All posts by David

Exclusive Interview with creator of Step-by-Step method

August 10, 2016Articles, BlogChess coaching, learning, methodDavid

Cor van Wijgerden is not a name many South Australians are familiar with.

But the Dutch chess coach and Step Method co-creator to whom it belongs deserves recognition for the structured chess education of hundreds of our brightest young minds.

In Part Two of our series on the unique Step Method of teaching chess we present an exclusive interview with the man responsible for its inception. (If you haven’t read it yet, click here to read Part One).

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Chesslife: The Step Method has been in publication since 1985, what was the inspiration to commence such a big project?

Cor: We started in 1985, the first publication appeared in 1987.

Since 1982 I was the national coach of the Netherlands and produced a lot of training material. This material ended up (via my students) at local chess clubs. People started to ask for (much) easier material. I asked Rob Brunia for help; an expert in beginners chess.

People liked the material. We offered the Dutch Federation the material, but they refused. This refusal gave enough inspiration to continue! (next to the fact that many people asked us to go on).

Chesslife: What do you think it is about this system that is so effective compared to other systems?

Cor: Going not too fast is certainly an important factor. A proper board vision is essential before you teach combinations like the double attack. What’s the use if a child drops a lot of pieces in a game (and doesn’t take ones it could take for free) to teach new stuff.

There is a lot more to say. Let’s look at an overview:

Important: A coach is Essential!

The Curriculum
1. Takes into account the chess development of the child
2. Consists of small topics (often one theme at a time)
3. Is structured
4. Is constructed consistently, the order is important
5. Repetition and tests are in build (we forget if we don’t repeat)
6. Offers many possibilities to differentiate
The Coach
1. Doesn’t require to be an educator (although experience is very beneficial)
2. Is provided with a ready-to-go course
3. Has to in the beginning prepare and understand each step beforehand
4. Is able to only require short preparation time once familiar with Step
5. Doesn’t have to develop own learning material
6. Needs an understanding of chess, a couple of steps above the one being coached to be able to analyse games appropriately
The student
1. Can learn at their own pace and at their own level
2. Is taught mainly subjects that can be put into practise immediately
3. Learns skills and knowledge, not just one or the other
4. Will learn to combine skills and knowledge when put in practise

Chesslife: What do children learn from the workbooks that they wouldn’t otherwise learn through ‘regular chess coaching’?

Cor: The Step method consists of 4 pillars.

instruction (Manual)
workbooks (Students)
playing (Students v. Students of course, but also Trainer against student in a simul)
discussing the games (Trainer and student)

The workbooks are the most visible but the other three are as meaningful. Important to realize is that the books are a mean and not a goal. Chess training is more than just distributing workbooks. The trainer should correct and discuss the exercises.

Chesslife: What do you think are the major differences between teaching using the Step Method among the many countries? Should there be a different approach to teaching the method in the Netherlands compared to Australia?

Cor: I have taught chess in many different countries. All beginners like to capture pieces. There is no significant difference. The foreign version (from the Dutch view) has existed for 13 years now. I have never had any remark about a different approach.

Chesslife: Have any other countries adopted the Step method as their official teaching approach and thereby have the support of their national federation?

Cor: Most federations promote only their own material. Switzerland was the first foreign country where the Steps were officially approved by the Federation. The number of translations and the sale to certain countries indicates that at least in 14 counties the method is widely used.

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Stay tuned for Part Three where we discuss the teaching methods that head coach David Koetsier learnt under the tutelage of Cor van Wijgerden.

What does ‘Autism Friendly’ mean?

August 5, 2016Articles, BlogAutism, Chess, Chess coaching, coaching, Friendly, learning, methodDavid

We are proud to be part of the Autism Friendly Charter coordinated by Autism SA and supported by the NDIS. But what does ‘Autism Friendly’ mean?

‘The Autism Friendly Charter provides a framework for business, organisations and services to become and maintain an autism friendly environment. This will ensure people on the autism spectrum and their families feel welcome and comfortable within the wider community.’

So what does it mean for Chesslife?

It means we are open, accepting and understanding of chess players with Autism.
It means we are not judgmental towards some of your unique features and we are accommodating towards your needs.

Our highly experienced team knows what challenges may arise during a class and are more than happy to listen or to help you find some quiet space when it all becomes a bit too much.

It means we are happy if you want to touch all the chess pieces before you start, or want to straighten them up on the board.
It means we are happy if you want to sit under the table for a bit.
It means we are happy if you want to wear sunglasses or head phones, because sometimes we are unable to control the environment.

