I was thinking about this question and decided to write a statistics-based article on the topic. In this blog post, I have used the examples of seven students who made significant progress over the course of a few years.
Important Notes and Clarifications
Chess progress depends greatly on a player’s own interest and commitment. This blog post is for informational purposes only. It may be especially useful for parents who have unrealistic expectations about chess coaching and improvement.
I have not included any students’ names to protect their privacy.
Some of these students may have worked with multiple coaches, and this article is not intended to claim full credit for their progress. Many of them have also attended training camps.
Let’s begin with the examples:
| Student | Rating Change | Rating Gain | Rating System | Number of Classes (Hours) | Monthly Average | Total Duration | Type of Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student 1 | 1100 → 1950 | 850 | FIDE | 180 | 7 | 2 years, 3 months | Coaching |
| Student 2 | 1500 → 2100 | 600 | USCF | 200 | 7 | 2 years, 4 months | Coaching |
| Student 3 | 1750 → 2250 | 500 | FIDE | 170 | 7 | 2 years | Coaching |
| Student 4 | 900 → 1700 | 800 | USCF | 70 | 3 | 2 years, 1 month | Game Analysis |
| Student 5 | 1900 → 2250 | 350 | FIDE | 40 | 3 | 1 year, 1 month | Coaching |
| Student 6 | 1700 → 2350 | 650 | FIDE | 200 | 3 | 5 years, 1 month | Playing |
| Student 7 | 550 → 950 | 400 | Chess.com | 30 | 6 | 5 months | Coaching |
Analysis of the Table and Some of My Thoughts
These are only a few examples, and every player’s growth is different. However, one thing they all had in common was that they worked hard and spent at least 1.5–2 hours practising chess every day.
The average number of classes per month was around five or six. This is because players spend a significant amount of time playing tournaments, and I usually do not conduct classes during those periods. I also play tournaments myself, which can sometimes make it difficult to conduct regular classes.
I do not formally coach two of the students in the table. With one student, I only play games, while with the other, I conduct game-analysis sessions.
Both methods can be useful. With the student whose games I analyse, I also offer suggestions and help improve his practice routine. Playing games with the other student helps him understand his mistakes more clearly.
If your rating is above 2000, finding a player rated 300–400 points higher than you and regularly playing offline games with them can be very helpful.
Why These Statistics May Not Tell the Complete Story
As I mentioned earlier, chess improvement and achievement are never guaranteed. Some players need more time to improve, while others can progress relatively quickly.
These statistics also do not include the emotional and parental aspects of a player’s journey. They are simply numbers and cannot represent many important factors. I also know of some situations that I cannot disclose here.
What Is the Right Number of Classes?
My views on this subject were different a few years ago, but some of them have changed over time.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of families and chess players: those who do not face significant budget limitations and those who have to work within a tight budget.
If you do not have major financial constraints, you can take two or three classes per week. In reality, however, the number is usually lower because of tournaments, the coach’s other commitments, jobs, examinations, vacations, and similar factors.
Even if you plan to take two classes per week, this usually translates to around 70–80 classes per year rather than more than 100.
What Works and What Does Not?
- The biggest factor in a player’s success is their interest in chess. Some people may say that it is the coach’s responsibility to create that interest. However, some players genuinely do not enjoy working on chess, and forcing them is unlikely to produce good results.
- A coach should be focused on the student’s growth and should be able to make firm decisions when necessary. If a coach is unable to provide clear direction, it may be worth considering a change.
- Being interested in chess is important, but the student must also do meaningful and consistent chess practice.
- Chess talent is also an very important aspect which many people don’t understand. I can clearly see the difference of talents in certain students. Player who has more talent generally do exceptionally well.
Is Coaching Necessary?
Yes. One of my own mistakes was not hiring a coach.
A coach is especially useful for maintaining accountability and building a strong work ethic. Chess training can sometimes feel repetitive or difficult, and a coach can encourage the player to study consistently and stay focused.
Note: This is not an advertisement for my coaching services. I currently accept only a limited number of students, and many players may not meet my present eligibility criteria. This is simply another informational post intended to share my observations and experiences.