Adult Improver Coaching

[Paul Cooksey]

Does anyone have experience developing training for new adult members?

My experience is that it can be difficult to integrate new adult members not yet strong enough to play league chess. I have to admit I've never had a better idea than recommending some books.

A local club told me recently they had some members willing to do some coaching but were not sure where to start.

[Mick Norris]

Some of the clubs in Manchester do, yes; it's an issue though, isn't it, good to have new members but difficult to get them up to speed

[John Upham]

It is an entirely different exercise to help adults who have not played (or at least very little) previously to enjoy chess.

One of the advantages is that the language you can use is totally different than for young children. I've found that encouraging adults to play through and enjoy master games can be rewarding.

I suppose THE most difficult activity to encourage is that of calculation and attempting to develop any positional insight.

A real challenge IMHO.

[MJMcCready]

Offer them peer correction on their games and show them where they have gone wrong and why.

[Stephen Westmoreland]

I have helped quite a few adults over the years. At the end of day day it depends on how keen they are and starting with non complex openings. Give them some games and as even as possible, before watching natural enthusiasm take over.