NZCF Online Chess School

NZCF Online Chess School

As part of its commitment to developing and promoting chess in New Zealand, the NZCF will soon be 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.

The first course has now been presented (Attack, Attack, Attack! by FT/CM Tony Dowden) and the next 2 have been announced, see below.

UPCOMING COURSES OR LESSONS

Basic Endgame Technique

  • Presented by FIDE Instructor Christoph Thurner
  • Sunday, Sept 28, Oct 5, 12, 19, and Nov 2, 2025
  • 7:30 pm (NZT)
  • Online (Zoom)
  • Level 1200 – 1600
  • Cost $50

Tactics may win a game, but endgames win tournaments. Convert advantages to wins and save lost positions by joining FIDE Instructor Christoph Thurner for a practical online course designed for players rated 1200–1600.

Master the essentials:

  • King activity & opposition
  • Promoting pawns with precision
  • Rook endings (Lucena, Philidor & more) 
  • Bishop & knight coordination
  • Fortresses, zugzwang & simplification

Christoph Thurner

Born in Germany, Christoph has been a professional chess coach in New Zealand since 2017 and a FIDE Instructor since 2018. He has guided multiple school teams to national championship level, most recently ACG Sunderland’s Primary, Intermediate, and Senior teams in 2025, and continues to inspire students with his experience as a coach.

Online registration

Enhance Your Chess Coaching (Postponed until early 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
  • Saturday 18th October 2025 Postponed until early 2026
  • Online (Zoom)
  • 1pm – 3pm (NZT)
  • $20 per student (free for NZCF FIDE Instructors & Trainers)

Session covers:

  • Learn key educational principles
  • Apply them to chess training
  • Preparing players for competition
  • Practical advice on professional development

Tony Dowden:

Tony Dowden is a licensed FIDE Trainer, NZ Master, and Candidate Master who peaked at FIDE 2245. He represented New Zealand at two Olympiads and the Asian Teams Championship, and has been NZ Rapid Champion, South Island Champion, Tasmanian Champion, and Queensland Senior Champion. A former teacher and teacher educator with a doctorate in education, Tony is a highly experienced coach who now runs Next Level, supporting improving players rated 1200–1800.

More info: https://newzealandchess.co.nz/nzcf-online-chess-school/ or scan the QR Code above

Register here

PREVIOUS COURSES OR LESSONS

Attack, Attack, Attack!

  • Presented by FIDE Trainer Tony Dowden
  • 6 & 13 September 2025
  • 9:30am to 12:15pm
  • Includes a total of 5 lessons over the 2 days
  • Level 1200 – 1600
  • Cost $50