Which of these chess classes is a better deal?

Question

I need to know about whether I should pay $65 to attend a summer long chess class taught 2 hours each week for 8 weeks by a 1000 rated person or if I should
pay $200 to take a week long 8-hr a day class taught by a 2000 rated player who lies and tells everyone that he is a chess master when he truly isn't. Plus the 2000 rated player thinks that he is really good and wants to tell everyone in the class about how great he is. If i take the class with the 1000 rated player, I will be able to ask a lot of questions and also be able to pick his brain.

Answer 1

I would not recommend taking either class. The 1000 rated player may be better than you but is he good enough to be able to answer your questions correctly. The best option would be to pick up some books on tactics. Tactics are the most important part of the game for a beginner and understanding them is simple enough that you would not need an instructor. Once you feel comfortable about the tactics then pick up My System, by Aron Nimzowitsch.

This is where an instructor would come handy but you have more resources at hand than just those two people. Both Internet Chess Club and Playchess.com have REAL Masters, Experts, IMs and GMs that offer online and over the phone lessons.

Have you looked into your local state chess association? They also usually have a list of people within the state who do offer private lessons.

Answer 2

The $65 option is better. Like coaches for sport, etc. the higher rated you are doesn't necessary make you a better teacher/mentor. Chess is something that you need to think a lot about yourself and skill does come from within. 2hrs a week is goad for you to get your thinking caps on but not too long that you loose concentration. You can go away and think about the problems until the next week. Where as 8 hrs is too long and if you have any question you can't go back the next week to ask him unless you pay for more lessons.

Chess involves a lot of problems solving so if you want to be a serious player, getting your brain picked is not a bad idea.

Answer 3

Both teachers seem to offer bad starting points, If you learn chess wrong, it will be harder to unlearn your lesson and learn than if you had started with a blank slate.

My advice is to look for another teacher. A chess teacher should be rated at least 1500, be enthusiastic about the game, and have teaching experience or knowledge, although not necessarily chess.

Or you can hit the library and research their books on chess.

Or you can go to a local chess club and see if there are any chess clubs in the area.

Or go to a chess event and see if there are any teachers or players who may want to help you learn the game.

I don't know where you live, otherwise I might be able to suggest clubs or events you could attend.

In any event, keep looking. And good luck!

Rob

Answer 4

Since you have a computer you should buy the latest version of Chessmaster. Note I said for the computer not x box and PS3. I think it is Chessmaster 10 now. Go through their tutoral program and you will be smashing the 1000 rated player in no time. Then buy some books and read and study them. When you reach the next plateau you might consider a teacher, but you will have a better foundation to understand what you are trying to learn. And lets face it. Some of us are never going to be great at chess no matter how much energy and time we invest in it. Good luck.

Answer 5

I would recommend you buy some good chess books and do more independent studying. If you learn from either of these tutors, chances are you won't be able to develop your own system of analysis.
But if you HAD to choose, I couldn't decide the fiscal ideas for you very simply, but you should weigh the pros and cons of each class. Financial notions aside, the 2000 player may be your best bet. I say this because higher-rated players tend to develop arrogance because it's justifiable. For example, we all know the personality flaws of the great Bobby Fischer, who believed he could beat anyone, anytime; however, this is most likely a product of his excellent success in chess. Also, as a fellow chess enthusiast and independent student, I regrettably find myself creating my own arrogance, but it's almost inevitable for me to possess the self-confidence I need to win.
But, whatever floats your boat :)

Answer 6

Neither sound very good, to tell the truth. A 1000 rated player (assuming USCF or FIDE rating) Is not that good a player. I Am rated higher, and I wouldn't try to teach a class for money--I'm just not that good.

The other person sounds like a real tool, but if you can stand them, would be the better choice--more hours total and s/he should be in a position to evaluate your game.

Answer 7

um... a 1000 rating would be on par with a novice 10 year old with no talent. He wouldnt be able to teach anything. The 2000 rated player is offering a nice deal but since you dont like him, I think you need to find a third option here.

Answer 8

You don't need classes, just someone around that may be better than you.

Go with what will save you money.

The key to getting better in chess isn't the instructors, but how you approach the game. I've been playing for 10 yrs on and off. I play everyday now to get better, and I've played many, many games in the past year. Just keep practicing and find techniques that work. Search for similar openings and learn the best ways to counter them.

Also, you must remember to keep an eye on your opponent.

Answer 9

People will say the 2000 rated player, but don't waste your money.

The guy is a liar and you can't talk to him. (He's a quantum physicist, and you are a plains Indian. He's going to teach you of quarks?)

A thousand is a low rating. Do what he says not what he does, but the lower rating guy has more potential than the liar full of himself.

Teaching is more important than the chess skill when teaching.

Answer 10

a million. Amaze them: attempt to earnings greater information related to the matters they're fascinated in and communicate with them once you have the possibility. attempt to amaze them. 2. coach your abilities: while you're solid at something, coach it to them. notwithstanding that expertise is, you will earnings their interest in a manner. 3. Do them some favors, yet in no way over do it. 4. look at your self as while you're one among them, in no way look at your self as a focused visitor or a clean member. 5. Watch your mouth intently: they could understand stuff incorrect whether you probably did no longer advise it. it particularly is when you consider which you're new to them; they do no longer understand you nicely.