Chess Tactics: Group solving for challenging puzzles (teamwork makes the dream work!), and written worksheets for individual practice (repetition is the mother of learning!).
Being Clutch: Staying calm and focused during games. Players of all ages and all levels get excited when there is a negative or positive change in the game. We will look at examples of Master level chess players getting knocked off balance by a surprise in their game, and how they refocus instead of spiraling out of control.
Opening Repertoires: We will work on creating opening repertoires and building upon them. Students should have at least one repertoire for White, and one for Black. Knowing what you don't know, consistently filling in the gaps, fixing leaks, and improving your repertoire one move at a time.
Evaluating a chess position: Who stands better and why? Asking this rhetorical question during lectures helps students better understand the game being discussed. Players asking themselves this question during a game play better and make fewer rushed moves and fewer blunders. Who has better king safety, material, pawn structure, and piece Play. Is the position static or dynamic?
Spotting tactics during real games: Noticing targets like loose (unprotected) pieces, exposed kings, and more. "My child solves tactics well on the computer, but not so well while playing games." We will help the students become better at looking for winning moves and striking while the iron is hot.
Prophylactic Thinking: Prophylactic thinking, or prophylaxis, is when you think about what your opponent is trying to do. Often it is best to prevent your opponent's plan, and sometimes it's best to allow it.