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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Chess is my passion, and I genuinely care about every student’s progress. I’m a patient, experienced chess coach, an established chess book author, and I’ve been coaching kids and adults for 14 years.
One of my books is endorsed by the 2022 US Women’s Chess Champion, and I’ve created 500 original chess puzzles to help students practice and improve. I’ve also played in USCF-rated tournaments for many years and bring that practical, competitive experience to each lesson.
As a woman coach in a male-dominated game, I’m proud to offer a welcoming, encouraging environment for all learners.
If you’re ready to build confidence, sharpen your strategy, and truly understand chess, I’d love to work with you.
Overview
Hired 10 times
1 similar job done near you
Background checked
1 employee
14 years in business
Business hours
Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Services offered
Level of experience
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, professionalism, and punctuality.
Exceptional 5.0
6 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Christina F.
Apr 22, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Amazing Chess Teacher for Adult Beginners
I’ve been taking chesslessons with Lauren twice a week, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. As a complete adult beginner, I was a little intimidated at first, but Lauren made the game feel approachable and fun from day one.
She has a real gift for breaking down complex ideas into simple, digestible concepts. Whether it’s understanding basic tactics, opening principles, or thinking a few moves ahead, she explains everything with patience and clarity. Her teaching style is encouraging and tailored to your pace—she never rushes (quite the opposite she tells you to slow down) and she’s always happy to revisit topics until they click.
Lauren offers both online and in-person lessons, which has been super convenient. Her use of online tools for remote lessons is seamless and interactive—it really feels like she’s right there with you.
What really makes her stand out is her passion for the game, her deep knowledge, and her ability to connect with her students. She creates a learning environment where asking questions is easy, and making mistakes is just part of the fun.
If you’re an adult starting from scratch or returning to the game after a long break, I can’t recommend Lauren enough. She’s the kind of teacher who makes you want to keep improving—and enjoy every step along the way.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No experience • My home, venue, etc.
Lauren's Private Chess Lessons's reply
Thank you, Christina for the nice review! 😊
Chess Lessons
Ena Z.
Oct 9, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Lauren is a wonderful chess teacher. She teaches both my husband and our daughter. They both like her and enjoy their lessons. I cannot wait to start my own lesson soon too. It's also worth mentioning Lauren is very flexible with rescheduling which is really nice for busy working parents. Thanks Lauren!
Details: Younger than 6 years old • No experience • I don't have an Elo rating • More than once a week • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Chess Lessons
Yesenia L.
Mar 9, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Lauren taught a Chess workshop for our Middle school. Beginners to Intermediate level all learned something new and found joy practicing with each other. Lauren was kind, patient, and encouraging.
Details: 10 - 13 years old • Beginner • I don't have an Elo rating • As recommended by teacher • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Lauren's Private Chess Lessons's reply
Thank you, Yesenia! I enjoyed teaching the chess workshop today and I'm glad everybody had a fun time learning about chess!
Chess Lessons
Barry F.
Jun 18, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Lauren is a terrific chess teacher. She is very knowledgeable, an excellent communicator, and is truly passionate about the game. I appreciate her positive attitude and her ability to customize lessons to my learning style and interests. I’m very glad I selected Lauren to be my chess coach!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Beginner • I don't have an Elo rating • As recommended by teacher • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Chess Lessons
Svetlana K.
Oct 7, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Lauren is great: patient, friendly, punctual, and most importantly, she knows what she is doing and is good at explaining it. I really enjoy studying chess with her.
Chess Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Lauren Goodkind
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge $75 per hour for a one-on-one lesson. I have been teaching chess to kids and adults for the last 11 years, so I am very experienced. I also wrote a chess book that was endorsed by the 2019 & 2022 US Women's Chess Champion!
I am open to giving a discount if needed.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
For the initial lesson, I will ask a new customer what his or her personal goals are in chess. Then each lesson is tailored to the customer's goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I play chess often and solve daily chess puzzles to stay sharp.
To help beginner chess players think before they move, I created 500 chess puzzles.
I also wrote two chess books which are endorsed by top chess professionals. One book is endorsed by the 2019 & 2022 US Women's Chess Champion!
My USCF rating is currently in the 1800.
