So, you’re in Perth and thinking about chess classes? That’s a smart move. Whether you’re a parent looking for your child’s first lesson or a student ready to level up your game, choosing the right chess tutor can make all the difference.
But here’s the thing: there are so many options out there. Some are good, some… not so much. Some promise a lot but don’t really help your child grow. Others just teach the game but forget the bigger picture—confidence, focus, thinking clearly under pressure—those life-changing skills that every kid needs, not just in chess, but in school and life too.
That’s where we come in. At Debsie, we’re not just about kings, queens, and checkmates. We’re about helping kids become sharp, smart thinkers who feel confident in everything they do. Our chess coaches are FIDE-certified, kind, and really know how to connect with kids. We’re based online, but our students are from over nine countries. And every week, we see them grow—not just in ratings, but in real, life skills.
So, whether you’re in Perth’s north suburbs or the south, or somewhere in between—this article is for you. We’ll walk you through the chess learning scene in Perth, why online chess training is quickly becoming the #1 choice for families, and why Debsie is Perth’s best-kept secret when it comes to chess coaching (until now!).
Let’s get into it.
Online Chess Training
Landscape of Chess Training in Perth and Why Online Chess Training is the Right Choice
Perth is a beautiful city. Beaches, parks, good schools—and yes, a growing interest in chess. More and more kids are learning chess in Perth today than ever before. It’s not just about the game—it’s about sharpening the brain, learning patience, staying focused, and making smart choices.
But when it comes to learning chess in Perth, the options are still limited. You might find a local coach who teaches in a nearby library. Or maybe your child’s school has a casual chess club once a week. Sometimes, it’s just a retired chess enthusiast teaching a small group of kids in a community hall.
While these can be okay for a casual start, they often lack something very important—structure. There’s no proper plan. No clear path from beginner to advanced. And no regular tournaments to track growth. Parents often feel lost. “Is my child actually improving?” they ask.
This is where online chess training changes everything.
With online chess coaching, your child gets access to the best coaches, not just whoever happens to live in your suburb. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Joondalup, Canning Vale, or Fremantle—your child can learn from expert coaches, right from home. No travel. No waiting. No missed classes because of the weather or traffic.
And the best part? Online coaching is structured. It follows a proper curriculum. Every class builds on the last one. There’s progress tracking. There are real FIDE-rated coaches guiding each step. And kids feel proud because they see themselves getting better every week.
That’s why so many families in Perth are switching to online chess classes.
How Debsie is the Best Choice When It Comes to Chess Training in Perth
Let’s be clear: Debsie is not just another online chess class. We are a full academy. That means we don’t just teach moves—we build minds.
Here’s what makes Debsie stand out from every other option in Perth:
FIDE-Certified Coaches Who Truly Care
Our coaches aren’t random teachers who know how to move the pieces. They are internationally certified, experienced, and most importantly—they care deeply about your child’s growth. They know how to make learning chess fun, exciting, and meaningful. They teach with kindness and clarity. And they treat every student like a champion.
A Structured, Personalized Curriculum
At Debsie, we don’t believe in random lessons. We follow a structured plan based on your child’s level. If your child is a beginner, we start with the basics. If they’re already strong, we dive into strategy, tactics, endgames, and tournament preparation. Every step is tailored. Every lesson has a goal.
Live Classes, Not Boring Videos
This isn’t YouTube. Every class is live and interactive. Your child gets to ask questions, solve puzzles, play games, and even get direct feedback from the coach. It’s just like a real classroom—only smarter.
Bi-Weekly Online Tournaments
What’s the point of learning if you don’t get to play? At Debsie, students join friendly tournaments every two weeks. It helps them test what they’ve learned, compete with others, and most of all—build confidence.
Global Community
Even though we’re online, our community is full of heart. Kids from all over the world learn together, play together, and grow together. Your child will make friends, learn about different cultures, and feel part of something big and meaningful.
Parent Updates and Progress Reports
We don’t leave parents in the dark. You’ll get regular updates on how your child is doing. We’ll show you their progress, their strengths, and what we’re working on next.
Free Trial Class
Still not sure? We offer a free trial class so your child can experience the Debsie difference with zero pressure. No credit card. No commitment. Just one amazing class to see what’s possible.
