Coach Rob Hammond
A highly energetic and passionate coach, ready to start you on your
CHESS JOURNEY…
Some of my first memories of chess are from around age 6.
My Dad and Grandpa sitting opposite one another at the chessboard – the look of concentration etched into their brows, the hot South African sun shining in through the window, as they embark on yet another
“Battle of the Kings” –
I wanted that!
I started playing competitively at age 8 – representing SAJCA (South African Junior Chess Association) and USSASA (United Schools Sports Association South Africa) in Chess, up until age 21, where I was invited to Captain the U21
National Team and attend the SA Closed Championships.
Within my South African Chess career, I also wore the hat of Tournament Director, Arbiter and Coach (both in schools and individual training).
FAST FORWARD TO TODAY…
Certified STEPS Trainer, as well as FIDE Trainer,
holding a current Enhanced DBS.
After relocating to the United Kingdom, I had to re-establish myself in the English Chess Community. What started off as a “Lockdown Hobby”, quickly resulted in rekindling my love of the game, and a desire to ignite that in other players
– young or old.
My Coaching is based on the STEPS method – which is used widely throughout Europe, and gaining popularity in many countries around the world. This curriculum is split into small building blocks, that are expanded on from a firmly
cemented foundational level.
Playing and analysing games constantly throughout the term are important parts of this method, as it ensures that the students not only understand, but can also apply their newfound knowledge.
Online classes are kept small and structured in such a way that the students are able to revisit prior learning, interacting with the board constantly, and tested with mini quizzes during each session.
I teach Chess in Schools (offering Breakfast, Lunch and After-School Clubs), as well as small online group classes (of max 6 students) and private tuition (both online and face to face).
Besides Coaching – I am also a qualified FA (FIDE Arbiter) and Tournament Director, running regular
over-the-board tournaments in London and surrounds.