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Professional chess tutor, seasoned tournament player
Nathaniel W.

1,429 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $50
Response time: 10 minutes

About Nathaniel


Bio

I'm here to share my passion for chess and belief that hard work pays off! After 10 years of experience tutoring and teaching elementary school students to college students, I've gained both chess skills and teaching skills necessary to help my students succeed.

During a typical 60 minute lesson, my students can expect to spend the first half learning concrete chess strategy - such as adding to their opening knowledge or practicing fundamentals like Knight + Bishop mate. During the second...

I'm here to share my passion for chess and belief that hard work pays off! After 10 years of experience tutoring and teaching elementary school students to college students, I've gained both chess skills and teaching skills necessary to help my students succeed.

During a typical 60 minute lesson, my students can expect to spend the first half learning concrete chess strategy - such as adding to their opening knowledge or practicing fundamentals like Knight + Bishop mate. During the second half, we review one game (selected and analyzed in advance) played either by the student, or if the student has not played tournament games yet, a top Grandmaster game.

I served as captain of one of UMBC's nationally ranked chess teams for 3 years and played tournament chess for over a decade. I also tutored amateur college students as President of my college's chess club. Currently, I professionally teach after-school and before-school chess clubs to students up to 8th grade at Silver Knights Enrichment. I've been trained by my college's resident chess US Chess Federation Master and I employ his method of personalized classes and analyzing student games.

I am currently rated 1840 USCF and recommend students to pick tutors rated at least 200 points higher than themselves, although I am happy to tutor anyone!

I'm open to students of all backgrounds and am ready to bring your game to the next level!


Education

University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Political Science
University of Chicago
Masters

Policies


Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Chess

Chess

I currently teach groups of elementary school and middle school students (seven to twelve students total) for 60 minute chess clubs before and after school as part of Silver Knights Enrichment. I previously served as captain of one of UMBC's nationally ranked college chess teams where we won a division championship in 2015. I have been tutoring students one on one as president of my college's chess club and competing in tournaments throughout college for four years. I am currently rated 1890 USCF and recommend students to pick a coach at least 200 points higher rated than themselves (although I'm happy to tutor all!)
Political Science

Political Science

M.A. in international relations. B.A. in Political Science.
Social Studies

Social Studies

I studied social sciences in college and during graduate school, where I earned an M.A. in International Relations. I have experience tutoring children of all ages by volunteer mentoring, teaching afterschool programs, and serving as a teaching assistant in college. Professionally, I've worked in Congress to get a better sense of social studies and government.
American History
Government & Politics
Proofreading
SAT Math
SAT Reading
TOEFL
World History
Nathaniel W.'s Photo

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Response time: 10 minutes

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (375 ratings)
5 star
(373)
4 star
(2)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Great teacher

Nathaniel W. is an amazing tutor and is very good at chess and is patient. He shows me a lot and he enjoys the time and work. He’s teaching for the fun and to help others learn to be great at chess

Paula, 5 lessons with Nathaniel

Awesome teacher!

My son (9 years) has recently taken an interest in chess and he thoroughly enjoyed his lesson with Nathaniel. Nathaniel was able to meet him at his level but still challenge him and present strategies in an engaging form. He taught by playing through a game and also reviewed some of my son's games on chess.com. My son is a bit shy, especially with new teachers. When I'd peak in on his lesson I saw him smiling and chatting back and forth with Nathaniel. I couldn't have asked for better first lesson. We'll be back for more!

Catherine, 1 lesson with Nathaniel

Nathaniel is patient and knowledgeable.

He takes time to explain the strategies. He is very responsive with questions I have and responds quickly. He comes up with great lesson plans and tries to keep the student engage.

Christine, 2 lessons with Nathaniel

Personable, Patient, Knowledgable, Effective and Efficient!

He taught me basic concepts about chess. I had no foundation - only knew what each piece could do/not do. Nathaniel taught me how to think about the game. He gave me priorities to focus on and strategies to stay in control of the board!

Heather, 1 lesson with Nathaniel

Knowledgeable and pateint teacher

Nathaniel has done and excellent job of helping my son improve his game, and help him in his efforts to play in his first tournament. He has been responsive to our requests for sessions, and quick to follow up and let me know of what was covered in them. Definitely would recommend him to others.

Scott, 10 lessons with Nathaniel

knowledgable, caring and patient

Nathaniel has shown a genuine care and concern for our son’s interest in chess. Our son has asd and adhd so it can be a challenge to hold his attention. Nathaniel is patient and adapts incredibly well to our son’s learning style and needs. Highly recommend Nathaniel.

Joseph, 16 lessons with Nathaniel

Really awesome chess instructor

Nathaniel was extremely patient with our 6 year old daughter. We can tell he has a lot of experience teaching chess and sharing his love of chess with his students. We will definitely be continuing as our daughter seem to really enjoy her first lesson.

Ellen, 22 lessons with Nathaniel

A great chess tutor

Nathaniel is a coach who actually helps me get better at chess. But still makes things fun and easy to learn. He will adjust what he teaches based on the level of the student. Nathaniel is a great coach for all levels and ages.

Benjamin , 20 lessons with Nathaniel

Nathaniel is an awesome teacher!

My 5 year old son had a fantastic lesson with Nathaniel today. He really understands how to teach chess to younger kids. He’s engaging, patient, knowledgable, and a joy to work with.

Nikolai, 1 lesson with Nathaniel

Friendly tutor who makes chess fun and interesting!

My kids (ages 7 and 12) learn chess from Nathaniel and they both enjoy and look forward to the chess classes. He is super friendly and a great teacher. Highly recommend!

Ambika, 65 lessons with Nathaniel
Hourly Rate: $50
Response time: 10 minutes
Contact Nathaniel