👉 Book your free trial class now — spots fill up fast.
Offline Chess Training
In Perth, offline chess training has been around for a while. You’ll find chess clubs in community centers, libraries, and some after-school programs. A few schools even bring in coaches to run lunchtime chess classes. It sounds great at first. In-person classes, some social time, and maybe even a few games.
But here’s what really happens most of the time.
These classes are often crowded. One coach might be handling 15–20 kids at once. That means your child might only get a few minutes of attention. And if your child is a fast learner—or a shy one—they can get left behind or bored very quickly.
Also, most offline coaches don’t follow a real plan. There’s no curriculum. One day it’s openings, the next day it’s puzzles, the next week it’s random games. It’s like trying to build a house without a blueprint. Sure, you might make some progress, but it’s slow and shaky.
Some clubs do run tournaments, but they’re usually once a year or hard to join unless your child already has experience. So kids who are just starting out miss out on valuable practice.
And then there’s the time and travel. Parents often have to drive long distances, wait around for the class to finish, or rush to get there after school or work. It’s stressful. It’s tiring. And sometimes, it’s just not worth the effort—especially if the quality isn’t high.
That’s why so many parents are now saying, “There has to be a better way.” And there is.
Drawbacks of Offline Chess Training
Let’s look closely at some of the biggest challenges with offline chess classes in Perth:
❌ No Clear Path
Offline coaching usually doesn’t follow a step-by-step system. There’s no beginner-to-advanced structure. It’s just bits and pieces.
❌ Very Little Personal Attention
With many kids and one coach, your child doesn’t get much one-on-one time. It’s easy for them to get stuck and feel ignored.
❌ Outdated Teaching Methods
Many offline tutors don’t use modern tools like game analysis software, online puzzles, or interactive boards. It’s old-school and slow.
❌ Limited Practice Opportunities
Unless your child joins a serious chess club, they won’t get enough chances to play and improve. Tournaments are rare, and casual games don’t help much without guidance.
❌ Hard on Parents
Driving, waiting, and rearranging schedules can be tough. And when parents don’t know what’s being taught, it’s hard to stay involved.
❌ No Progress Tracking
Most offline coaches don’t send updates. So you’re left wondering: Is my child getting better? Are we wasting time?
This isn’t to say that all offline chess is bad. There are good coaches out there. But the system itself has limits. It’s slow. It’s scattered. And it’s not built for long-term, focused learning.
That’s why families across Perth are choosing the smarter option—structured, personalized, online chess training from a trusted academy like Debsie.
Best Chess Academies in Perth
Here are the best chess academies/tutors around Perth. I’ll put Debsie first (because it’s the best!), then four others so you can compare. This will help you see what makes Debsie special.
A. Debsie
Here’s exactly what Debsie gives you, how it works, and why it’s better than pretty much all other options in Perth.
What Debsie Offers
- Personalised Learning Path
- When your child joins, we assess their current level: Are they totally new to chess? Do they know how pieces move but not much tactics? Or are they already strong but need help winning competitions?
- Based on that, we build a plan: what topics to cover (openings, middle game, endgame, tactics), what skills (calculation, planning, pattern recognition), how to practise, when to play games.
- We also set short‑term goals (improve tactic solving, reduce blunders) and long‑term goals (win school tournament, get high rating, etc.).
- FIDE‑Certified Coaches Who Teach Like Mentors
- All coaches are certified by FIDE or equivalent strong chess organizations. That means they are not just good players—they know how to teach.
- More than that, they are people who care a lot about the student: They explain in simple steps, they use examples, they watch how the student thinks, they correct gently.
- They do live interactive classes. Not just lectures. Students ask questions, make moves, get instant feedback.
- Structured Curriculum
- Lessons are arranged in levels. Each builds on the earlier one. We don’t jump from simple to super advanced without foundation.
- We cover theory (openings, endgames), tactics (puzzles, pattern‑training), strategy (plans, pawn structures), psychology (how to handle pressure, losses), tournament prep.
- Homework and review are part of it. Students get puzzles, games to analyse, mistakes to revisit.
- Regular Live Tournaments & Practice
- Bi‑weekly tournaments where students play each other. Real games, timed, with feedback afterward. This helps with nerves, time pressure, thinking ahead.
