Tournament chess coaching for rated players
Rated and hungry for the next result. Preparation with National Master James Dinham is tailored to your next event, your colour, and the opponents you will actually face — so you arrive sharper and more dangerous than they expect.
Preparation that targets the real event
Generic study is fine off-season. Before a tournament you need focus: the lines your likely opponents play, the positions you handle best, and a plan for the moments that decide rated games. We build exactly that.
- Opponent scouting and targeted prep
- A sharp repertoire suited to your style
- Plans for your critical, must-not-lose positions
Train under the conditions that matter
Rated games are won and lost on the clock. We train tactics under time pressure and rehearse the practical decisions — when to simplify, when to press — so nerves and the clock stop costing you half points.
- Time-pressure and calculation training
- Managing nerves and momentum in a game
- Post-event reviews to compound the gains
For competitors at every level
From your first rated tournament to chasing a title norm, preparation scales to your ambitions. We set concrete goals for the event and a path to reach them.
Common questions
- How far before a tournament should we prepare?
- Two to four weeks is ideal for targeted work, but even a focused session or two in the final week can sharpen your repertoire and settle your nerves.
- Can you prepare me against specific opponents?
- Yes. If we know who you are likely to face, we scout their openings and typical plans and build practical preparation aimed squarely at them.
Your next rating starts with one lesson
Book a slot that suits you. If it is not the right fit, the first lesson tells you fast, and there is no obligation to continue.