Personal Coaching (General)

by mindcramp, Tuesday, May 22, 2007, 22:11 (6542 days ago) @ Tony Kosten

I've tried the personal coaching, and had an excellent experience. I submitted 3 games each month for three months. I annotated each game with (1) my thoughts from during the game, and (2) my additional thoughts from home analysis, *unassisted by a computer*. The coach replied with annotations to the games, answered a round of questions by e-mail, and gave general advice on openings, how to study, etc.

A number of things really stand out in my mind from this experience. First, the coach saw a *ton* of things that eluded my computer. Typically these were positional and strategic ideas, or deeper endgame ideas. But also he pointed out ways to keep up psychological pressure on a human opponent - something that computers are not exactly attuned to (yet). Second, I've come to appreciate the benefits of doing exhaustive home analysis without computer assistance. I think that this is the phase in which huge amounts of learning takes place. After you've done the hard work, you get constructive, corrective feedback from the coach and computer.

I recommend this service. To get the greatest benefit you must be willing to invest some effort.

I myself do intend to subscribe to additional coaching, after I get through a bunch more tournaments.