I'm sort of a beginner. I say beginner in the sense that I suck, not that I am new to the game (been playing casually since a kid). I've used products like Chess Mentor before but didn't think it really helped me before. I mean I can go through the lessons and do well when the program is telling me "white to play, black's queen is at risk" or something. But in such cases it's pointing right in the direction of the move to make.

So I did a search for chess coaches in my area and there is someone about 10 blocks away who has a rating of about 2300 (2000-01_Chess_Fees) but his lessons cost $75/hour. I've never had a chess coach or any serious chess training, so am not sure how often someone needs to meet with one etc. I'd just all over it, but the price is pretty steep for me as a full-time college student. I was wondering if someone who's had any coaching, etc had any thoughts? thnx

To answer your question, It really depends on how strong you want to get.

A 2300, or FM, should be a great coach. depends on you.

My question is whether or not you have $75/hr to blow. If you do and it's worth it to get better, then go for it.

Planetchess,

How many hours per month is this guy looking at if he wants to get better?

See this list:
Chess Coach Directory - Chess.com
Also go to Dan Heisman's website:
NM Dan Heisman's Chess Homepage
Chess-Coach.net » Chess Coaches
See also:
COACHES' CORNER
Chess Coaches
Also note: The USCF has a Coaches Blog page which they just started.

From one of the above websites:
Some teach great, but can’t play, others play great, but can’t teach.
A few can teach great and play great!

Personally, a coach is nice and a very valuable tool, but I would recommend getting software like Fritz and really studying all the GM games you can find, as well as your own. A strong engine can really point out mistakes you are making over and over, and come with very detailed opening books which can teach you decent lines.

That's sixty dollars total for a GM whenever you need one. .

However, I do agree that if you have the money, why not take a lesson or two, see if it's worth it! On a side note, 2300 is super strong, but if you can find a GM who charges similar rates, I might go that route!

Honestly, I think finding someone closer to your rating might be the most helpful. I got some help from a 2200 when I was a 1200, and I was able to advance to 1500, but hit a very stiff plateau at that point. I then picked up a 2000 as a teacher, and he was able to help me advance from 1500 -> 2000 in about 2 years. I think it's easier for someone closer to your rating to understand your thought process. A GM might not even mention something that he sees as obvious which you might not.

I think the quality of the teacher matters more than the ability (to a certain extent, at least.) For example, Dan Heisman (as mentioned earlier) is rated about 2200, although he could give you better lesson than the 2600.

You probably would not want a college math professor teaching basic arithmetic to kids…he couldn’t relate. Alex Yeromlinsky made an interesting observation about GM teachers: They do it for the money and tend to give their students what they want (which more often than not is opening instruction and quick fixes) rather than what GM’s know really helps. If they don’t the student will move on and find somebody else.

Of course much depends on your level. If you’re a 2300 striving for a title it’s probably going to take a GM’s help. You may be better off finding somebody who isn’t selling anything but who is willing to share what they know because they like to teach. I learned the most from a veteran master who let me in on a few “secrets” just because I was one of the few people who didn’t treat him like he had leprosy.

Thanks for the info everyone. Some great advice. For those that have had teachers/coaches, how much time does it take? For instance if I could only afford 1 lesson every two weeks, would that even be enough time for anything?

I’d say it would depend. Does the coach have a curriculum and give assignments requiring independent study that would then be reviewed. Will he give you some tough assignments with many on things you don’t like to study? Will he make you ferret out answers to tough questions? Will he review where you went wrong? He should be teaching you things like how to study, how to think and how to judge a position. Or would he just be looking at your games pointing out obvious errors, teaching some openings or maybe covering a few elementary endings and calling it “instruction”? A good coach, like a good teacher, will force you to stretch yourself. It’ll be frustrating.