Chess classes provide an excellent setting where you can be among people that have the same special interest. You will find many people that would love to talk openings, end games or amazing games you have played. But you can also choose to just play a game of chess, without any talking.

If you want to know more about our coaches and read a bit about them, why not visit our TEAM PAGE. If you would like to know which coach comes to your school, just drop us an EMAIL and we will let you know.

If you would like to know what you will be learning in the first 10 classes, why not download our basic Fact sheet learning chess so you can get ready and prepare.

If you would like to know more about the educational system we use in our classes that will allow you to learn at your own pace, have a look HERE

Teaching students with Autism is one of our most rewarding parts of our roles. You can read about some of our experiences in our BLOG.

We are here to make the learning of chess as enjoyable and fun as we can and are looking forward to seeing you soon!

If you have any other questions, or would like to tell us more about yourself before you come to one of our chess classes, why not drop us an EMAIL or give us a CALL. We love to hear from you!

Interschool Chess Championships and how a local council has made a difference

July 28, 2016Articles, BlogAdelaide, Celebration, Chess, Interschool, learningDavid

Chesslife would like to invite all students from the Campbelltown district, their parents and chess-lovers to celebrate the fantastic performance of the area’s teams in the 2016 Interschool Chess Championships (ICC).

The ICCs are run every year for schools across the country to earn the right to compete in the national finals. In South Australia, Scott Creek Primary School, St Catherine’s Primary School and Nairne Primary School from the Adelaide Hills division have already qualified for the state finals in September held at Prince Alfred College

Since 2014, the Campbelltown Library Chess Club has been allowed to enter teams in the Championship thanks to a generous committee of the South Australian Junior Chess League.

This has allowed players whose schools did not have a chess club or who were excluded due to their age from participating to have the chance to play in a tournament and be part of chess in South Australia. The Campbelltown Council has been supportive of this initiative from the beginning.

Since then schools such as East Marden Primary School have seen the potential of chess and gotten ‘on board’ by starting their own clubs. Not only did they start participating last year, they also won the C Grade title at the State finals! Seeing more schools come on board is great news for chess in South Australia.

As the Championship draws to a close in 2016 Chesslife would like to once again thank the Campbelltown Council, without whom hundreds of budding young players would be without a club. They have been supporting the chess club at the library and the team entry fees into the Interschool Championship.

We therefore extend an invitation to all participants in the tournament and the Campbelltown area to attend our event, Chess In The Park.

Trophies sponsored by Member for Hartley Vincent Tarzia will be presented to the most improved players and a free sausage sizzle sponsored by the Morialta Rotary Club will be provided as they did last year.

Well done to all participants in the Interschool Chess Championship this year, especially those who played for the Chesslife Campbelltown Clubs and the teams in the Adelaide Hills!

See you all at the celebration!

Coaching junior level chess is as challenging as it is rewarding

July 26, 2016Articles, BlogChess, Chess coaching, coaching, learning, method, tutorDavid

That’s why every school holidays the staff at Chesslife come together to share what they know about the art of imparting chess wisdom to our hundreds of beginner to intermediate level students.

No single teacher has the answer to every question (especially in the chess world, where the variations go into the millions!). By working as a team the Chesslife staff make sure all our students benefit from the same high quality learning experience delivered within the Step Method chess curriculum.

The best way to make sure our high standards are met is through collaboration between coaches. Once a term, we consult on everything from teaching tricky lessons like checkmating with a king and queen to using terminology appropriate to the developmental level of your class.

There’s no greater asset to a strong business than a strong team, and as Henry Ford said:

‘Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success’.

Of course, the benefits of teamwork go beyond sharing didactic knowledge. Being among a group of enthusiastic chess players keen to share their skills is inspiring for everyone involved in chess.

We all learn from each other, and ultimately become better coaches!

Click here to find out more about the Chesslife team.

Want a Mental Health Boost? Play Games!

July 16, 2016Articles, BlogChess, Health benefits, learning, mental healthDavid

It’s well known that playing chess makes you smart, but did you know it also makes you happy?

After criticisms that the recent Pokemon Go craze has led some keen players into dangerous situations, a lecturer at the University of Melbourne emerged in support of the trend.

His research has shown what our chess coaches have always known: playing games is an excellent way to relax and get your brain working in a positive way. If approached correctly, chess can bring the same mental health rewards.

As these Sydney players have discovered, it’s also a great way to get yourself out of the house and interacting with others.

So what are you waiting for? Get those pieces moving!

