Interview: Chess coach Dmitry Lugovoy

Contents:

• "A student must understand that ten or a hundred failures are a new step up"
• "A student must be required to exhibit maximum discipline and concentration"

I chose chess because it is a strategic game that develops analytical thinking and planning abilities. Chess requires a deep understanding of tactics and strategy, making every game unique and exciting. Furthermore, the game promotes patience and concentration, which are useful not only in chess but also in everyday life. Chess brings together people of different ages and cultures, creating opportunities for communication and exchange.

Honestly, I can't explain how it happened. It all started when my grandfather taught me to play cards in the village on an old wooden board. Gradually, I became fascinated with the game and began to study it in greater depth.

Chess has been an important part of my life since childhood, and no other sport has held me for so long. Now I am primarily involved in coaching and organizational activities in this field. I am grateful to chess for the opportunity to travel around the country and visit twenty different countries. During these trips, I even met Dmitry Peskov, who, by the way, is a good chess player. Chess not only develops strategic thinking but also opens doors to new acquaintances and opportunities.

Twenty countries is an impressive number! Have you participated in organizing tournaments in these countries?

At various times, I have organized tournaments and conducted master classes.

Is the language barrier an obstacle?

I have mastered teaching chess in three languages: Russian, English, and Spanish, to eliminate language barriers and make learning accessible to everyone. My experience includes classes with children in London and at the Spanish Embassy in Argentina, which allowed me to expand my teaching skills and tailor my approach to each student.

Chess is truly experiencing a period of popularity. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in this intellectual game, due to the proliferation of online platforms, tournaments, and educational materials. Chess is becoming not only entertainment but also a way to develop strategic thinking and analytical skills. Many people, including young people, are discovering this ancient game, which is contributing to its revival and popularization. The increasing number of broadcasts of major chess events also plays a significant role in attracting new audiences. Thus, chess continues to occupy an important place in the cultural and sporting life of society.

Chess has gained immense popularity in recent years, largely due to the success of the TV series "The Queen's Gambit." This series not only attracted attention to the game but also contributed to increased interest in chess in the media. I work as a trainer at a bar, and while a year ago there were only a few people there in the evening, now you have to book a table in advance. On weekends, our establishment is truly bustling. Thus, chess is truly at the peak of its popularity and is becoming an increasingly popular sport.

Have you noticed that more and more representatives of Generation Z are appearing among your students?

The age range of your clients is very diverse. I primarily work with children, and in Moscow, this field is particularly popular among preschoolers, becoming one of the most popular activities.

Skillbox trains students of all ages: from beginners who have just entered high school to those over 60. However, the core audience is between 25 and 35 years old. This confirms the versatility and appeal of our courses for people seeking self-development and professional growth in the modern world.

Adults need to learn to play chess professionally for several reasons. Firstly, chess develops critical thinking and strategic planning, which is useful not only in the game but also in everyday life. Secondly, chess improves concentration and memory, which is especially important in today's information-saturated world. Furthermore, participating in chess tournaments can be a great way to make new acquaintances and expand your social circle. Finally, professional chess training opens the opportunity to participate in high-level competitions, which is not only satisfying but can also be a source of income. Thus, studying chess is not just a hobby, but a useful and purposeful process that promotes personal and professional development.

People often turn to us for pleasure and relaxation. Some seek relaxation after a stressful office job by choosing dancing, others are interested in martial arts, and still others strive to improve their chess skills. These activities not only bring joy but also contribute to the development of mental abilities. The ability to train the brain is a universal skill that everyone can benefit from.

"A student should understand that even ten or a hundred losses are a new step up."

On the Skillbox platform, we have organized online chess tournaments for our students. The main idea of ​​these tournaments is to create an exciting and competitive environment where young chess players can apply their knowledge in practice, improve their playing skills, and interact with like-minded people. We strive to develop strategic thinking and a competitive spirit in our participants, as well as provide everyone with the opportunity to showcase their chess talents. These tournaments help strengthen the chess community and popularize this intellectual sport among young people.

We conduct chess lessons via video link, carefully analyzing each game in real time. As a coach, I comment on everything that happens on the board, explaining why a particular move was unsuccessful and where a mistake was made that changed the course of the game. Students actively participate in analyzing moves and strategies, and I share my thoughts on the decisions made. After the game, we conduct a comprehensive debriefing to gain a deeper understanding of the tactics and strategy of the game.

Students have varying perceptions of the idea of ​​student-coach tournaments. Some experience anxiety when playing against chess players of a higher skill level, but most see it as an excellent opportunity for learning and development. For them, such tournaments are a chance to gain valuable practice and experience, as well as learn new strategies and techniques from their coaches. Participating in such competitions can boost students' confidence and motivate them to play chess.

