Let’s talk about one-on-one coaching for your child
Private Chess Lessons
Beyond Moves and Tactics: Building Lifelong Skills
One of the most powerful advantages of private chess lessons is the ability to meet a child where they are. Every student learns differently — and in one-on-one sessions, their growth is never limited by the pace of a group or the distractions of a classroom. This personalized attention allows children to move forward at their own rhythm, building real confidence as they see their skills grow week by week. When children learn chess, they’re also learning to plan ahead, manage frustration, and recover from setbacks. These are essential life skills — and private lessons create the perfect space to practice those skills.
Strategy, Tactics and Other Games
A tried and true way into the chess mindset for the youngest learners, is to begin with “lesser” games. Chess is about first being able to understand what’s happening in the moment you’re in. But quickly it becomes about divining the future by anticipating your opponents moves. This skill in particular is what defines chess players as especially mediocre, or something more. Sometimes, much more.
just Chess
When it’s just chess that we’re doing (rather than the other strategy games beginning learners dip into), the sessions run broadly as follows:
- Game review – Together, student and coach analyze recent games to identify patterns and growth opportunities.
- New concept or theme – Phil introduces a skill based on the student’s level (e.g., endgame planning, attacking principles, or positional strategy).
- Guided play – Students practice the concept in real or simulated play, with supportive feedback.
- Reflection – Each lesson ends with a short reflection, encouraging students to articulate what they learned and set goals for next time.
In person or through Zoom, let’s find a time that fits your schedule. Let’s get the conversation going right now.
Neurodiverse Learners
Many families choose private lessons because they provide consistency, personal connection, and measurable progress. And for neurodiverse or ADHD learners, this focused and adaptable teaching style can be especially empowering — helping them build focus, patience, and confidence in ways that go beyond the chessboard.
If you’d like to learn more about why chess is such a strong tool for supporting executive function, take a look at some of the research shared by Child Mind Institute (childmind.org) and Harvard Graduate School of Education (gse.harvard.edu).
Why Chess Rabbits?
What sets Chess Rabbits apart is Phil himself. Parents and schools aren’t hiring a big company or an app — they’re partnering with a teacher who shows up personally every time. That means your child receives consistent guidance, builds a real relationship with their coach, and learns from someone who has spent decades teaching chess with art and heart.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to explore what private chess lessons can do for your child, the first step is simple: book a 15-minute consultation to talk with Phil directly. In that conversation, you can ask questions, discuss goals, and decide what kind of learning experience will work best for your family.
Or, if you’d like to learn more first, you can:
- Browse our News and Thinkings blog for real stories and teaching insights.
- Explore our programs for schools to bring chess into your child’s classroom.
- Follow our work and community highlights on Instagram.