How to Choose a Chess Coach for Your Child: 10 Questions to Ask
Last updated: October 2026
A good chess coach for a child combines enough playing strength with real experience teaching children, a clear lesson plan and honest communication with parents. A title alone is not enough. Use the 10 questions below when you enquire or book a trial, and be wary of guaranteed results.
1. How strong a player is the coach, and what do chess titles mean?
Playing strength matters, but a coach needs to be well ahead of your child, not a grandmaster. Titles are awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation, and show playing strength rather than teaching skill.
Title | Short form | FIDE requirement, in brief |
Candidate Master | CM | FIDE rating of at least 2200 |
FIDE Master | FM | FIDE rating of at least 2300 |
International Master | IM | Norms plus a rating of at least 2400 |
Grandmaster | GM | Norms plus a rating of at least 2500 |
Norms are strong results in qualifying tournaments. FIDE also runs separate trainer titles. A local or national rating, or junior championship results, can also show that a coach plays well.
2. How much experience do they have teaching children?
Ask how long they have coached, which ages, and whether they have taught children at your child's level. Explaining castling to a six-year-old takes different skills from preparing a teenager for a championship. Ask the coach how they would explain one simple idea to your child; the answer tells you a lot.
3. How do they keep lessons safe and supervised?
Ask where lessons take place, who else is present, and whether a parent can stay nearby, especially for private lessons.
4. What does a typical lesson look like?
A useful lesson has a clear structure: the coach teaches an idea, then the child practises it by playing or solving positions. Ask how the time is split, whether there is practice to do at home, and how the coach adjusts when a child is tired or distracted.
5. How will my child get feedback on their games?
Reviewing a child's own games is one of the clearest ways to improve. Ask whether the coach looks at games from class, online play or tournaments, how often, and whether your child receives notes or puzzles to follow up.
6. Is a group class or private coaching the right fit?
It depends on your child's level and goals. Small-group classes cost less per lesson and give children regular games against peers. Private lessons give full attention and suit specific goals, such as tournament preparation. Ask the coach what they would recommend for your child, and why.
7. Can we try a lesson first?
A trial lesson is the simplest way to see whether coach and child get on. Watch whether your child is talking and asking questions, whether the coach adjusts to their level, and whether your child wants to come back.
8. How will you keep me informed?
Ask how and how often the coach reports on progress, for example a short note after lessons, a term summary or advice before a tournament. Also ask how to contact the coach and how quickly they usually reply.
9. What does it cost, and what is included?
Ask for prices in writing: the cost per lesson or per term, lesson length, and what is included, such as notes, puzzles or tournament entries. Check the policy on missed lessons and whether there are extra fees.
10. How will we know it is working?
Ask what realistic progress looks like and how it will be measured over several months, through ratings, understanding and enjoyment. A reasonable coach sets goals with you rather than making promises.
What are the red flags?
Most coaches are dedicated and honest, but a few warning signs are worth knowing:
Guaranteed results, such as a promised rating or title by a certain date.
Pressure to pay for a long package on the spot.
No clear answer about prices or what is included.
Lessons with no structure, or no review of your child's games.
Harsh criticism after losses. Losing is part of learning chess.
How does Trainstein Chess College approach coaching?
For transparency, this article is published by Trainstein Chess College, so here are the facts about our own coaching for you to compare.
Trainstein Chess College in Chatswood has more than 20 coaches. They include:
Thomas Xuan, Head Coach: FIDE Candidate Master; PhD in Mathematics & Statistics (UNSW); 10+ years coaching.
Clive Ng: FIDE Master; 3× City of Sydney Champion (2020–2023); Master of Teaching (ACU); 10+ years coaching.
Ethan Chang: FIDE 2100+; represented Australia at the World, Asian and Oceania Youth Championships.
In-person group classes have 4–8 students, and each lesson has a teaching part and a playing or practice part. A trial class costs the same as a single lesson: $50 for a weekend class or $60 for a weekday class in person, and $38–$56 online depending on level. Private 1-on-1 coaching is available online; contact us for current rates. See our private coaching page, meet the whole team, or browse our group classes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a FIDE Candidate Master? Candidate Master (CM) is a FIDE title for players who reach a FIDE rating of at least 2200. FIDE Master (FM) requires at least 2300.
Does a higher title mean a better coach for my child? Not necessarily. A title shows playing strength, not teaching skill. Experience teaching children at your child's level matters just as much.
How much is a trial class at Trainstein? A trial class costs the same as a single lesson: $50 for a weekend class or $60 for a weekday class in person, and $38–$56 online depending on level.
Does Trainstein offer private chess coaching? Yes. Private 1-on-1 coaching is available online. Contact us for current rates.
Next step
If you would like to talk through which coach or format suits your child, call 0415 228 088, email trainsteinchess@gmail.com or visit our contact page. We are at Level 1, 308 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Sources
FIDE Handbook, International Title Regulations (B.01): https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/B012024
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