How to Improve Your Chess Skills: Insights from a Pro Coach

Ready to level up your chess game? 

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this exclusive interview with an experienced chess coach is packed with expert tips and strategies to help you improve quickly. From mastering the basics to tackling common challenges, you'll find practical advice that can make a real difference in your game. 

With over 10 years of coaching experience and a track record of helping players succeed at the highest levels, our coach shares valuable insights on how to get started, recommended resources, and how to overcome obstacles on your chess journey. So, let’s dive in and unlock your full potential on the chessboard!

Meet Lukáš Vlasák, International Master and world-class coach with 2458 FIDE rating. 

Can you share a bit about your background in chess?

I started playing chess when I was 5 years old. I represented my country at World and European Youth Championships a couple of times and I'm currently playing in the Czech Extraliga and German Bundesliga. I've been coaching for more than 10 years for now.

What level of players do you typically coach, and what achievements are you most proud of in your coaching career?

Most of my students are young players (ages 11-18) who have represented or are representing the Czech Republic in youth competitions. Their ratings are typically between 2000 and 2400. My biggest success with them has been winning medals at the Youth European Championships.

For someone just discovering chess, what’s the best way to get started with the game?

I think you just need to start playing a lot of games and pick up a good book for beginners. Alternatively there is lot of stuff on the internet.

Are there particular resources, like books, apps, or websites, that you would recommend to beginners?

Solving puzzles (on lichess, chess.com) is great, you could also use chess courses on Chessable. You can watch videos on Youtube for inspiration, for example Saint Louis Chess Club has a beginner section. I quite like the “Step method” as a book series to start with.

What’s the most important skill for a new player to focus on to improve quickly?

Tactics. Getting to know all key combinational motifs and the basics of calculation.

How often should a beginner play or practice to see real improvement?

I think it depends on quality of the training. You can start to see real improvement with just 30 minutes of daily training.

What’s a common challenge new players face when learning, and how can they work through it?

I often get asked about the best way to study chess or which book/course will help me reach a specific rating. The truth is, it often doesn’t matter what you study - just start with something and don’t overthink it. Of course, this advice applies less to more experienced players.

Many new players find openings intimidating. Do you have any advice for starting to learn opening principles?

Learn only basic principles, maybe go through a couple of miniature games in openings that interest you. But the main thing is to try to play everything and only after that pick up some openings for serious study.

How can beginners avoid getting discouraged when they lose?

I guess you have to take every game as a learning experience and opportunity to see what you need to improve.

Should kids and adults approach learning chess differently, and if so, how?

Children’s training is primarily game-based, as they often struggle to focus for long periods. Adult learners, on the other hand, can study more intensively and for longer durations.

When should a player consider getting a coach or joining a chess club?

If you are serious about chess or you hit your ceiling, a coach can definitely help. I think joining a chess club is great at any level. You need people with whom you can play, analyze or study. It helps to stay motivated.

Thank you, Lukáš! We will do our best. 

Joanna Prokopova