About Coach Ben

A patient coach for players who want to understand the game.

Ben Thompson is a youth chess coach based in Warner Robins, Georgia. He works with beginners and developing players locally and online.

Contact Coach Ben

The short version

Questions first. Explanations when they help.

Ben’s lessons give players room to think, make decisions, and explain what they see. He uses game review, selected positions, direct instruction, and practice without expecting every player to learn in exactly the same way.

The aim is steady improvement, more confidence handling difficult positions, and enough enjoyment to keep returning to the game.

Coaching priorities

What matters during a lesson.

Understand

Know why an idea works instead of memorizing an answer without context.

Decide

Compare options and make choices the player can explain.

Recover

Respond to mistakes with curiosity and a useful plan for the next move.

Local and online

Based in Warner Robins.

Ben offers local coaching when schedule and location permit, as well as online lessons for players who prefer to meet from home.

Learn about coaching

Want to ask Ben a question?

Send a short note about the player and what you hope coaching could help with.