Chess for Kids
and Adults

Meet Your Coach

My Background in Playing and Teaching Chess

Started learning and playing chess in the late 1970s. Joined the Chess Club König-Tegel in Berlin, Germany, in 1980.

Played in club, team, and national tournaments. The highest rating I achieved was about 2,000 USCF (DWZ equivalent). During that time, I coached young players for about 10 years.

I resumed playing and coaching in 2021.

In 2024, I began teaching chess classes for beginners at the Henderson Multigen Recreational Center.

My Background in Working with Kids

Assistant Scout Master (Las Vegas Area Council-Troops 463 and 51) mentoring Cub Scouts to Eagle Scouts from 2014 to 2022.

President of Skybot Challenge - the first national 3-D robotics competition with drones for middle school and high school students from 2015 to 2022.

Teaching hundreds of middle school science students about nuclear power systems and nuclear fuel recycling solutions.

My 30-year Chess Hiatus

Completed my PhD at the TU Berlin/Max-Planck Society in Berlin, Germany.

Got married, moved to the USA, and conducted scientific research mostly at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, smashing atoms for over 20 years.

Had four kids and enjoyed many fun family activities.

Started several businesses, developed two patents, and served as executive director of UNLV's leading research unit, leading hundreds of scientists, students, and staff.

Helped more than 50 students achieve their goals of earning a Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees.

Favorite Quote: "The ability to play chess is the sign of a gentleman, the ability to play chess well is the sign of a wasted life."

Attributed to the American chess master Paul Morphy.

Private Coaching

Why hire a private coach?

The Mental Aspects of Chess

Motivation & Accountability
Having someone invested in your progress keeps you focused and consistent.
Mental Game
Coaches often help with mindset, confidence, and strategy—especially important in competitive chess.
Expertise Access
Many private coaches are former professionals or highly trained specialists, offering insights that you won’t find in a YouTube tutorial or book.

Tailored Training

Personalized Attention
Coaches tailor training to the individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals—something group classes cannot.
Faster Progress
With one-on-one feedback, students can correct mistakes quickly and build skills more efficiently.
Technique Mastery
Chess requires precise focus on learning outcomes. A coach can fine-tune form and content to prevent bad habits to develop.

Get in Touch Today

For more information about private chess coaching, tailored training plans, or to learn about upcoming group classes, workshops, and tournaments, please call, text, or email me.

Connect-Text or Call

702-525-8767

Inquire

Oliver@vegaschesscoach.com