Private Chess Lessons Orlando

I am Life Master Theo Slade and I offer private chess lessons in person at my home in Orlando, Florida or online. I am English, but I moved to Orlando, Florida in 2015 and have been living in Orlando ever since.

I was England’s top scorer at the World U16 Olympiad in China as an U12, and I’ve been writing a monthly chess column for the British Chess Magazine since I was 12; I’m the youngest ever writer for the world’s oldest chess journal!

I charge $50 USD/£40 GBP per hour for private chess lessons.

When I get a new student, I always ask for their latest chess games so I can analyze them to find their strengths and weaknesses and so we can discuss them together. I always answer any questions my pupils may have because I feel that is the main benefit of having a live private lesson; you cannot ask questions of a book, article, or prerecorded video.

After the private lesson, I always send the materials through to my pupils so they can review them in the future.

Achievements

Peak USCF rating: 2266

Peak FIDE rating: 2175

You can follow my USCF rating profile here.

I became a National Master when I was 17 and a Life Master at 18. I rank in the top 0.8% of US players (606th=) and in the top 0.8% of players in Florida (26th). I’m also in the top 0.2% of juniors in America (157th) and top 3 for juniors in Florida. I’ve beaten a Grandmaster, Julio Becerra Rivero (USCF 2604). You can play through my win over a GM with my notes here.

Tournament Victories

11 Orlando Chess & Games Quick Opens

Southern Open U2100

Southern Class Championship U2200

Gainesville Open

As well as coaching chess and writing, I am a very active player too! For example, in 2018 I played in 53 USCF rated chess tournaments, or over one chess tournament per week on average! I love it when I get the opportunity to teach a chess topic that I have been learning recently because I can use current examples and everything I need to cover is fresh in my mind.

FAQ about Chess Instruction

What is your recommendation for how long and how often the chess lessons are?

I think it is important to have weekly chess lessons to ensure they are regular. A 2-hour chess lesson is ideal because often it takes that long to thoroughly cover a topic and answer all questions the pupil may have. However, some people, especially younger players, may have trouble with such a long lesson; in that case, 1 hour is more suitable. Ultimately, though, it is up to the pupil what they consider the best fit for them.

I have multiple children who would like chess lessons. What is best for them?

I personalize my chess coaching to each individual pupil, even if two pupils have a similar rating. Just because two players are at the same level, that does not mean that they have the same strengths and weaknesses. I really need to work with each of them individually to find their weaknesses and how they learn best to tailor my lessons to them in a one-on-one lesson. Therefore I recommend one-on-one tuition with each of your children, but they can sit in on each other’s chess lessons if they wish.

How did you get started coaching chess?

I was looking for ways to make more connections and I thought that giving chess lessons would be a great way to do that! I find teaching chess very enjoyable!

What types of students have you worked with?

I have worked with people who only wanted me to analyze their chess games, students who only wanted to learn their openings, and players who wanted more thorough chess lessons, covering all aspects of chess.

What do you love most about your job?

I love interacting with my students and answering their questions. I get excited when I see their growth and their changing perspective on chess.

What inspired you to start your own chess coaching business?

I love helping others, teaching, and analyzing chess with others. Coaching chess involves all three of these, so it was a natural choice!