Questions about coaches

If one is serious about improving their OTB skills, how important is a chess coach? What can a coach do for a motivated player that books and online resources cannot? How does one go about locating a coach that will maximize a players potential?

@mchill

50 bucks an hour seems to be the average rate.
Online coaches are less...
lichess has a coaches list.
If I were to get a chess coach I would definitely have in-person lessons.

Your age will be a major factor in improvement and most coaches are hesitant to take on adult students but you can get to Class A 1800ish with proper coaching and patience because it will take a couple years.

Good luck

Also,

Anyone can be taught strategy, openings and endgames but the ability to calculate variations deeply cannot be taught.
That strength depends on the player and you have said you are 65 years old?
Calculation is the hardest thing for aging players.

Something to consider before you spend 50 a week on lessons.

@cheesemaster said
Also,

Anyone can be taught strategy, openings and endgames but the ability to calculate variations deeply cannot be taught.
That strength depends on the player and you have said you are 65 years old?
Calculation is the hardest thing for aging players.

Something to consider before you spend 50 a week on lessons.

Your thoughts are duly noted, but I've waited many years for this opportunity, and will not let it pass me by. This old dog still knows how to hunt! 🙂

I would get a coach if i could afford it.

At any age!

(Of course she would have to be soviet and hot as F 😋 )

@cheesemaster said
@mchill

50 bucks an hour seems to be the average rate.
Online coaches are less...
lichess has a coaches list.
If I were to get a chess coach I would definitely have in-person lessons.

Your age will be a major factor in improvement and most coaches are hesitant to take on adult students but you can get to Class A 1800ish with proper coaching and patience because it will take a couple years.

Good luck

As will be your the depths of your pocket.

@eladar said
As will be your the depths of your pocket.

Very true.

The post that was quoted here has been removed

Same could be argued for any sport, including tiddlywinks.

The post that was quoted here has been removed

In the USA, chess seems held in much lower popular esteem than, say, golf or tennis. Apart from cultural bias, there's no intrinsic reason why professionals who teach chess should be paid much less than those who teach golf or tennis.

100% agrees on both points.