Chess4Life Chess Coaches

Lane Van Weerdhuizen

Lane Van Weerdhuizen has been playing chess competitively since the 3rd grade. Recently, he was awarded second in the U1800 section at the USCF Washington Class tournament. He also placed 20th (out of 140) in the North American Open U1900 Section. In high school, he finished in the top 10 every year, including a third place finish in his junior year. His rating is 1876 NWSRS, and 1855 USCF.

Lane’s goal is to become a Chess Expert within the next couple of years. Lane characterizes his playing style as very tactic oriented. Along with tactics, Lane enjoys studying a wide variety of openings and opening theory. He emulates Grandmasters such as Bobby Fischer and Gary Kasparov, and admires their aggressive playing styles.

Outside of competitive chess, Lane enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, watching movies, playing tennis, watching live comedy shows, and spending time with his family.

In the classroom, Lane practices setting attainable goals to spur his students to improve their chess knowledge. He also highly encourages his students to notate every game for analysis. He would characterize his teaching approach as being planned, attentive, and exciting.

For Chess4Life, Lane teaches at center classes and schools, and he attends Friday Night Quads and tournaments.