Rhode Island Chess Coach

Welcome to Pawn Island Academy! I'm a dedicated chess coach with 25 years of experience playing and teaching chess at various levels.

My journey in chess began as a child when my father taught me the game. What started as casual play quickly evolved into a passion as I began competing in tournaments and studying the game deeply. Over the years, I've had the privilege of coaching players from beginners to advanced competitors, helping them achieve their chess goals.

I believe chess is more than just a game — it's a tool for developing critical thinking, patience, strategic planning, and resilience. My teaching philosophy emphasizes understanding rather than memorization, helping students develop a feel for positions that serves them well beyond specific openings or tactics.

Beyond the chess board, I also explore various projects and initiatives that reflect my broader professional interests without being confined solely to chess.

Rhode Island State Champion

Became the Rhode Island State Champion within two years of moving to the state, thanks to dedicated training and proven methods that I share with my students.

Accomplished Chess Coach

I taught at The Met High School in Providence. As the varsity coach of Classical High School, I took two teams to Nationals. I also coached the Iona University esports team and served as a guest instructor at the Rhode Island Chess School. Additionally, I coached the elementary, middle, and high school chess programs for The Wheeler School in Providence and ran chess camps in Sharon, MA, and Little Compton, RI. I've also trained two successful former students as coaches.

Teaching Philosophy

My coaching approach combines classical chess wisdom with modern analytical methods. Rather than focusing solely on memorizing opening moves or tactical patterns, I emphasize:

Positional Understanding

Learning to evaluate positions and create plans based on structural features rather than just calculation

Pattern Recognition

Developing an intuitive feel for tactical and strategic patterns that appear across different positions

Critical Thinking

Learning to think systematically about positions and justify moves with concrete analysis

"Understanding chess isn't about mastering a game, it's about mastering one's own mind. You don't have to become a professional player to reap the rewards of the decision-making frameworks that chess study cultivates."

Frequently Asked Questions

What age groups do you teach?

I work with students of all ages, from young children just learning the game to senior players looking to refine their skills. My teaching approach is tailored to each student's age, experience level, and learning style.

Do I need to have any prior experience to start lessons?

Not at all! I work with complete beginners who are just learning how the pieces move, as well as advanced players looking to improve specific aspects of their game. Everyone starts somewhere, and it's never too late to begin learning chess.

How are lessons structured?

Lessons are typically 60 minutes long and include a mix of instruction, practice, and review. I create a personalized curriculum based on your current level and goals. We'll work on opening principles, tactical patterns, positional understanding, and endgame techniques, with the balance determined by your specific needs.

How quickly will I improve?

Progress depends on several factors including your starting level, the time you dedicate to practice, and how frequently we have lessons. Many students see noticeable improvement after just a few sessions, while significant rating gains typically take consistent work over several months. I'll provide homework and study recommendations to help you improve between lessons.