Here’s something to get you started:

Why we use the Dutch Learning System

July 16, 2016Articles, BlogAdelaide, Chess, Chess coaching, coaching, learning, methodDavid

The Chesslife Method of Learning Chess

When head coach and Chesslife founder David Koetsier along with Sabrina came to Australia in 2005, they brought more than their Dutch accents and an appreciation of European coffee with them.

Since Chesslife began in 2010, students in Adelaide and Australia have benefited from a structured learning system uniquely created in the Netherlands to develop talent from a young age. This method is known as the Step by Step Method.

What is the Step Method?

Widely used throughout schools and chess clubs in Europe and increasingly the world, the Step Method provides trainers and students with a logical way to introduce chess concepts at exactly the right level for their experience with the game.

Presented in a series of six steps, each with an accompanying series of workbooks, the Step Method introduces chess material in increasing complexity, all the way from beginner’s chess in Step One to master level play in Step Six.

What makes the Step Method so successful at bringing out the best in young kids? The answer lies in the method of teaching, which relies on quality coaches who are familiar with the didactic teaching processes included in the Step Method.

Chesslife coaches, like those that have used the same techniques to develop some of Europe’s most impressive chess talents. GrandMaster Loek van Wely was a student using the workbooks and understand that young minds learn chess in stages.

Spatial skills, for example, come only after players understand the unique value of each of the pieces. In other words, there’s no point learning how to checkmate if you can’t first keep all your pieces safe!

Every Chesslife student completes the same Step Method workbooks , which act as guides on their progress. That way our coaches always know what level their students are at, which topics are understood and where their strengths and weaknesses lie. Parent can use those same methods at home.

The tournament results speak for themselves, with a growing South Australian Junior Chess Community. It is also evident in the classroom where kids can’t wait to use the workbooks in the class and the coaches who have seen the results first hand.

Playing chess has long been known to produce impressive scholastic results. And combined with the method, Chesslife provides students with the great benefits from this proven teaching method.

We may not have Dutch quality coffee, but at least Australia has the Step Method!

Why should you choose an accredited tutor?

July 4, 2016Articles, Blogaccreditation, Australian Tutoring Association, Chess, Chess coaching, coaching, tutorDavid

At Chesslife we pride ourselves on the quality of the coaching we deliver to the schools, disability support services and community groups we work with. While we believe firmly that chess is an exciting and accessible sport for anyone to learn and play, we also know that teaching it isn’t something just anyone can do.

What qualities should you look for in a chess coach?

And how can you make sure your coach knows how to make chess engaging and bring out the best it has to offer bright young minds?

One way is to look for an accredited tutor. Accredited tutors are required to undertake an independently assessed, world-leading tutor training qualification, and have their background and qualification thoroughly checked out before they’re approved.

They’re also accountable to the Australian Tutoring Association’s Industry Standards, so you know you’re working with a tutor you can trust.

All of our Chesslife chess coaches are fun, knowledgeable and helpful teachers, as well as experienced players in their own right.

We train them to use the Step by Step Method of teaching chess, a proven technique that was developed in the Netherlands 20 years ago to bring a logical and progressive structure to chess learning.

You can now check out our head coach, David Koetsier’s accredited tutor profile here!

What age should you start learning chess?

June 23, 2016Articles, BlogDavid

Chess is widely acknowledged as one of the best ways for young children to to develop their forward thinking and reasoning skills as summarised by the Canadian Chess Federation. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with a parent or grandparent, while boosting their imaginations and having fun at the same time!

As a parent, you’ve probably wondered about the benefits for your child of learning chess. One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Chesslife is, how old does my child have to be to learn chess? Is there an age that’s too young? On the other hand, is there an age after which they’re too old to start playing?

The good news is, there is no age at which playing chess won’t help boost your brain power, whether you’re young and still learning life skills, or you’re trying to keep your brain fresh as you mature.

Parents of our students are constantly impressed by just how much their children know about chess after only a few months learning.

The majority of Chesslife students start playing when they’re around five years old. As most of our classes are run in schools and libraries, this is a handy time to start learning chess. At that age, kids are easily able to learn how the pieces move, how to keep them safe, where to put them and how to set up the board the right way.

At around seven to eight is when most students get really into chess. By this time many are able to play high quality chess, concentrating for up to an hour on a single game! At this age, their boosted imaginations bring the pieces to life, which is why you often hear them making bulldozer noises as they take a piece!

So is any age really too young to learn chess? Former world champion Gary Kasparov started playing when he was just two. And you’re never too old to learn – we provide chess classes to seniors to continue to encourage brain training.

What’s the right age to learn chess? The answer is: whenever you want to!

