Chess Tutoring vs. Self-Learning: Which Path Should You Choose?

Chess Tutoring vs. Self-Learning: Which Path Should You Choose?

Chess is adored everywhere. Research shows its brain-boosting perks, making it a game that many appreciate, not just for fun but for its mental gymnastics. But when the goal is to get better at chess, does learning on your own do the trick, or is getting help from a chess tutor the smarter move? Learning by yourself: Teaching yourself can have its advantages, as it lets you learn when it suits you best. With so many guides and tools on the internet, it's quite straightforward to find help that can make you better. But trying to figure things out alone just from reading books or watching online videos might not always clear up the complex ideas and tactics you need to truly become a competent chess player. And while independent learning can be a rewarding way to build new skills, it's not the quickest route to mastering the game and everything it has to offer. Chess lessons: Choosing a chess tutor gives you a custom learning pathway — your coach designs lessons just for you, based on how you learn best and what level you are at. They also give you direct comments to help you see and fix mistakes right away. This focused support means you get better at chess fast and you get to make the most of your learning time. Having a chess tutor also means you receive advice on tournament preparation and understanding a rival’s strategies. Your tutor can help you develop a reliable playing style that can be modified depending on your opponents. Whether you're grappling with fundamental principles or delving into advanced strategies, your tutor employs a carefully crafted curriculum that builds upon your existing knowledge while introducing new concepts in a logical and accessible manner. For instance, if you want to improve your opening game, your tutor can help you choose openings that suit your strengths and teach you how to execute them effectively.

Also, working with a chess instructor can be helpful if your goal is to learn advanced techniques such as endgames, pawn structures, and tactical motifs. These are all important aspects of chess that you might not fully grasp when you choose self-learning. Which path should you choose? In the end, what route you pick depends on what your final goal is and how you like to learn. But, if your wish is to see significant improvement in your chess skills in a shorter amount of time, choosing to learn with a chess tutor could be the wiser move. IChessU offers online chess lessons with experienced and qualified chess coaches so if you're interested, give them a call at 1-800-342-0645 today.