Krysia Forbes
Quick facts
​Started playing chess since: 27 years old
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Fun facts: One fun fact about me is that, in addition to teaching chess, I also have a background in massage therapy. I trained in various techniques, including deep tissue and sports injury rehabilitation. It might seem like an unusual combination, but I find that both activities, chess and massage require a focus on strategy, patience, and an understanding of how to support and nurture others.
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Hobies: Outside of chess, I truly enjoy moving my body through various forms of exercise and dance. I'm also passionate about music, food, and arts and crafts, which allow me to express my creativity. I love engaging in social experiments that challenge my perspective and encourage connection. With so many interests, I often find myself wishing I had more time to explore them all!
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?
Q: Do you have any memorable or funny moments from your chess coaching experience?
A: Coaching chess is a recent venture for me, as I’ve been playing for the last seven years. With a background in primary education and a passion for both chess and working with children, I was inspired to start coaching as a way to blend my teaching skills with my love for the game.
A: One proud moment for me was successfully teaching the little ones in my family the game of chess. Watching my nieces and nephew grasp the game’s concepts and enjoy playing against one another was incredibly rewarding, especially as one of my nieces has severe learning difficulties.
A: My coaching philosophy is based on inclusivity, patience, and sparking a love for learning. I focus on making chess accessible through creative, step-by-step methods, so each child feels confident at their own pace. My goal is to support both their strategic growth and personal development through an engaging and encouraging environment.
A: I first understand each student's unique learning style and pace. For younger or beginner players, I use mini-games and visual examples to simplify concepts and keep sessions engaging. For more advanced students, I encourage strategic thinking with challenging exercises and review games to identify areas for growth. My approach is always flexible, ensuring every student feels supported and able to progress confidently.
A: One example was working with my niece, who has severe learning difficulties, as she was learning chess. I introduced mini-games to break down complex concepts, focusing on each piece's movement and purpose, which helped her feel less overwhelmed. Over time, I saw her confidence grow, and she was able to grasp strategic moves like forks and pins. Watching her improve and enjoy playing with her siblings was incredibly rewarding and showed me how small, consistent steps can make a huge difference in a student's understanding and enjoyment of chess.
A: My favourite chess player is actually someone who taught me the game. Their enthusiasm and creative teaching style made learning chess incredibly enjoyable and accessible for me. They showed me how to appreciate the strategic depth of the game while keeping it fun. It’s their approach that inspires me to coach young players today, emphasising the importance of both skill development and enjoying the process.
A: Focus on understanding each move rather than rushing to win. Learning the WHY behind each decision is key; by slowing down and considering each piece’s purpose, students can build a strong foundation and develop strategic thinking skills that will serve them well as they progress. Also to remember, every game is a chance to learn something new, so enjoy the process.
A: In life, similar to chess we have to make decisions. When we make a move/choice, we have to stick to it. Therefore we should think carefully about our choices in life. We can’t take them back and we have to deal with the consequences of our choices.
A: For beginner-friendly openings, I like teaching the Italian Game and Ruy López. These setups are straightforward, helping students focus on controlling the centre and developing pieces without overwhelming them with complex theory. I also enjoy introducing basic strategies like forking and pins, which are simple yet effective concepts that really build confidence. It’s amazing to see students grasp these fundamentals and watch how they apply them in their own games.
A: One of my favourite moments was when I introduced the concept of "castling" to a group of young beginners. I explained that it’s the only move where two pieces move at once, and you could see their eyes light up as if they’d discovered a superpower. One particularly excited student then asked if, like in Mario Kart, we could do “double jumps” or “special moves” with other pieces too! It was a funny reminder of how children’s imaginations run wild, and it gave us all a good laugh. Moments like that make teaching chess feel more like play, and it’s exactly why I love working with kids.