Welcome to blog no.3. As promised I have a book review to share with you and an exciting book launch from Saturday night!

Last Summer I had a lunchtime chess club. We had to change rooms and ended up in a small group room. Within the group there were some year six boys playing chess. They were animated, hands waving, chairs wobbling and lots of loud chess talk. A group of really excited chess players. I knew straight away they were in gaming mode and right before my eyes, my usually quiet chess students had been replaced with Youtubers! I knew some inappropriate language was coming and it did so I had a quiet word… ‘Boys, remember I’m in the room, let’s think about how we’re speaking…’

They were way too loud, over the top, overpowering the room and teachers need peace at lunchtimes. But the truth is, they were playing with such passion. They were talking about openings, they gave each other tips, spotted blunders, they were so analytical. They were 4 mini @Gothamchess style Youtubers! I was secretly impressed. I realised at that moment how influential, powerful and positive their online teacher was! He had reached them in a way I couldn’t. So I couldn’t resist an opportunity to meet him on the weekend and find out what he’s all about…

The No.1 online teacher: Levy Rozman

Levy Rozman, aka @Gothamchess inspires many with his You Tube videos. All ages, all levels, all around the world. On Saturday night he came to London to promote his new book ‘How to Win at Chess’. It was an amazing night, hosted by the fabulous maths teacher, writer and commentator, Bobby Seagull. We got to know the man behind the chess videos. An International Master, content creator, chess teacher, commentator and author. He shared his journey into chess, how he became the number one online chess teacher and gave a great interview. Bobby Seagull covered a range of topics. They discussed the chess boom, the nature vs nurture debate, chess as a sport, training, his favourite streamers (who we’re not allowed to reveal!) and so much more. His ‘Guess the ELO‘ quiz was fab, that’s where I saw him in action mode, this is what he does best. He brings chess to life, makes you laugh, makes you learn, makes it accessible, challenges your thinking and takes you on a journey onto the chessboard.

A storyteller of chess pieces.

The audience led the entertaining Q & A session. It was so lovely to see such young fans handed the microphone and asking great questions. It meant so much to them, I could see that @gothamchess was a role model. We need role models.

My final words on Saturday night. Amazing! You worked your magic on my partner. He told me he planned to fall asleep in the chair. Of course, he didn’t sleep. He was kind of captivated by the chessy people in the room and put under the @gothamchess spell. Today he asked me, yes me, if I’d seen his latest video, (shared below). Levy Rozman I might not be able to use your excellent videos in lessons, you can be a little unpredictable for the primary classroom but I absolutely promise your excellent book will always have a place on the classroom shelf. And I cannot wait to read it and learn.

A book review: Chess for Educators by Karel Van Delft.

Chess for Educators, is for anyone interested in chess education, teachers, teaching assistants, parents and school leadership. The author is a psychologist, educator and science project manager at Chessable.com. The book begins with chess around the world, chess didactics and the many benefits of the game. Van Delft’s advice is clearly based on his experience in the classroom. His expertise in SEN (special educational needs) and inclusion comes through as he explores, for example, chess and autism, chess for the blind and chess for girls. Van Delft leaves no stone unturned. He discusses chess research, social chess and chess in the primary classroom. The second half of the book has a glossary style where chess terminology, classroom methods and tips are all covered, from the difference to ‘tactic’ and ‘strategy’ to Super Mario Chess!

This book is full of information and leaves a trail of breadcrumbs for the curious. I love the quotes, how he mentions chess players, psychologists and stories which will hook you in and make you want to explore further. The author allows you to see chess through a wider lense, it’s beauty beyond the board and then suddenly you’re in the classroom. Whether you’re here for social chess, educational chess or for competitive chess the book is for you. You’re left knowing that there are many ways chess can enrich lives. It really is all about the chess teacher! A holistic approach from someone with vision and passion. 

I bought this book a few years ago at the London Chess Festival. It’s been the perfect guidebook, my seal of approval to continue teaching chess and keep doing better. An easy to read, empowering book for all chess educators! 

Bye for now, I’m leaving you with the @gothamchess video mentioned 😉

Hari x