Strategic Chess Lessons for Beginners and Advanced Players at Columbia University
Private classes - Saikhanzaya Ganbaatar
Bachelors degree
$29
$26
/ hour
Rated 5 stars for strategic thinking
Learners develop strong analytical and strategic skills.
Increased understanding of chess openings
85% of learners grasp opening strategies
Personalized training for skill progression
80% of learners see faster progress with tailored lessons.
About your chess coach
Hi! I’m Sia Ganbaatar. I am currently a full-time student at Columbia University majoring in Film. I have 10+ years of experience playing chess, participating in international tournaments as a youth. My fide rating is 1950 and US rating is 2000 and some of my awards include MN state girls champion, ASEAN youth champion, National Youth Champion and more. I am here because I truly hope that students get to learn from my expertise and grow their skills in chess! I will try to nurture your strategic and tactical thinking as well as support you to become a better player in your opening, middle-game and end games. I hope we can make a great team and go to big tournaments in and out of state together!
Chess coach specialities
State-Specific Standards (USA)
Strategic thinking
Rule understanding
Interactive learning
Tactical thinking
Chess classes overview
My chess teaching methodology emphasizes strategic thinking, foundational understanding, and active learning through practice. I begin by introducing core opening principles - such as controlling the center, developing pieces efficiently, and ensuring king safety - while encouraging students to explore both direct and indirect approaches to these goals. Lessons are structured around real-game positions, enabling learners to apply concepts immediately and reflect on decision-making processes. I incorporate guided analysis of classic games to deepen pattern recognition and strategic foresight, while also promoting adaptability through tactics puzzles and timed exercises. My approach balances structure with creativity, fostering both technical skill and personal style.
Student types for chess lessons
School
College
Interactive chess classes
Record lessons
Note taking
Parent feedback
Mobile joining
Open Q&A
Teaching tools used by chess coach
Online Chess Boards
Game Analysis Tools
Collaboration Tools
Chess Engines
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Chess coach also teaches
Chess
Rapid Chess
Blitz Chess
Free lesson slots
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Games concept taught by Saikhanzaya
Ganbaatar and Don reviewed chess opening principles, pawn structures (open/closed centers), and specific openings like the Italian Game, Scandinavian, French Defense, and King's Indian. They analyzed the "Evergreen Game" (Italian Opening) and discussed the risks of sacrificing material for positional advantage, with Ganbaatar advising against that specific variation. They also touched on pawn structures and planned to share notes.
Rook Placement
Isolated/Hanging Pawns
French Defense
Scandinavian Defense
Ganbaatar Saikhanzaya tutored Ali Russell on chess fundamentals, including piece movement, board setup, piece values, opening principles, and common opening mistakes. They analyzed the Italian Opening as a practical example. Ali was assigned homework to play two games using the Italian Opening and analyze them on chess.com, and Ganbaatar will send notes and a chess piece value table.
Bishop Movement
Knight Movement
Rook Movement
Queen Movement
Ganbaatar provided Don with a chess lesson that covered opening principles, tactical considerations, and game analysis. They reviewed the Italian, Scotch, Scandinavian, and French openings, discussing pawn structures and piece development. Don will study the Italian and Scotch openings and analyze shared games in preparation for their next session.
Scandinavian Opening
King Safety
French Defense
Scotch Opening