Meet Mr. C
National Master
Ernest Colding
Teaching Children to Think Through Chess for More Than 40 Years
Ernest Colding is the founder of Chess for Children, a National Master, Life Master, published chess author, and lifelong educator. His approach teaches children to understand chess, solve problems, make plans, and think for themselves.
More Than a Chess Coach
For more than four decades, Ernest Colding has used chess as a way to teach children something larger than openings and checkmates: how to think.
Mr. C's students are encouraged to ask questions, recognize patterns, make plans, solve problems, and understand why a move works instead of simply memorizing what to play.
From young beginners learning how the pieces move to advanced players preparing for tournament competition, lessons are adapted to the individual child.
Published Chess Author
Mr. C has written chess books for children, parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to make chess easier to understand.
Teach Your Class Chess
How to Behave at the Chess-Board
Jess Plays Chess
Meet Mr. C
See the teacher behind Chess for Children and learn more about the philosophy that has guided his work with young chess players.
Learn Chess With Mr. C — Online Too
See Mr. C teach before you book a lesson. Follow Chess for Children for lessons, short teaching clips, games, program news, and chess ideas for families.
Why Parents Trust Mr. C
Chess instruction built around understanding, encouragement, and the individual child.
Experience
More than 40 years of experience teaching chess and working with young players.
Thinking First
Students learn to understand positions and make decisions, not simply memorize moves.
Children First
Lessons are adapted to the student's age, personality, experience, and goals.
Building Chess Players — and Thinkers
Mr. C's work has always been about more than winning trophies. Competition gives children an opportunity to practice concentration, responsibility, planning, resilience, and independent thinking.
Those are skills that reach far beyond the chessboard.
How Mr. C Teaches
Strong chess begins with understanding.
Understand the Idea
Students learn what is happening on the board before trying to calculate every variation.
Ask Questions
Good questions help children discover the answer instead of simply being told what move to make.
Think Independently
The goal is a child who can solve new chess problems without depending on memorized answers.
Chess Credentials
Who Can Learn With Mr. C?
Lessons are adapted to the child's age, experience, goals, and way of thinking.
Let's Talk About Your Child's Chess
A free 15-minute consultation is a simple way to discuss your child's experience, goals, and the best next step.
Book My FREE 15-Minute ConsultationNational Master Ernest Colding was previously known professionally as Stephen Colding. His earlier chess achievements and publications may appear under Stephen Colding, Steve Colding, or Stephen Paul Colding.
