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Learn Chess Online: From Opening Moves to Checkmate

You probably already know how the pieces move, and maybe you have a few wins under your belt. But once the opening settles and the board starts to fill with possibilities, things can get a bit hazy. It is completely normal to feel unsure about what comes next or to worry about making that one mistake that turns the whole game around. Working with someone who can guide you step by step can make a world of difference. With the right support, you can learn chess online in a way that feels clear, enjoyable and genuinely confidence boosting.

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Choose your tutor

94% of our tutors hold advanced degrees, Master’s and PhD), have 2+ years of experience and are fully DBS-checked. Find the perfect maths tutor to boost your confidence and achieve your learning goals.

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Book your tutoring session

Start your learning journey with a free 15-minute chat and a guaranteed first lesson. Choose a time that works for you, book seamlessly through our platform, and pay only after your lesson.

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Start your tuition online

Learn with personalised private lessons in our secure online classroom. Watch and rewatch recorded sessions anytime. Start your tailored learning experience today!

Think Steps Ahead, Not Just One Move at a Time

Mastering chess is about more than just winning; it’s about transforming your thinking.Chess becomes a lot more rewarding once you start to see the patterns behind the moves. It is the shift from feeling on the back foot to understanding how to take control of the game. With steady guidance, you can move from playing move to move to building real plans that unfold across the board. You will start spotting weak squares, seeing tactical chances and understanding why certain ideas work in one position but not another.
When you learn chess online with focused support, you are not just building chess knowledge. You are also strengthening problem solving skills, patience and focus. It is a satisfying mix of creativity and strategy that keeps your brain active and gives you something to be proud of each time you improve.

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Why Choose a Tutorful Chess Tutor?

At Tutorful, every chess tutor has been carefully selected for both their knowledge and their ability to teach. Only a small number of applicants make it through, which means you are learning from people who genuinely know how to guide you. They are patient, friendly and skilled at breaking down complex ideas into simple steps.
Your lessons are tailored around you. If you always get stuck in the middlegame, your tutor will help you understand where things go off track. If openings confuse you, they will show you the principles behind them instead of overwhelming you with memorisation. And if you want to master a specific part of your game, they can build sessions focused fully on that.
Tutorful makes it easy to learn chess online from anywhere. You can choose your tutor, schedule lessons that fit neatly into your week and start improving quickly. With our First Lesson Guarantee, you can relax knowing that you will only continue with a tutor who feels like the right fit for you.

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Tutors to choose from 🧑🏽‍🏫
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Lessons completed ✍️
200K+
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5-star tutor reviews ⭐
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Improve by one grade ⚡️
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background checked tutors 🎓
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Meet some of our
8 Chess tutors:

