NZCF Online Chess School

NZCF Online Chess School

As part of its commitment to developing and promoting chess in New Zealand, the NZCF is now 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.

UPCOMING COURSES OR LESSONS

VEGA, Arbiting & the Laws of Chess – IA Craig Hall Join International Arbiter Craig Hall as he takes you through: Using Vega (Tournament Pairing Software) and the basics of Pairings Basics of Arbiting and the Laws of Chess	Course Details: Saturday and Sunday 23/24 May 2026 (3-5pm on each day) Online Via Zoom Course Fee $22, Free for current NZL licensed arbiters	Sign up here: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/BDFV (even if you are attending for free, you need to register).	This course does not in itself result in participants being awarded the National Arbiter (NA) title, but it is a wonderful opportunity to expand on your knowledge and will be taken into consideration in any future NA title applications. Please note that participants should have PC/Laptop with Windows/Linux and have Vega 11 or 12 installed (https://www.vegachess.com/v/download/index.html)

Chess Course with GM Dejan Bojkov Join FIDE Senior Trainer and NZ National Team Coach, Dejan Bojkov for 6 x 1 hour online lessons	Course Details: Sundays 5-6pm May 10,17 June 14,21,28 July 26 Online Via Zoom Course Fee $150 Aimed at 1600-2000 rated players	Sign up here: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/BDGB	1) The Yin and Yang of chess. Weakness and Strength approach. Introduction 2) Tactical Weakness in the opponent’s camp. What to search for in a position? 3) Strategic Weakness in the opponent’s camp. Maneuvers to capitalize on the weaknesses. 4) Dealing with our own weaknesses. 5) Practical Endgame. Bishop Vs Knight. 6) Practical Endgame. Battle of the major pieces.

PREVIOUS COURSES OR LESSONS

Coaching Camp

A 3.5 hour training camp held by FIDE Instructor Ishan Wirathunga

Participants will work through targeted drills to:

recognise tactical triggers
apply the CCTP method effectively
visualise complex lines with precision
accurately assess resulting positions

The camp builds disciplined calculation habits, reduces common analytical errors, and strengthens overall competitive decision-making — with a strong emphasis on efficient time management under pressure.

Enhance Your Chess Coaching

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.

Session covers:

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

Calculation Fundamentals – From Ideas to Moves

Strategy tells you what you want to do; calculation tells you whether you can do it.

Good calculation turns ideas into results.. It reduces blunders, improves decision-making in critical positions, strengthens both attack and defence, and allows players to convert advantages with confidence. Strong calculation replaces hope with certainty and is essential for accurate tactics, endgames, and overall improvement.