Meet Mr. C.

National Master • Author • Chess Educator

For nearly 40 years, Ernest "Mr. C" Colding has helped children discover confidence, discipline, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning through chess. Thousands of students have learned from Mr. C's engaging teaching style, and many have gone on to become city, state, and national champions. Whether a child is just learning the rules or preparing for major tournaments, Mr. C believes every child can improve and succeed.

A Lifetime in Chess

Mr. C's chess journey spans decades as a player, coach, tournament director, author, and educator.

Highlights

🏆 National Master Chess Player
🏆 Trained dozens of National Champions
🏆 Taught thousands of students
🏆 Founder of Chess for Children
🏆 Founder of the Great Black Bear School of Chess 🏆 Producer on Shelby Lyman's PBS Chess Broadcasts
🏆 Featured in Searching for Bobby Fischer
🏆 Mentioned by Maurice Ashley
🏆 Featured on The Chess Drum

Author and Educator

Mr. C is the author of several chess books designed to make learning fun and accessible for children.

Books
📚 Teach Your Child Chess in 10 Easy Lessons
📚 Jess Plays Chess
📚 How to Behave at the Chessboard
His lessons combine storytelling, puzzles, games, and practical instruction
that help children develop both on and off the chessboard.

Beyond the Chessboard 

Chess is about much more than winning games. Mr. C teaches the skills that help children succeed in school and life: ✅ Focus and concentration
✅ Problem-solving
 ✅ Confidence
✅ Sportsmanship
 ✅ Patience
✅ Critical thinking
✅ Goal setting

Media and Community Impact

  1. Throughout his career, Mr. C has worked to bring chess to children from all backgrounds.
His work has included:
  
  • Scholastic chess programs
  • Community chess initiatives
  •  International chess outreach
  • Work connected with UNICEF and the Children of Chernobyl programs
  • School chess teams throughout New York

Ernest Colding is a National Master chess instructor based in Brooklyn, New York. Through Chess for Children, he provides private chess lessons, school chess programs, online chess instruction, tournament coaching, and educational chess resources for children throughout New York City and across the United States.

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