Personalized Instruction for All Levels

Chess Coaching

Personalized instruction designed to transform and reinforce your chess understanding and decision making.

Our comprehensive approach combines strategic thinking, tactical precision, and psychological resilience.

Book a Lesson or email about coaching
20+
Years playing and teaching
500+
Students coached
2024
RI State Champion
Formats

Choose a Coaching Format

Most direct

Private Lesson

Best for players who want focused feedback, game review, and a clear assignment after each session.

  • Online or local in-person options
  • Bring recent games or current study problems
  • Good fit for adults and scholastic players
Private Lesson Details →
Best value

Four-Lesson Bundle

Best for students ready to build momentum through a short training cycle instead of one isolated lesson.

  • Structured theme across four meetings
  • Homework and review between sessions
  • Bundle savings available for dedicated students
Ask About Bundles →
Teams and schools

Scholastic Coaching

Best for families, schools, clubs, and young players preparing for leagues, states, nationals, or first rated events.

  • Beginner through advanced scholastic training
  • Parent guidance and tournament readiness
  • Group lesson options by request
Scholastic Details →
One-off product

Game Review by Matt

Send in one of your games and get a personal annotation from Matt Freeman — 2024 Rhode Island State Champion, coaching players for 20+ years.

The same game review work Matt does with his private students, without booking a lesson: no ongoing commitment, and the finished review lands in your inbox within 48 hours of checkout.

  • Your game as an annotated PGN you can replay move by move
  • Short written notes on the recurring decisions that cost you
  • One clear training priority to work on next

Questions first? Email [email protected].

One game per order. The annotated PGN and notes are delivered to the email above within 48 hours of checkout.

Curriculum

What We Train

Private chess coaching board position from a real Lichess puzzle FEN

Game Review

We find the recurring decisions that cost you games and turn them into a practical training plan.

Order a Game Review →

Calculation and Habits

Build a repeatable thinking process for candidate moves, evaluation, tactical vision, and time pressure.

Adult Lessons →
Chess calculation study board position from a real Lichess evaluation FEN
Tournament chess preparation

Tournament Preparation

Prepare openings, endings, confidence, routines, and game plans for your next serious event.

Meet the Coach →
Method

Our Coaching Approach

We believe in developing complete chess players through a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses every aspect of the game.

Strategic Thinking

Learn how to create and execute long-term plans, control key squares, and understand positional advantages.

Tactical Vision

Develop your ability to spot combinations, calculate accurately, and execute precise tactical strikes.

Endgame Technique

Master essential endgame principles, key positions, and conversion techniques for winning advantages.

Opening Preparation

Build a solid, coherent repertoire suited to your playing style and tournament goals.

Psychological Resilience

Develop the mental strength to handle competitive pressure and maintain focus during critical moments.

Paths

Find the Right Coaching Path

In person

Fredericksburg-Area Lessons

Limited in-person coaching in the greater Fredericksburg, Virginia area for students who want over-the-board training.

Book In-Person →
Remote training

Online Chess Coaching

Shared-board game review, calculation work, and structured assignments for students outside driving range or anyone who prefers remote lessons.

Explore Online Coaching →
Adult improvers

Adult Chess Lessons

Focused coaching for adults who want to stop studying randomly and start improving from real games, recurring decisions, and practical goals.

Explore Adult Lessons →
Student proof

Progress you can see in the games

Specific outcomes from students, parents, and fellow competitors who have trained with Matthew Freeman.

1400 to 1760 online
In that time, I went from someone who just barely scratched 1400 to a high of 1760 online. All of my lessons had been carefully tailored to what I needed every given week.
Result 1400 to 1760 online
Why it worked Personalized training plan
James R., chess coaching student
James R. Adult student
Zhiyang Tournament player
Low 1400s to 1743 USCF
My USCF rating increased several hundred points from the low 1400s to a new personal high of 1743. His passion for chess and his skills as an instructor speak volumes.
ESL and JPL Parents
3rd at 2023 US Chess Nationals
Matt helped our son finish third in his grade in the 2023 US Chess Nationals. Our son enjoyed each of his many hour-long lessons.
Wayne Community member
Trusted with adults and children
Matt is the best chess coach that I have ever come across. He has a talent for relating to both adults and children.
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What resources will I gain access to while working with you?

I maintain a library of over 3,000 chess books and have extensive experience with world-class engines, database software, and web-based tools. You'll receive access to opening manual snippets, software recommendations, and materials tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Can I contact you outside of our meetings?

Absolutely! I make myself available for all serious questions via email or phone between sessions. These quick conversations are vital for your peace of mind and often provide incredible insight for future lesson material.

How quickly will I see improvement?

My goal is for you to explode on the rating charts! Many students notice improvement within just a few sessions. I want you to succeed so well that we'll eventually hunt for your next coach to take you even further. My goal is to fill my appointment book, not empty your wallet.

Do you offer discounts for regular students?

What I desire most from students is dedication—the first ingredient to success in chess. For my dedicated students, I offer a 4-lesson bundle with built-in savings! And for my most dedicated students, the savings don't stop there. Your success is my success!

Can I get feedback on a game without booking lessons?

Yes — that's exactly what the Game Review is for. Send in one game in PGN format and Matt annotates it personally: you get the annotated PGN, short written notes, and one clear training priority back by email within 48 hours of checkout. No lesson booking or ongoing commitment required.

Get started

Ready to Improve Your Game?

Take the first step toward chess mastery with personalized coaching designed for your skill level and goals.

Book a Lesson