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 numerous 1st
place trophies at the CalChess Scholastics; 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. Four of his students have reached the coveted rank of
master, including 2007 World U12 Champion FM Daniel Naroditsky and 2008 US
Junior co-champion NM Gregory Young (both who have also been ranked #1 in
America for their age).
(Due to high
demand, I may restrict myself to students whom know in person or with a
reference.
Students must also fit into my tight schedule.)
Each additional 15
minutes = $5 (e.g. 75 min = $45, 90 min = $50, 120 min = $60)
$10 out of state fee for students living outside of Northern
California
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 online at the Internet
Chess Club or Chess.com. The teacher and student both look at a
chess board and communicate by speaking on Skype or Zoom. The teacher may also share his screen. In addition to playing moves on the
board, the teacher may draw arrows and circles to emphasize various
concepts.
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.
