James Butler
Quick facts
Chess rating: 2050
​
Started playing chess since: 7 years old
​
Favourite chess player: GM Yassar Seirawan
​
Fun facts: I'm a big fan of racket sports like Badminton as well as studying languages & writing stories.
QA with me
Q: What inspired you to start coaching chess and how long have you been doing it?
Q: What is your proudest chess achievement or moment?
Q: How would you describe your coaching philosophy or teaching style?
Q: How do you tailor your coaching to fit the needs of different students?
Q: Can you share an example of how you've helped a student improve their game?
Q: Who is your favourite chess player and why?
Q: If you had one piece of advice for either new players or students wanting to progress what would it be?
Q: What is the most valuable lesson chess has taught you in life?
Q: What are your favourite chess openings or strategies to teach?
A: I ran a chess club as a TESOL teacher afterschool on Fridays and it was my favourite period of the week. I've got a couple of years experience coaching chess as I started teaching beginners in my old University chess club. I've been professionally doing it since January.
A: Winning the Shield in the British University Chess Association Championships (BUCA) with my University team.
A: It's got to be fun & engaging. Motivate learners, improve self confidence and reduce learning anxiety as much as possible. I believe we're all capable of becoming great players while enjoying the game, no matter how early or late you start.
A: Aside from the usual fundamentals I like to take a diagnostic approach. I do analysis on my student's games, celebrate their successes and target weaknesses to improve upon where their mistakes most commonly appear. I also like to discuss expectations directly with students & parents to best fit those needs.
A: Every chess player is guilty at some point of blundering a piece in one move, myself included. I've made a series of threat analysis positions to help students figure out their opponents most pressing & dangerous ideas in a variety of positions. Reducing the number of blunders you make typically has a vast impact on your strength as a chess player.
A: GM Yassar Seirawan, very gentle, eloquent & modest. He's often the voice commentating over the highest levels of competition. A great storyteller and incredibly entertaining.
A: Don't neglect the end game!
A: Patience & the value of consequence.
A: I like teaching the Italian game, with it's abundance of tactical opportunities.