Coaching

Canterbury Chess Club provides coaching courses with experienced coaches. These courses are held at our clubrooms.

We have a structured curriculum designed by Craig Hall, an experienced arbiter (referee/umpire) and trainer accredited by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) that we plan our lessons around. There will also be time for practice games at the end.

Our main coach is Cory Broad, a teacher and experienced coach and arbiter.

We offer courses for children aged 8-15 on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays during school terms. Note that lessons are not held on the first or last day of term or public holidays unless otherwise advised by the coach (so courses are usually 8-9 lessons).

There are 4 courses in total - the first 3 courses run for 1 term, the 4th course runs in 1-term increments but usually runs for 2-3 terms. Between them, these cover essential knowledge and some more advanced concepts and strategies for competitive play e.g. at a club, tournament or interschool event. Course descriptions:

1. Essentials 1 - beginners. For students who are new to chess or who know the rules but not much more. Material covered includes the rules, some checkmates, how to start and win games and some simple strategies.

2. Essentials 2 - next steps. This course is for students who have either completed Essentials - beginners, or are confident in the rules and more. Material covered includes competition-oriented rules, more checkmates and techniques to win games, more strategies.

3. Intermediate - this course is for students who have completed the Essentials programme (or equivalent) or who play in competitions either at school or a chess club. Material covered includes competition requirements, opening theory, more checkmates and techniques to win games, more complex strategies.

4. Advanced - this course is for students who have completed the Essentials and Intermediate programme (or equivalent) or who play in competitions either at school or a chess club and win most games. Material covered includes more opening theory, more checkmates and techniques to win games, more complex strategies.

They are designed so that between them, students develop from beginners to being ready for competitive chess in clubs and tournaments. Experience tells us that students who know the material covered by the Essentials courses will do well in interschool competitions and other competitions of that level, and completion of the intermediate and advanced courses prepares students for reasonable success in stronger junior and open tournaments (NB: individual results will vary). Once students have completed the 4th course, they are ready to move onto our invitation-only course (same cost, note that the sign-up link will be emailed).

It is highly recommended that students, apart those enrolled in Essentials - beginners, play in at least 1 tournament per term as practise is a highly important part of any coaching. The Canterbury Junior Sunday Series sponsored by chess ventures is one option, or we also organise some Open Tournaments (students/parents should check with the coach of their course).

Monday 7pm Course

• Term 2, Essentials 1: 5 May to 23 June (inclusive), $85 - this course is full.

Thursday 4:30pm Course

• Term 2, Advanced, building on term 1, 2025: 1 May to 26 June (inclusive), $85 - sign-up form

Friday 5:30pm Course

• Term 2, Intermediate, building on term 1, 2025: 2 May to 20 June (inclusive), $85 - sign-up form

Please note that students under 13 must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver for the evening.

We also offer occasional shorter courses on various topics for students aged 11+. Details of these will be added here and posted to our Facebook page - please check back here occasionally or follow us there.

Minimum number of 4 students, maximum of 12 students per course.

We provide all the equipment.

For queries, please contact Craig Hall:

canterbury@chess.org.nz

021 1289543