Which Class Should My Child Attend?
Finding the right fit for your child is an essential first step to their journey learning chess. After all, every student starts at a different level! Furthermore, it’s important to make sure we’re not moving at a pace that is too fast to follow, or so slow that it’s boring. For this reason, we’ve split our curriculum into several levels.
Instructor permission:
Joining Intermediate or Advanced classes requires instructor permission. This is because the classes cover more advanced material that requires a solid understanding of underlying concepts. If you believe your child is ready, please talk with one of our instructors and we will arrange a “tryout class” where they may join one class of that level to see if it is a good fit. Otherwise students may join these classes after being “promoted” from the preceding level at the end of semester award ceremony.
Introductory Level (Intro Class)
Usual age range: 4-6 (younger students only with instructor approval)
Required chess experience: None.
Goal: To be able to play and finish a full game without breaking any of the game’s rules. Students should also know the fundamentals of chess (such as trading, finding free pieces, and good early moves).
Summary: This class seeks to introduce chess to students who would be frustrated by the faster pace of the Beginner curriculum. This is done by making lectures both shorter (allowing for more practice time) and thorough (with each topic being covered for longer). Instructors will seek to keep the class fun and engaging while still focusing on core concepts.
Meet our Intro Lesson Instructor!
Basic Level (Beginner Class)
Usual age range: 6-10 (younger students only with instructor approval)
Required chess experience: None.
Goal: To be able to discuss games and play sensible early and end game moves. Students should know all strategic “rules” and how to use them. They should also have a basic understanding of simple tactics.
Summary: This class seeks to introduce students to the game of chess and its fundamental concepts. Basic rules will be addressed if needed, but students who will need time to grasp these rules may prefer Intro Class’s slower pace. The class will explain both WHAT the overarching strategies of the game are and WHY they work.
Meet our Beginner Class Instructors!
Intermediate Level (Intermediate Class)
Students may ONLY begin at intermediate level with instructor permission. Otherwise satisfactory completion of the beginner level is required.
Usual age range: 7-12
Required chess experience: Understanding of chess’s basic strategic and tactical concepts.
Goal: To be able to analyze moves and accurately consider consequences within the game. Students should understand the flow of the game well enough to weigh options and generate plans during their games. If their parents/guardians aren’t chess players, they may start winning games against them.
Summary: This class guides students through more difficult concepts. Some will be entirely new ideas, while others will be more nuanced explanations of old strategies. Here the focus shifts from “looking at the board,” to “thinking about the board.”
Meet our Intermediate Class Instructors!
Advanced Level (Advanced Class)
Students may ONLY begin at advanced level with instructor permission. Otherwise satisfactory completion of the intermediate level is required.
Usual age range: 9+
Required chess experience: General understanding of all major chess concepts. Ability to create, analyze, and implement plans throughout the game.
Goal: To be able to creatively problem solve within the game, and to confidently defend ideas when challenged or questioned. Students are expected to treat the game as a debate. Why is their way of playing good? Seasoned advanced players should be able to hold their own in tournaments, and to be able to confidently challenge adults within the game.
Summary: Advanced class deviates from previous classes in terms of structure, as students have reached a point where they will improve the most from simply analyzing games and generating ideas. Due to this the class will have students analyze games (both their own, through a “game of the week” system, and those of extremely high level players) every class. Students will also play instructors and each other, and will be expected to be able to explain WHY they made a move whenever asked. (Even if it’s incorrect, it’s better to have a wrong reason than none at all!)
Meet our Advanced Class Instructors!
GM Class (Grandmaster Class)
This section is invite only! It is also optional, and invited students are NOT required to join.
Usual age range: N/A
Required chess experience: Understand of all standard chess concepts. Students are expected to be playing chess daily, and able to utilize tactical and strategic concepts while they play. Students should also be actively problem solving at all times during their games, and looking for creative solutions to every problem. When asked for the reason why they have done something, they should be able to provide a well-reasoned argument that stands up to scrutiny.
Goal: To understand chess concepts at the highest levels, and to understand the underlying strategic goals that shape all stages of the game. Students who have been in this program for a year should be able to fully understand why they are making every move they make, and be able to defend those moves in a discussion. Students in this class will be capable of competing in major chess tournaments, and will have the option of pursuing titles as they grow older.
Summary: GM class looks to push students to maximize their potential as chess players. Students of this class will examine complex puzzles and moves and evaluate the best course of action. Answers may range from complex tactical combination to obtaining a strategic advantage (such as forcing an opponent off of an open file). Unlike other classes, this program is joined in addition to the normal advanced curriculum. Students should expect approximately 3 hours of homework a week.
Meet our Grandmaster Class Instructor!