Class and Lesson Descriptions

At Gotham City Chess, we hold close to our belief that children are intuitively drawn towards chess and are capable of showing success and fluency quickly at this game because the human brain is hard wired to analyze, learn and grow. Chess is fun and creative with Gotham City Chess. Using socratic teaching methods, children quickly become empowered and enthralled by logic.
CHESS INTRODUCTION THROUGH STORY TELLING AND MOVEMENT (PRIVATE LESSONS AT HOME FOR AGES 3- 5)

In this beginner’s course, children learn about the pieces, the board and how to “speak chess” (chess notation), but not in the usual way. Students learn the rules of the pieces and the game through designed stories to show why the pieces move the way they do and through physical activities where the students move their bodies like the pieces. This is a great opportunity to introduce the game and get kids excited. It’s always fun! The ultimate goal is to have children capable of playing a game of chess while using legal rules, and, at the same time, developing an appreciating for the game. Classes are 30- 40 minutes long.

It is never too early to learn the royal game of kings and queens.

Basic Chess/ Beginners Chess

Pieces, how they move, their value and how they coordinate with other pieces
Purpose of a game: checkmate.
Chess notation and how to “speak chess”
Overview of the different stages of a game (beginning, middle and end)
Students learn through famous, instructive games, basic opening theory.

Intermediate Chess

(This is great for students who are interested in getting better and possibly playing in tournaments)

Tactics, tactics, tactics! Students learn, practice and analyze through instructive and entertaining games
Build an opening repertoire
Endgame studies
Students join an online chess website (free) and play one game per week which they bring to class for analysis

Advanced Chess

(This is for students who are playing in tournaments and are committed to improving)

Tactics, tactics, tactics! Students learn, practice and analyze through instructive and entertaining games
Focus on specific openings and start to go in depth on them
Students join an online website (free) and play one game per week which they bring to class for analysis

Chess For Adults

(Of course, chess is good fun for all ages)

Sharpen your chess, relearn, or learn how to play chess
Great for parents who want to learn activities to play with their children and some basic strategies that will help them teach their children
Great for teachers who want to learn how to teach chess to their students
Learn specialized openings, tactics, positional play
Have fun and learn a lot about chess history and present day international play

Small Classes (4 Students)

Often, the dynamics of children playing each other can help improve a students progress.
Each class focuses on a theme or a tactic analyzed together on a demonstration board and followed by group play.

Contact me about joining a small class as I can often organize and bring together students.

In- Class Curricurlum and After School Programs

This is an amazing opportunity to have a specialist come to a class and introduce, teach, and coach students (and teachers) in how to play chess.
Click here for more information.