£47/hr
5.0
Aazaad S
Energetic Chess tutor
I have recently graduated from the University of Warwick with ambitions to start a Ph.D. in Physics. I received an average of a first in the Maths modules I completed during my degree and a high 2.1 in my Physics modules; I received an Upper-Second Class overall. The modules I chose to study over the course of my degree were taken to simultaneously challenge myself academically and also to allow myself to have knowledge of a wide scope of subjects in order to be a more competent teacher. Multivariable calculus, matrices and operators, statistics, modeling, and linear regression are some of the...
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£39/hr
5.0
Madara O
Professional Chess tutor
I am a Doctor of Psychology with research and teaching experience at university for B.A., M.A. Ph.D. level students and professionals. I am specialised in Clinical Psychology (reading disability/ dyslexia), though I have good knowledge in other fields of psychology, as well as research methodology and data analysis (preferably with SPSS). I would love to help people with the knowledge I have in individual live one-to-one sessions or on Skype. I can also recommend literature on a particular subject and send something I already have in my database. The other thing I can teach you is to play chess....
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£54/hr
4.9
Alastair T
Expert Chess tutor
Hello! I’m Alastair, a doctor and Imperial College London graduate with a background in cardiac physiology. I’m passionate about making science engaging, approachable, and enjoyable for learners of all ages.What I TeachI tutor Biology up to A-level/IB, as well as Chemistry, Physics, English, Maths, and ICT to the same level. I also teach university-level topics in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and health sciences, drawing on both my medical and academic experience.Who I Work WithI support school-age students, adult learners, and healthcare professionals, including nurses and medical students. Whe...
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£40/hr
4.9
Paul P
Effective Chess tutor
I educate pupils in the local area around Plymouth on a daily basis.I teach English, Maths, Science other other subjects,I also specialize in learning difficulties and disabilities (ASD, ADHD, Asperses, & dyslexia/dyspraxia). Apart from classroom teaching and tutoring I've also been a curriculum coordinator for people with ASD.The role involved designing a unique syllabus/curriculum and managed a group of educators. I have over 10 year’s main stream teaching experience in a classroom environment and five years as a tutor/specialist.I’ve taught Music, English, Science, Maths, Art and Primary (KS...
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£27/hr
5.0
Kristina M
Expert Chess tutor
As a dedicated and experienced teacher/ private household tutor, I specialise in providing personalised support across a range of areas. From nurturing primary education support, homeschooling programs to preparing for 7+ and 11+ exams and offering language lessons in German, French, and Russian, I am here to help learners of all ages to thrive.If you are interested in group sessions but don’t yet have a group in mind, feel free to let me know! I’m happy to match learners with similar goals so we can create a small, friendly group together for fun and affordable tutoring.🌍 German, French & Russ...
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£139/hr
5.0
Konstantinos D
Enthusiastic Chess tutor
I see myself closer to the role of a mentor rather than a tutor, with my goal being to help students maximise their potential and achieve their set goals. These can range from academic excellence to securing a full-time job in investment banking or joining a top university.I have studied Economics at UCL, where I graduated at the top of my class with First Class, Russian Studies at OXFORD, and Management at the Judge Business School in CAMBRIDGE (Distinction). Moreover, I hold a PhD in Economics (UCL, 2016).As you can see in my profile, I characterise myself as an Investor, Entrepreneur, and Academic....
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Frequently
asked questions

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What is the First Lesson Guarantee?

Your first lesson is your chance to meet your tutor and make sure they’re the perfect fit. If for any reason you're not completely satisfied, we'll find you another tutor for free. It’s our commitment to helping you find the right person to guide your learning.

Do I need to own a physical chessboard?

Not at all! Most online chess lessons take place on free, interactive platforms like Lichess or Chess.com. Your tutor will share their screen and you can play and analyze games together in real-time. All you need is a stable internet connection.

How much do online chess tutors cost?

The price of chess tutors varies based on their experience, rating, and qualifications. You can browse tutor profiles to see their individual rates, which are clearly listed. Many tutors offer a discount for block bookings.

I'm a complete beginner. Is a tutor right for me?

Absolutely. A tutor is the fastest way for a beginner to build a strong foundation. They will teach you core principles, opening strategies, and tactical patterns, helping you avoid common pitfalls and build confidence from your very first game.

How do online lessons work?

Lessons are conducted through our secure online classroom, which features video chat, screen sharing, and an interactive whiteboard. Your tutor can easily share chess positions, analyze your games, and provide real-time feedback, just as they would in person.

What's the difference between a tutor and just playing online?

Playing online is great for practice, but a tutor provides personalized guidance. They can analyze your games to identify your specific weaknesses, explain the 'why' behind good moves, and create a structured plan to help you improve much faster than you would on your own.

How quickly will I see improvement in my chess game?

Improvement varies for every student, but with consistent lessons and practice, most learners see a noticeable jump in their confidence and strategic understanding within the first few weeks. Your tutor will help you set and achieve realistic goals.

Can a tutor help me with specific openings or tactics?

Yes! That's the benefit of personalized tutoring. If you want to master the Sicilian Defence, improve your knight forks, or understand endgame principles, your tutor can create lessons focused entirely on the areas you want to strengthen.

How are Tutorful tutors vetted?

We have a rigorous selection process. We verify each tutor's ID and interview them to assess their teaching ability and subject expertise. Only 1 in 8 applicants are accepted, so you can be confident you're learning from the best.

Can I get a tutor to help my child learn chess?

Of course. Many of our tutors specialize in teaching children and have experience making lessons fun and engaging. You can check their profiles for reviews from other parents and information on their experience with younger learners.

Is it too late for me to learn chess as an adult?

It's never too late to learn chess. It's a fantastic hobby for any age, helping to improve concentration and strategic thinking. Our tutors are experienced in teaching adult learners, adapting their style to your pace and goals.

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