What Chess Coaches Don't Tell You

Discovering this book has been a great help to me since it outlines a clear roadmap to cultivating one's chess practice, as well as outlining the steps needed to move from chess beginner to chess expert. Full of rich practical wisdom, the book guides non-experts in chess to more meaningfully support the chess players in their lives to stay focused on developing their practice.--Elena Holmgren, Mom of Emilian Holmgren, 2023 Victoria U14 Youth Chess Champion Easily the most detailed and comprehensive handbook one can get. My only regret after reading it is not having it earlier in my chess life!--Harrison Liu, 2020 Burlington CC Championship Open Champion From game analysis to creating your own personal game database for study - the book details the steps you need to take. It really takes a lot of work to become a good chess player. This is a fine guide to follow.--Sandra Vettese, Mom of International Master Nicholas Vettese If you are a chess coach, a chess parent or a chess player this book will help speed you, your student or their parents along the journey to chess mastery. Highly recommended as a work of love created by two people who know what they are talking about.--Vladimir Drkulec, National Master, President, Chess Federation of Canada If you are a chess parent, who really wants to support your child in an effective and meaningful way - this is the book you will need.--Dr. Jennifer Russel, Mom of Wesley, 2022 British Columbia Grade 6 Champion In their masterpiece, What Chess Coaches Don't Tell You, the dynamic duo of Victoria Doknjas, MBA and Juniors to Masters Chess Academy Co-founder, and her son John Doknjas, FIDE Master and established chess author, have unlocked the mysteries of the puzzling and confusing world of chess coaching. Victoria's business savvy, organized way of thinking, and crystal-clear explanations combine nicely with John's technical and coaching expertise to provide the reader with a valuable road map, which is often neglected or completely ignored in other chess literature. This book is a must-read for all aspiring chess players and their parents who wish to learn the best practices for and methodologies for developing an effective chess coaching plan. Coaches and chess trainers will also find it quite useful to fine-tune their teaching methods and gain insight into the best ways to help their students achieve their chess goals.--Josh Sinanan, National Master, President, Washington Chess Federation Thanks to the authors for being so generous to share all this critical knowledge with the public. All chess players and their parents should read it.--Kate Tsai, Mom of Nathan Yang, 2021 British Columbia Grade 3 Champion The authors draw upon their many years of experience participating and excelling in the world of tournament chess to share esoteric knowledge that chess players, chess parents and chess coaches need to survive in this highly competitive yet highly rewarding sport.--Dr. McDonald, Mom of Zachary, 2023 Victoria U10 Youth Chess Champion The book What Chess Coaches Don't Tell You, by John and Victoria Doknjas, offers a totally new perspective on improvement in chess. This book teaches chess players how to work harder and smarter in order to achieve their goals, using every tool at their disposal. Most chess books teach openings, endgames, tactics, but very few books teach players how to work on chess by themselves. This is what makes this work so unique and innovative... Overall, this book guides chess players in their improvement, regardless of their level. From beginner to grandmaster, every player can benefit from a steady, structured and detailed workplan.--Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux, International Master, 2022 World U18 Champion This book helps both chess players and their parents understand what is required to pursue competitive chess seriously, detailing the essential elements to study.--Shirley Che, Mom of Woman FIDE Master Rachel Chen This book is a fantastic, step by step guide on how to succeed in the world of competitive chess. Few people have the experience and expertise that Victoria and John have - what a gift that they are making their insight available to all of us through this book.--Jason and Joanna Imoo, Parents of Joshua Imoo, 2019 British Columbia Grade 7 Champion This book provides a wealth of information on planning your chess career, optimizing your study time, leveraging chess databases and engines, and conducting thorough position analysis. It also includes a FAQ section tailored specifically for chess parents, making it an invaluable resource for both parents and players alike. The content covers topics that are often overlooked by coaches, earning the apt title What Chess Coaches Don't Tell You. Regardless of your skill level, this guide offers practical advice that can be applied by players of all ages. By following its guidance, you can elevate your chess game and increase your chances of success. It's an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their chess skills and offers insights and strategies that will benefit players at every level.--Wen & Bruno, Parents of National Candidate Master Vincent Latorre This book provides an essential missing piece for chess players seeking to improve their skills in an efficient way and prepare for tournaments.--Lei Guo, Dad of Anni Guo, 2020 National U12 Girls Active Online Chess Champion What Chess Coaches Don't Tell You is a must-read for those who are either just starting out in chess or those who feel stuck and have not made any progress lately. I recommend this book because it can help you avoid making unnecessary mistakes and enlighten you about the things you should know.--Maïli-Jade Ouellet, Woman Grandmaster, 2019 Woman Continental Champion What Chess Coaches Don't Tell You is an invaluable resource that explains the nuts and bolts of how to achieve your chess goals.--Derek Yuen, Dad of National Candidate Master Noah Yuen You don't have to be a chess expert to appreciate the insights and advice offered in the book, which are often elucidated using examples in daily life. Even as a parent who does not know much about chess, I find the book fascinating to read. It brings back a lot of memories when I was sitting with my daughter during her JtM group lessons and correcting the typos in her annotated training games. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all children who have a dream to become a good chess player and their parents who are eager to help but often feel clueless. It is a gem that you should not miss.--Jun Chen, Dad of Shuang Chen, 2022 World Cadet Chess Championships U10 Girls - Top 10