University Chess Club President Gives Advice For Aspiring Young Players

June 18, 2016Articles, BlogAdelaide, Chess, coaching, UniversityDavid

We are happy to welcome Sebastian Teagle to the Chesslife team this year. Sebastian is the President of the Adelaide University chess club and manages two teams in the South Australian Chess Association‘s Interclub tournament – here he gives his advice to his students who want to compete at the top.

Sebastian learnt chess, like many of our students, from his parents: “Chess was taught to me by my father when I was very young – maybe 5 years old or so.”

But for Sebastian, the love of the game came from within. “I think chess was first attractive to me because it appeared very simple, I quickly grasped how the pieces moved and learnt some very basic ideas.”

Sebastian now manages both A and B grade teams in the interclub competition at the South Australian Chess Centre.

The Club Captain says that in the decade and a half since he learnt the game as a student at Blackfriars Priory School chess in South Australia has grown a lot.

His goal as a Captain and a Coach is to make sure the quality of chess continues to improve.

“My reason for being a part of the Chess Community in South Australia is that I really love the game, so bringing as many new people into it as possible, and giving people a chance to play competitively or improve themselves is my number one goal. I want to give as many people the opportunity to play chess as possible.”

Chess at Adelaide University

University exams and assignments keep Chesslife coach Sebastian Teagle busy a lot of the time, and he relaxes by practicing and playing chess.

“I think chess is an awesome aid for academia,” he says. “It forces you to think deeply and concentrate more than you would ever do doing something else.”

“Chess club is also a great time to relax after school, and you barely notice at all how much you focus because of how fun chess is.”

Like the father of the famous Polgar sisters, Sebastian is studying psychology, but he says most of the chess players he knows are studying maths, which he describes as “a curious trend.”

Chess has enriched Sebastian’s life and mind but he says, “It’s not too easy to pin down exactly how chess has helped me cognitively. Studying chess has become one of my past times, having this outlet has been very useful to me for when things get hectic.”

(Image courtesy of Adelaide University Chess Club Facebook Page)

Teaching Chess in Adelaide

Since joining the Chesslife team Sebastian has discovered the joy of teaching children and “watching how quickly they grow.”

“In under a year many kids who barely knew the rules can start to play complex, strong, chess,” he says, a fact which he attributes to Chesslife’s use of the Dutch Step by Step Method.

“It’s a highly effective way of teaching chess to children,” he says. “Much more similar to a classroom setting, which then gets integrated with playing chess. This is a big contrast to the way I was taught chess, which was sort of being taught loosely without much of a guide.”

Sebastian’s advice for young players is to get as much experience over the board as possible.

“Play a lot of chess. There’s no real good substitute to hours spent at the board in competitive matches. Then after the games you should try to be reflective, find out what worked out well, and what didn’t work out well.”

Later students can benefit from buying chess books and reading articles online.

Welcome to Chesslife Sebastian! We look forward to working with you to raise the level of chess in South Australia even higher.

David’s top ten chess tips

June 9, 2016Articles, BlogDavid

Put your pieces out facing the centre: the middle of the chess board is the most important part.
Always take with your pawn towards the middle: if you control the middle, you control the game
Castle as fast as you can: keep your king safe!
Don’t move the pawn in front of your king: don’t open the front door to an attack!
Play with all your pieces: you have a whole army to your disposal, get them all working for you.
If you don’t know what to do, play with your poorest positioned piece first. You will be surprised to see how that can open the game up.
Connect the rooks: there are most powerful when they work together.
Don’t play too often with the same piece: every time you move the same pice, your opponent is getting is other pieces out.
Don’t play too fast. Enjoy the game, take your time, think about the options and consequences.
And finally: always thank your opponent for a good game. If you haven’t won, I’m sure you have learned something from the game!

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So what does it mean for Chesslife?

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We all learn from each other, and ultimately become better coaches!

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Welcome to Chesslife Sebastian! We look forward to working with you to raise the level of chess in South Australia even higher.

Share this:

Put your pieces out facing the centre: the middle of the chess board is the most important part.

Always take with your pawn towards the middle: if you control the middle, you control the game

Castle as fast as you can: keep your king safe!

Don’t move the pawn in front of your king: don’t open the front door to an attack!

Play with all your pieces: you have a whole army to your disposal, get them all working for you.

If you don’t know what to do, play with your poorest positioned piece first. You will be surprised to see how that can open the game up.

Connect the rooks: there are most powerful when they work together.

Don’t play too often with the same piece: every time you move the same pice, your opponent is getting is other pieces out.

Don’t play too fast. Enjoy the game, take your time, think about the options and consequences.

And finally: always thank your opponent for a good game. If you haven’t won, I’m sure you have learned something from the game!

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