’Which way to checkmate? A comparison of school chess clubs and private chess lessons
Chess is one of the most engaging pursuits in the world for people of all ages. Because playing chess exercises the mind, the time you spend honing your skills at the game board can help boost your productivity and enhance your performance in other areas of life.
If you wish to learn to play chess or want the chance to improve your skills, you have two options: taking private lessons from a chess coach or joining a school chess club. Many students report that they are intimidated by this choice, so let’s take a look at what both options have to offer someone who wants to play chess regularly.
A school chess club
Many schools offer a chess club that can teach your child the fundamentals of chess at minimal expense. The club environment is ideal for the child who wants to explore chess while gauging his or her level of long-term interest in the game.
What’s more, a school chess club creates opportunities for play with other children of differing levels. By challenging a range of opponents, including some who are stronger, your child can broaden his or her base of knowledge and experience while striving for excellence.
Finally, a school chess club provides a social environment rich with opportunities and activities that can keep the attention of a child who might become bored during private chess lesson. For all these reasons, a school chess club can be the perfect environment for a cautious or diffident child who wants to get his or her feet wet first.
Private chess lessons
Other children, however, thrive under the tutelage of a private chess coach. Students who take private lessons never lack for individual attention designed to nurture their skills and help them flourish. As a result, the one-on-one lessons offered by many private chess clubs are an excellent fit for a student who wants to take chess more seriously.
A child who receives a private chess lesson won’t spend as much time playing against a variety of players, but the trade-off is worth it. Instead, he or she will get the opportunity to compete against a much more knowledgeable player while learning advanced techniques and effective strategies.
If playing chess one day a week at school isn’t enough for your budding chess player, then private lessons have a great deal to offer. Anyone who enjoys chess and intends to take it seriously can benefit from the instruction they provide.