable than hiring a private in-person coach. You also don't have to travel or commute to attend the lessons.
Cons of online chess classes:
- You may lack feedback and interaction.
Online lessons may not provide the same feedback or guidance on your progress as in-person. You may also miss the social aspect of learning chess with other people.
-You may lose motivation and discipline.
Online lessons require self-motivation and discipline to stick to your learning plan and avoid distractions. That’s why in the case of parents, is crucial that you oversee your child’s improvement and have a clear sight of what you want to achieve.
- You may face technical issues or limitations.
Online classes depend on the quality and reliability of your internet connection, device, and software. You may also encounter some limitations in terms of visualizing the board, analyzing positions, or playing practice games. A good combo for interactive lessons is lichess.org and Zoom; but this doesn’t give us the same interaction we get in person.
Is online chess different from real chess?
I don't know if we should call "real chess" one or the other but the rules, game modes and overall aim of the game are the same, though with online chess you can draw arrows on the board, play with a computer, play with people from all around the world and even study famous plays in seconds.
How to find Chess Classes near me? And how to identify a good one.
A quick online search
One of the most effective ways to find the best chess classes near you is by simply typing "chess classes near me" into your favorite search engine, and you will be presented with a list of options tailored to your location. Take some time to browse through these results and explore the websites of different chess schools or clubs. Look for testimonials from past students or parents who have enrolled their children in these classes.
Reading about other people's experiences may give very valuable insights into the quality of instruction and the overall learning environment you can expect to receive.
Local chess communities or forums
These platforms provide an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow chess enthusiasts who may have firsthand knowledge of reputable chess classes in your area. By engaging in conversations and asking for recommendations, you can tap into a wealth of information and potentially uncover hidden gems that may not appear in your initial search results.
Tournaments and events
Another great way to find the best chess classes near you is by attending chess tournaments or events. These gatherings attract players of all levels, including coaches and players together. Networking with them can lead you to discover high-quality instructors who offer chess lessons tailored to your skill level and goals.
Ask for advice
Finally, don't hesitate to ask around within your own social circle. Friends, family members, coworkers, or acquaintances might know of reputable chess classes nearby. Word-of-mouth referrals are often reliable because they come from people we trust.
How to look for the best Online Chess Classes?
Right now you're in the right place to find affordable, effective, and schedule-flexible online classes in the hands of certified chess Masters. Learn more about our available plans, starting at $29,99/h and $13 per group class.
Start with a full-class trial and see if our coaches are for you.
What to look for
A good coach is always punctual for classes, sincerely interested in the student's progress, communicates with parents for feedback, and helps the student find tournaments and events to part
Where can I learn chess online for free?
Platforms like lichess.org and ChessKid offer a great variety of studies, puzzles, and games that can help you learn the basics of the game, although if you'd like to have a deep understanding of it the best option is to have a coach that can help you learn and review past games. Also, YouTube is filled with great channels that teach you how to play the game and entertain you with puzzles and fun chess subjects. Our channel is great for intermediate players.
Conclusion:
Online classes are a great way to learn chess if you are looking for flexibility, affordability, and variety. However, they also have some drawbacks that you should be aware of and overcome. When you overcome said drawbacks, the results are amazing. Many of our younger students have reached 1200elo in a matter of months and won state and local championships. Ultimately, the effectiveness of online lessons depends on your personal preferences, goals, and learning style.
Have a nice one!