Shir Bar Tal teaching premium chess lessons Shir Bar Tal in a bright premium chess portrait

Premium Chess Lessons

Direct access to Shir's practical, psychology-led training method.

Premium chess lessons

Personalised coaching that corrects the thinking behind mistakes for faster, practical progress—on and beyond the board.

For children and adults at every stage, the programme balances serious improvement with enjoyment while strengthening decision-making, discipline and emotional control.

Premium coaching

Training methodology

Lessons focus on the student's real decisions: what they see, what they miss and why certain mistakes repeat. The goal is not only to learn positions, but to improve the student's thinking process.

  • Practical play and game review
  • Core mistake correction rather than surface fixes
  • Psychological and decision-making habits under pressure
Premium coaching

Proven results

Shir has worked with more than 500 students through this methodology, with many improving 2-3 times faster than standard coaching. Students have started as complete beginners and reached around 2,000 rating.

  • Amir Portiansky improved from around 700 to over 1,900 within two years
  • Training supports both online and over-the-board progress
  • Study plans are shaped around each student's goals and games
Premium coaching

Experience behind the programme

Shir has taught chess since 2009 and has worked with more than 1,000 adults and children, including business leaders, private schools and the Los Angeles Chess Club.

  • Experience with executives, founders and advanced students
  • Private school and chess club teaching background
  • Chess as a tool for discipline, emotional control and clearer decisions
Premium coaching

Beyond the 64 Squares

Premium students describe chess as both a mental workout and a bridge to business: a way to sharpen strategy, adaptability, creative problem-solving and confident decision-making.

  • Turn complex positions into clear, actionable choices
  • Strengthen preparation, curiosity and self-belief
  • Apply strategic thinking to leadership and business challenges

What Our Premium Students Say

Memberships

Premium Lesson Options

Online lessons start at £180, with packages and London in-person sessions available by arrangement.

London In-Person

By request by arrangement
  • In-person lessons in London
  • Rates vary by arrangement
  • Best for intensive focused sessions
  • Subject to Shir's schedule
Choose Plan

Expert Track

Custom for 1,700+ rated players
  • For students aiming at expert level
  • Advanced preparation and analysis
  • Personalised improvement roadmap
  • Rates may vary by goal and structure
Choose Plan

Prices start at $250 per lesson, contact us to book your lessons.

Contact Us

Group Lessons

Private Lessons

Premium Lessons

Fastest improvement
Illustrative comparison. Individual progress depends on practice, consistency and starting level.

Contact Us

For more information, private programs or group lessons. Tell us a bit about yourself, and we will get in touch as soon as we can.

What Happens After You Sign Up?

Step 1 Sign Up

Start your 7-day free trial

Step 2 Get Matched

We match you with the right coach

Step 3 Start Learning

Join your first lesson and enjoy

Step 4 Track Progress

Personalised plan and feedback

Step 5 Compete

Join tournaments and improve

Premium Chess Lessons - Frequently Asked Questions

What ages and levels are the lessons for?
Premium lessons are suitable for children and adults, from complete beginners to students rated around 2,000 on Chess.com.
What lesson duration do you recommend?
Standard lessons are 60 minutes. We usually recommend 90 minutes for deeper work, while 2-hour lessons are best for advanced students or focused tournament preparation.
How often should I take premium lessons?
Most students take one lesson per week. Motivated students preparing for faster progress or tournament goals can take two weekly lessons, but consistency matters more than frequency.
Are premium lessons suitable for busy students or professionals?
Yes. The training is designed to be efficient, practical and high-return, with a clear focus on the thinking patterns and decisions that make the biggest difference.
Why are premium lessons priced higher?
They provide direct access to Shir's core methodology, personal involvement and a proven approach that has helped many students improve substantially faster than standard coaching.
Are premium lessons available year-round?
Scheduling varies throughout the year. Share your goals and preferred format, and we will confirm the current options.

Terms and Conditions

  • Cancel 48 hours before the trial ends to avoid any charges.
  • To cancel and avoid fees, contact us at least 48 hours before the next billing cycle.
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