The learning process involves various methods aimed at achieving results, and participation in tournaments is an important part of this. These competitions not only promote skill development but also increase students' motivation, making their learning more effective. Thus, tournaments play a significant role in the educational process, helping students better master the material and achieve their goals.

Sometimes a teacher can give in a little to students in order to create a more trusting atmosphere in class. This helps establish rapport and promotes students' active participation in the learning process. When a teacher openly addresses students' needs, it can improve their motivation and interest in the subject. Such moments bring the teacher and students closer together, creating a comfortable learning environment.

Giving in during a game is unacceptable. The student must realize that even ten or a hundred losses can be an important step towards success. During the game, I focus on the student's decisions and do not set the goal of winning at any cost. The main goal of our tournaments is to conduct a detailed analysis of each game played, which contributes to the growth and development of the student's skills.

Do you have a specific teaching method?

I base my method on an individual approach to each student. I do not work with groups, but prefer to conduct lessons in a personal format. Each student requires their own unique teaching method, as chess players have different weaknesses that require correction. It is important to identify these aspects early on for effective skill development.

"The student must be required to have maximum discipline and concentration."

Chess is a game that requires both talent and hard work. Many believe that becoming a grandmaster is within the reach of anyone willing to invest the time to study strategy and tactics. Success in chess depends on a combination of natural ability, analytical thinking, and practice. Talents such as the ability to visualize and make quick decisions can ease the path to a high level of play, but systematic training and the study of classical games play a key role in achieving mastery. Therefore, anyone who strives to improve in chess can achieve significant results with hard work and the right study methods.

There are only about two hundred grandmasters in Russia, and just over fifteen hundred in the world. This confirms that becoming a grandmaster is not an easy task. I've been teaching chess to children for almost fifteen years and have trained over a thousand young players. However, only a few of them have truly demonstrated a natural aptitude for the game. Reaching the highest level in chess requires not only perseverance but also a certain talent, which plays a key role in success.

To help this talent develop, it's necessary to create the right conditions for its growth. It's important to provide support and instruction, providing access to resources and materials that promote skill development. Furthermore, regular practice and participation in competitions or exhibitions will help build confidence and broaden horizons. Sharing experiences with mentors and like-minded individuals also plays a key role. Equally important is creating an inspiring atmosphere where talented players can freely experiment and discover their strengths.

The task of a chess coach is to guide the student in the right direction and show them the right path to development. It's important that the student doesn't become distracted and moves forward independently. The coach must create conditions for maximum discipline and concentration, which is key to successful learning and achieving high results in chess.

Among the most common mistakes my students encounter, several key points stand out. First, there's a lack of attention to the fundamentals. Many students ignore important concepts and rules, which leads to difficulties in further learning. Second, there's a lack of practice. Students often don't devote enough time to assignments, which prevents them from consolidating their knowledge. The third common mistake is a lack of critical thinking. Students sometimes accept information without verifying its validity or considering alternative points of view. Finally, many lack motivation and goals. Without clear guidelines, success is difficult. By paying attention to these aspects, students can significantly improve their results and achieve academic success.

Adults often rely on learning to come naturally and forget the importance of independent work. This creates the illusion that knowledge and skills can be acquired without active participation. However, this is not true. Children, in turn, have their own characteristic problems: inattention, lack of concentration, and a tendency to get distracted. These characteristics are natural for their age and require understanding and support from adults. It is important to develop independence and concentration skills in children so they can successfully cope with academic tasks and life challenges in the future. Chess is not just a game, but a true intellectual battle that requires concentration, strategic thinking, and psychological resilience. Many consider chess a nerve-wracking sport due to the high level of tension and responsibility that accompanies each game. Players must not only calculate their own moves but also anticipate their opponent's actions, which adds additional pressure. Importantly, successful chess players develop stress and emotional management skills, which allows them to maintain a cool head in the most tense situations. Thus, chess requires not only mental effort but also a strong mental state, which is what makes this sport truly unique.

For high-level chess players, stress is an integral part of every game in a major league. Competition at this level requires maximum concentration and the ability to cope with pressure, making every game a real test.

Do you get nervous during important games? This is a common feeling experienced by many players. Anxiety can affect your concentration and decision-making. To cope with nervousness, it is useful to use relaxation techniques and practice stress management techniques. Understanding your emotions and trying to focus on the game strategy will help you better control your worries and increase your chances of success.

I don't remember ever being very worried about my performance. However, during student competitions, especially at children's championships, I experience significant anxiety and nervousness. My attention is focused on their play, and I worry about every move. This is a natural reaction, because it is important to me how they cope with tasks and achieve their goals.