Online Chess School

NZCF Online Chess School

As part of its commitment to developing and promoting chess in New Zealand, the NZCF is now offering a new program of online chess lessons.

While a number of seminars have been held in recent years, the newly appointed Directors, Gordon Lyall and Richie Christie, are expanding this initiative and look forward to delivering high-quality training opportunities for players of all levels.

UPCOMING COURSES OR LESSONS

Zonal Prep - Towards a Master Title

Presented by FIDE Trainer CM Tony Dowden

This five-week course aimed at 1200-1800 players will help you boost your chess before the Christchurch Zonal at the end of January. It will suit players without a coach as well as complement existing coaching. The key idea of this course is to teach you how to train effectively and plan for your ongoing improvement. In short, this course will focus on what you need to do to become a stronger player. ​​​​​​​

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Calculation & Visualization Chess Camps 2026


Two intensive online training camps by  FIDE Instructor Ishan Wiratunga designed to help players improve their calculation skills, visualization accuracy, and practical decision-making under tournament conditions.

These camps are especially recommended for players preparing for the NZCF Inter School Finals but are open to all junior and adult players looking to strengthen their competitive chess skills.

Through structured instruction, practical exercises, and guided analysis, participants will learn how to calculate more efficiently, reduce errors, and make better decisions when it matters most.

Course Details

Course Content

PREVIOUS COURSES OR LESSONS

Pawn Structures & Middlegame Plans: Building an Opening Repertoire That Fits Your Style

Build an opening repertoire based on understanding, not memorisation. This six-week course helps players rated 1200–1800 connect opening choices with pawn structures, middlegame plans, and their own playing style.

Ishan Wiratunga

Chess has been a long‑standing passion for Ishan, who has contributed as a player, coach, arbiter, and administrator across Sri Lanka, the UK, and New Zealand. A former Sri Lankan National finalist and the 2024 Maidenhead Club Champion, he moved to Auckland last year and continues to compete actively. Ishan has coached several juniors to 2000+ ratings and is known for helping children build confidence, develop solid skills, and maintain steady interest in chess while balancing their studies through clear, structured coaching. Ishan previously delivered recently the excellent "Calculation Fundamentals – From Ideas to Moves" course.

Enhance Your Chess Coaching 
(Mar 2026)

This two-lesson course is designed for chess trainers, coaches, and schoolteachers. It introduces key educational principles, shows how to apply them when preparing players for success in competitive chess, and concludes with practical advice on professional development.

Presented by FIDE Trainer Tony Dowden

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Calculation Fundamentals – From Ideas to Moves 
(Feb/Mar 2026)

Strategy tells you what you want to do; calculation tells you whether you can do it.

Good calculation turns ideas into results.. It reduces blunders, improves decision-making in critical positions, strengthens both attack and defence, and allows players to convert advantages with confidence. Strong calculation replaces hope with certainty and is essential for accurate tactics, endgames, and overall improvement.

Join FIDE Instructor Ishan Wiratunga for a practical online course designed for player 1200-1600 who are keen to take their game to the next level. 

Master key calculation concepts:

  • Learn a structured thinking process for evaluating moves

  • Strengthen visualisation and board awareness

  • Spot tactical triggers: checks, captures, threats

  • Efficiently eliminate weak lines to focus calculation

  • Manage time and energy during games

  • Apply calculation in endgames and defensive positions

Basic Endgame Technique - Oct/Nov 2025

Attack, Attack, Attack! - Sep 2025