Cohen Young

What do you think makes you a good chess coach?

I am deeply passionate about chess and have a strong, diverse understanding of openings and middlegame strategies. This knowledge allows me to teach kids effectively, helping them build a solid foundation and develop structured plans in their games.

What are your key strengths?

• Opening and Middlegame Expertise – I have a strong grasp of opening principles and middlegame plans, which allows me to guide students in making the best moves early on.
• Easy to Get Along With – I am approachable and friendly, making learning chess enjoyable and stress-free for students.
• Enthusiastic – My passion for the game is contagious, and I love inspiring students to enjoy learning and improving.

Why do you love chess?

I love chess because it is a timeless game—its rules never change, which allows players to develop a deep and lasting understanding of its strategies.

I also enjoy the challenge of improving my rating and setting new goals. Studying chess and playing frequently helps me progress, and I love the feeling of seeing my hard work pay off.

When/how did you first learn to play?

I first started playing chess online in January 2021, soon after the Netflix miniseries The Queen’s Gambit was released. I played my first tournament in June of that same year, and since then, my passion for the game has continued to grow.

Why do you enjoy working with kids?

Kids have incredible learning potential because their brains are still developing and highly adaptable. Their neuroplasticity allows them to grasp new concepts quickly, making them some of the most promising chess learners.

I enjoy working with kids because I love seeing their rapid improvement and helping them reach their full potential in chess.

What are your main chess achievements?

My biggest chess achievement (as of February 2025) is earning the FIDE Candidate Master (CM) title, which I was awarded after surpassing a FIDE rating of 2000 in June 2024.

Additionally, I have won two open rapid tournaments in the Wellington region:

• Estonian Rapid (2023)
• Kapiti Rapid (2024)

How do you think chess helps kids?

Chess helps kids develop critical thinking and logical reasoning skills by encouraging them to analyze their moves carefully and justify their decisions based on chess principles.

By practicing chess, kids learn how to plan ahead, recognize patterns, and make thoughtful choices, which are valuable skills they can apply beyond the chessboard in everyday life.