What to Expect From Your First Chess Lesson

Starting chess lessons with a coach can feel intimidating. What will you talk about? How much preparation do you need? Will they judge your playing ability? Understanding what typically happens in a first chess lesson can ease these concerns and help you get maximum value from your coaching experience.

This guide walks you through exactly what to expect in your first chess lesson, how to prepare, and how to set yourself up for long-term success with your new coach.

1. The Assessment: Diagnosing Your Game

The Core Task: The first lesson is rarely about learning new openings. It is about discovery. Your coach needs to understand how you think.

What happens: You will likely review 1-2 of your recent games. The coach will ask you why you made certain moves. Be honest. If you guessed, say "I guessed."

The Goal: To identify your specific weaknesses. Are you bad at calculation? Do you play too passively? Do you collapse in the endgame?

2. Goal Setting: Defining Success

The Conversation: A good coach will ask what you want to achieve.

Be Specific:

• "I want to beat my dad."
• "I want to reach 1500 on Chess.com."
• "I want to play in my first tournament."

The Reality Check: Your coach will tell you if your goals are realistic based on your current level and the time you can commit to study.

3. The Training Plan: Your Roadmap

The Outcome: By the end of the first lesson, you should have a clear plan for the next week.

Homework: Expect to be assigned work. This might be:

• Solving 10 puzzles a day.
• Watching a specific video on pawn structures.
• Playing 3 Rapid games and analyzing them without an engine.

4. What You Don't Need to Worry About

Judgment: Your coach has seen worse blunders than yours. They are not there to mock you; they are there to help you.

Preparation: You don't need to "study" for your first lesson. Just bring your games and an open mind.

5. Finding the Right Coach

The Connection: The first lesson is also a test for the coach. Do you like their style? Do they explain things clearly?

The Search: If you haven't found a coach yet, platforms like findyourchesscoach make it easy. You can browse profiles, read reviews, and find a mentor who matches your personality and budget. Finding the right fit is the first step toward reaching your potential.

Conclusion: Your first lesson is the start of a partnership. Relax, ask questions, and enjoy the process of getting better.