About Me:

Hello! I’m Happy, the founder of HappyChess, and I’m excited to share my passion for chess with you. My journey into chess began two years ago when my dad bet me that reaching a 2000 rating would be incredibly challenging within a short timeframe. At that time, a friend of mine, rated 1400 online, claimed it was impossible to achieve at our age. Motivated to prove them wrong, I dived into the game and quickly discovered my deep love for chess. I became addicted to improving and mastering new concepts.

To build a strong foundation, I sought out a coach and dedicated myself to improvement. I also found joy in reading chess literature, particularly the works of Jeremy Silman, who taught me not only about chess but also how to teach and think about the game more effectively.

My Teaching Style :

Reflecting on my coaching experiences, I realized that while lessons were often clear, I sometimes struggled to recall important theories once the session ended. I didn't want my students to face the same challenge, so I developed a unique approach to my lessons. Each session with me is based on Lichess studies with clear notes, and I provide students access to a knowledge base where they can find the theories covered in each lesson. This resource allows them to revisit and review the material at any time.

Additionally, I occasionally create instructional videos to reinforce concepts, though I’m still developing this aspect due to the time involved. Importantly, I maintain an open line of communication, encouraging students to ask questions whenever they need clarification.

I also believe in making lessons enjoyable and engaging, incorporating humor to aid understanding. For example, we might discuss the difference between a happy bishop and a sad bishop to illustrate positional concepts in a memorable way.

Personalized Coaching:

I am dedicated to tailoring my coaching to meet each student’s unique needs. Initially, I focus on helping students analyze their own games, as this foundational practice enables them to identify areas for improvement. From there, we can concentrate on specific aspects of their game, such as openings, middlegames, endgames, tactics, etc... . If a student wishes to work on a particular topic in depth, we can dedicate our time entirely to that. I believe this approach not only enhances their understanding but also encourages them to develop independent study habits for ongoing growth. 

My Passion for Teaching: 

Teaching has always been a passion of mine. I initially pursued a degree in Informatics and History, but soon realized that History didn’t truly interest me, making my studies challenging. Chess has reignited my love for teaching, as I find great joy in helping my students grasp new concepts and witness their progress.

Continuous Improvement:

I’m continually looking to enhance my own skills, both as a player and as a coach. I aim to start my own FIDE career over the board and pick up various training certifications along the way. I’m committed to studying different openings and expanding my knowledge through books, but I’m mindful of doing this correctly and at a sustainable pace.

Fun and Unique Aspects:

In addition to my personalized coaching, I strive to provide my students with training games—including games against myself and other students. To foster a sense of community and collaboration, I’m setting up a Discord server where all my students can meet, challenge one another, and support each other’s growth.

Join Me!

If you’re ready to improve your chess skills in a fun and engaging environment, I’m here to help! I offer private lessons for €35 per hour (bundle deals are cheaper, contact me for more information), and group lessons at a reduced rate depending on the size of the group 

Let’s embark on this exciting journey together at HappyChess!