Q: What's the single best piece of advice you'd give a new player?

A: It's impossible to get good at something and look cool at the same time. Fall in love with your losses for what they are: guidelines for growth.

Q: Is there a game you've played that you'll never forget?

A: I played Anna Cramling in a blitz game… White won.

Q: What’s more important: talent or hard work?

A: Talent didn’t bring you here. It’s always hard work. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!

Q: Coffee or tea during a chess tournament?

A: Coffee.

Q: What do you hope every student gains from lessons besides stronger chess?

A: New ways of thinking about the world and themselves in it.

Q: What makes a great chess student?

A: Curiosity and persistence.

Q: What made you fall in love with the game?

A: The aesthetic. A beautiful game looks how great music sounds.

Fill out our contact form and be sure to select Andrew!

Q: What has chess taught you about life?

A: You can prepare as much as you like, but you have to be ready for someone to throw a curveball.

Q: What made you fall in love with the game?

A: Winning.

Q: Who has influenced your chess the most?

A: Bobby Fischer, Mikhail Tal, the only chess teacher I ever had: Bob Walker.

Q: What's your favourite opening or type of position to play?

A: King’s Gambit, no question.

Q: What's the single best piece of advice you'd give a new player?

A: Before you touch that piece or click that square, stop and take 10 seconds to just be really sure it isn’t a blunder.

Q: Coffee or tea during a tournament?

A: Tea.

Q: What's the most rewarding part of teaching chess?

A: Seeing the light in someone’s eye when they learn how to crush their opponents.

Fill out our contact form and be sure to select Sulamaan!

Q: How would you describe your coaching style?

A: I am incredibly responsive to my students’ needs and can adapt to their learning styles effectively. Fun is at the forefront of any learning in my eyes!

Q: Which famous chess player would you most like to have dinner with?

A: Garry Kasparov

Q: What's your favourite opening or type of position to play?

A: I open with the London System and Caro-Kann Defence. Both are solid and have got me to my highest rating to date. 

Q: If a student feels stuck, what would you tell them?

A: It depends on what they are stuck on! Each challenge is unique and can vary between a mental barrier and a practical one! Mining for the real cause is the key. 

Q: Coffee or tea during a tournament?

A: COFFEE! 

Q: Who has influenced your chess the most?

A: Many people. From popular streamers to friends. Dare I say... Andrew Buzzeo. His pursuit of the game has been inspiring and is the carrot in front of my own chess journey.

Q: What inspired you to become a chess coach?

A: Chess is a great game. It promotes thinking creatively and strategically. It can be a real driver of confidence. I wanted to help pass on those skills to anyone who is interested! 

Fill out our contact form and be sure to select Lawrence!