About us:


Institute of Chess (IoC) aims primarily to raise the standard of chess education in the UK and, as a consequence, to reverse the low level of recognition of chess by the education authorities. Up to now, structured courses and supervised written chess exams have been scarce in comparison to the multitude of participants, including the many who just play for fun rather than in public competitions. In many parts of the world, the benefits of chess skill in mainstream education (problem-solving, decision-making etc.) are well-recognised and strongly supported by the State. There are many international studies endorsing these benefits. The opportunity for players to study chess and be rewarded with certificates for passing traditional exams is also widely available elsewhere - some countries even have specialist Chess schools.


email: instituteofchess@btconnect.comemail: instituteofchess@btconnect.com


 Students


These courses are suitable for players of up to County Open level, junior or adult. Novices can soon take Level 1. Even quite strong, experienced players can further improve from studying Level 5. The courses are ideal for those who run chess clubs or other coaching groups and would like to teach their members to play better.


We hope you will gain more satisfaction from your chess as your knowledge and skills grow and that you will enjoy these courses on the way.


 Tuition & Revision


The Revision Guides also serve as tuition materials and syllabuses. These are available FREE to download from the Revision Guides page. This is immensely beneficial to schools and clubs wishing to offer structured courses, as they can obtain tuition materials FREE of charge and to students, as they can revise at home from the FREELY accessible information. The Revision Guides have been prepared by Grand Masters, including a former British Champion, and have been developed and trialled extensively on coaching courses since 2004. The improvement in the playing standard of the body of attendees has been dramatic.



News:


March 2022: After 6 years, we are launching our updated website. It is intended to be adaptable to the screen you are using - laptop, tablet or mobile. If you experience any difficulties, please email us. We hope you will enjoy our new website.

  

December 2021: GM Magnus Carlsen, 31 (Norway) retained his world title in Dubai by defeating GM Ian Nepomniachtchi, 31 (Russia) 7.5-3.5.


April 2021: The year-long trial of the option for online exams has now been completed successfully and, following a review, the option will continue to be available as a permanent alternative to the traditional supervised written group exam sessions as the latter start to re-commence as lockdown restrictions are eased. We take this opportunity to thank the coaches who have used the online option whilst face-to-face coaching was on hold.

April 2020: We are now introducing, on a trial basis, the option for coaches to supervise candidates taking exams online at Levels 1 - 4. That is to say that a coach, who will be in possession of the exam paper, can read questions to the candidate over Skype/WhatsApp etc. and arrange for him/her to set up their board as the question may necessitate and then record the candidate's oral answer. The candidate must not have sight of the exam paper. This extension to our standard exam system of traditional written group exam sessions is intended to assist the increasing trend towards online coaching without compromising the integrity of the exam scheme. Guidelines for the conduct of these online exams individually will supplement existing guidance relating to group exam sessions. To obtain these, please contact us or tick the relevant box on the Order Form for Exam Papers when placing an order.