FPAWN’S ICC CHESS
LESSONS
Online training with a USCF Life Master!
Michael "fpawn" Aigner is a young and still improving chess player
who is available for sparring and consultation on ICC. Mr. Aigner achieved the
title of National Master by reaching a USCF rating of 2200 and is currently
working on the FIDE master title (FIDE rating over 2300). In 2006 he was awarded the USCF title
of Life Master. He has defeated several internationally titled
players (GM, IM, WGM) over the years. You can see fpawn's USCF rating and FIDE rating by clicking on the
hyperlinks. Since 2000, coach fpawn has helped several nationally ranked
juniors improve their chess abilities.
To
see a sample of Mr. Aigner's most exciting tournament games, please click on the
following hyperlinks for complete annotations.
* NM Michael Aigner vs GM John Fedorowicz (full report from 2006 US Open in Chicago, I tied for 2nd overall)
* NM
Michael Aigner vs NM Nicolas Yap (2005 People’s Tournament, powerful
attack against a top local junior)
* NM Michael Aigner vs GM
Pavel Blatny (2003 US Open, first ever GM scalp!)
* Vanessa West vs NM Michael
Aigner (2003 US Open in Los Angeles)
* NM Michael Aigner vs GM
Aleks Wojtkiewicz (2001 Firecracker Open, first ever draw with a
GM)
Mr.
Aigner's chess teaching philosophy is that the best way to improve is by playing
frequently
and learning from the inevitable mistakes. While a solid grasp of
opening, middlegame, and endgame theory is useful, you only become a stronger
player if you can properly apply your knowledge and experience in the competitive
environment of a chess game. To this end, Mr. Aigner recommends analyzing your
games with a stronger player who can help you identify your mistakes and
discuss strategies to improve your play.
Please click here for Mr. Aigner’s Ten Goals for Chess Lessons.
Recent
students include over a half dozen youngsters rated over 1800 and approximately
20 ranked in the top 100 of the country for their
age! Recent tournament successes by students include five 1st
place trophies at the CalChess Scholastics in 2006 and 2007, including K-12 and
K-8 in both years; 2007 US Junior High School co-champion; 2007 US High School
blitz champion; and multiple 1st place finishes in the Open section
of northern California adult tournaments.
Over the course of four years, Mr. Aigner turned a group of young chess
enthusiasts into a national power chess team at Saratoga High School. Last but not least, three-time CalChess scholastic champion
Daniel Schwarz earned the coveted title of USCF National Master while Daniel Naroditsky
and Gregory Young have both been ranked #1 in the nation for their age.
(I only accept new students that I know in person or with a reference. Students must also fit into my tight schedule.)
Standard one hour
class = $35
Each additional 15
minutes = $5 (e.g. 75 min = $40, 90 min = $45, 120 min = $55)
Restrictions: Time slots longer than one hour are only available to students rated 1800 and up, plus some 1600-1799 rated students at teacher discretion.
Extra
fee recommended for tournaments:
At some events, the teacher may be open for game analysis or
consultation between rounds. If
teacher spends significant time with student at the tournament, a voluntary fee
of one hour ($35) is recommended.
etime = 30
translates to 20 dollars/chekels
30 0 = one game for 20 chekels
15 0 = two games for 20 chekels
5 0 = two games for 10 chekels or six games for 20 chekels
Most
chess lessons are taught on the Internet
Chess Club using what is called "examine mode." The teacher and student both look at a
chess board and communicate by typing “kibitzes” or (preferred) by speaking on
a phone line or with the free online software Skype. In addition to playing moves on the
board, the teacher may draw arrows and circles to emphasize various concepts. The student needs minimal computer
proficiency, e.g. typing, and should be familiar with the commands in my ICC tutorial. ICC membership is required as well, but
is well worth the cost of $60/year regular, $30/year student rate.
Payments may be submitted
with chekels on ICC (buy chekels with a credit card) or by mailing a check at
the end of each month. For more
information, contact Mr. Aigner at michael@fpawn.com or online at ICC
under the handle “fpawn”.
REFUNDS: If you are unsatisfied with my performance, please let me know so
that I can try to improve. Within one week of paying, you may request a refund
of your last lesson. However, note that a refund may terminate our teaching
relationship.
