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Nolan Kordsmeier
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NSCF Instructor
Nolan first learned to play chess when he was 15 years old and soon was beating his dad regularly.
There were no chess clubs or chess classes in Arkansas so he began to devour every chess book he could find and played against himself. It wasn't until he moved to New York to attend Sarah Lawrence College that he attended his first chess
club, the Bob Peretz Chess Club.
He has been playing in tournaments regularly ever since.
Nolan says, "Each tournament in which I play increases my understanding and love of chess, which leads to continual growth
and improvement.
I feel that improving as a chess player is an integral part of teaching chess, as one's
ability to teach chess is linked with one's understanding of chess and what it takes to improve."
Nolan has prior experience working with young children, as throughout High School his family volunteered as a
Foster Family through Catholic Social Services.
Nolan says, "I believe that every day that I teach is a success, as I am learning more about teaching and more about
the game. Every day a child learns how to move a new piece or learns a new concept is a success for me."
Nolan's approach to teaching? "First and foremost, I expect my students to have fun!!!
The key to sucessful teaching is to make the subject matter accessible and enjoyable.
Through the joy of chess, learning is less laborious and becomes a process of
discovery and amazement. I also expect each child to learn at least one new idea each class,
to learn from their mistakes, and to play the best they can according to their ability."
"I enjoy teaching chess to children because it is a completely unique intellectual exercise.
There is no other activity that can be practiced at such a young age that develops decision-making skills,
enhances critical thinking, and encourages creativity through a combination of study and practice.
Chess has had an incredibly positive impact on my life and this is a way I can give this gift to others."
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