Saturdays, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Class begins January 15th and ends on April 23rd.
No regular class on 1/22, 2/5, 3/5, 4/2 and 4/16.
Where:
At the new Chess4Life Center in Bellevue.
Who should attend:
Student (K-8) serious about improving chess skill. (Based on space available, open first to 2011 National Championships attendees and then to any others serious about learning.)
Benefits:
Learn from the extensive nationals coaching experience that Elliott Neff brings as well as from GM Emil Anka's experience in coaching players from starting to the highest level in chess (Grandmaster).
Instructors:
Grandmaster Emil Anka and Chess4Life Founder, National Master Elliott Neff.
Class format:
- Arrive by 4:50
- Lesson begins at 5pm (specific topics expected to be published before first class)
- Training game (rated and time control of G/120) begins at 5:30pm. Students paired with appropriate level students only (see the online posting of the Saturday Swiss for more details on the format of this game - FREE to attendees of this class)
- Analysis of games as they finish with GM Anka and Elliott Neff
- End time – as games finish – latest 9:30-10pm, but could be done as early as 7:30-8pm if games are finished early.
- Note - all students are strongly urged to bring a notebook in order to take notes and learn as much as possible.
Class Topics:
- 1. endgame - most important principles of other endgames (not R+P):
The purpose of this topic is to ensure that the students understand the most important principles of endgames NOT involving Rooks and pawns - this because confidence in endgame knowledge is key to finishing games well whether ahead or being in material.
- 2. calculating variations effectively:
Without efficient and accurate analysis, mistakes will be made - so let's improve our ability to calculate quickly and understand the positions better!
- 3. endgame - most important principles of rook and Pawn endgames - HOW TO THINK IN ENDGAMES - ahead, behind, equal position:
The most common endgames involve Rooks and Pawns - understanding and finding the right moves in these endgames always pays off!
- 4. how to find targets (obvious and not obvious) - important for making great plans - recognizing the targets:
Without finding a good target, how can you make a good plan? Learn to recognize targets and opportunities as they arise.
- 5. how to CREATE targets (if no targets):
What if there are no obvious targets? Learn how to CREATE targets. (Ever been in a situation where you just are not sure what to do? Well, no more!)
- 6. Playing AGAINST targets (making the plan with a clear target:
Once you have found your target, how do you make great plans for attacking that target or targets
- 7. open pawn center - how to play those positions
Pawn chains usually are fairly simple to know at least where to build your attack - but if there are no pawns in the middle, what do we do?
- 8. IQP as an advantage:
The Isolated Queen Pawn can be an advantage if you know what to do - learn when it is good and what to do in this topic!
- 9. IQP as a disadvantage:
The Isolated Queen Pawn can be also a disadvantage, especially if certain pieces are no longer on the board. Learn how to turn your opponent's IQP into YOUR advantage!
- 10. Confidence in nationals and other competitions:
Confidence, founded on proper preparation, is half the battle in a competition.
Tuition:
$295 total for the 10 lesson series. $35 drop-in fee IF SPACE AVAILABLE.
Questions?
Call the Chess4Life Center at 425-283-0549 or email kids@chess4life.com