- Practice games with peers. Coaching review of student’s own games to see what went well and what to improve.
- Progress Tracking & Reporting
- Every few weeks, coach reviews improvement: tactic accuracy, mistakes, rating (if relevant), speed, consistency.
- Parents get simple reports (this is going well, this needs work) in plain language. So both parent and student know what to work on next.
- Flexible Online Access
- Because we’re online, students can join from home. Doesn’t matter which suburb in Perth, or even country.
- Schedules have different time slots. If a student misses a class, often there is a replay or a make‑up option.
- Also, small group classes, one‑on‑one coaching, workshops—all online.
- Support for Mind & Life Skills
- We don’t only teach chess. We also show how chess helps with focus, patience, planning, handling frustration. These are skills useful in school and life.
- Part of the lessons include discussing what worked, how to think, how to plan moves ahead, how to stay calm under pressure.
- Free Trial & Fair Pricing
- We offer a free trial class so you can see how it feels. No risk.
- Costs are transparent. No surprise fees. We try to be affordable, especially for young players.
- No need to travel. That saves time, effort, travel cost.
Why Debsie is Better Than Other Perth Options
Putting all this together, here is why many families pick Debsie over offline and local online options:
- Other academies often have fixed times or locations, so sometimes the class isn’t convenient. Debsie can adjust to your schedule because it’s online.
- Many offline tutors give lessons, but their teaching is less structured. Sometimes there is no curriculum, or no follow‑up. Debsie ensures continuous improvement.
- Many places don’t include tournaments regularly, or don’t review your actual games. Debsie does.
- Offline classes often cost more when you factor in travel, time, missing classes. Debsie reduces those hidden costs.
- Parents often feel disconnected in offline classes—they don’t see what’s being taught, don’t get feedback. Debsie keeps parents in the loop.
B. Perth Chess Academy (Gifted & Talented Children’s Association, WA)
Here’s another strong choice in Perth.
- Runs Perth Chess Academy with classes on Saturdays.
- Levels: Beginner, Development, Advanced, Master. For ages 5–17.
- They meet for 7 weeks each term, with sessions on Saturdays.
- Beginners class includes very foundational topics: rules, basic strategies, check, stalemate, values of pieces, etc.
- Advanced/Master classes go deeper: tactics, planning, tournaments.
What they don’t do as well (compared to Debsie):
- Class is only once a week (on Saturday), so less frequent practice.
- Travel needed to the venue (for in‑person).
- Less flexibility in schedule.
- Less chance for make‑up classes if missed.
C. King Chess Club
- Active in many suburbs of Perth.
- Offers school classes, weekend club classes, private tutoring.
- Started small, now has many students (over 450) across different areas.
Pros:
- Local, community feel. You meet people in your area.
- Face‑to‑face classes (good for those who like being in a room with a teacher).
Cons:
- Less structured curriculum (based on what I found).
- Access depends on location. If you are far, classes might be far.
- Probably less consistent progress tracking compared to Debsie.
D. Chesstutor.me
- This is a personal chess coach in Perth.
- They offer private coaching, both online and face‑to‑face.
Why someone might like this:
- One‑on‑one attention.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Good if you already know chess but want to improve certain parts (e.g. tactics, endgame, competition prep).
What it may miss vs Debsie:
- Probably doesn’t have a full academy structure with regular tournaments for many students.
- Might be more expensive per hour for similar value.
- Less chance for community/team based learning.
E. Other Private Tutors (via platforms like Superprof etc.)
- Many tutors listed in Perth via Superprof and similar sites.
- Prices vary, sometimes first lesson free.
- Tutoring styles differ: some focus on openings, others tactics, some general playing.
Good for:
- Picking a tutor who matches the style or budget you want.
- Flexible hours.
- Specific focus (tournament prep, problem‑solving, etc.).
What they often lack:
- Academy‑wide curriculum, systematic growth.
- Regular tournaments or peer‑competition built in.
- Community and peer learning.
- Progress tracking and regular feedback in a structured way.
Why Online Chess Training is the Future
Let’s pause for a second and ask a simple question:
If your child can learn chess from world-class coaches, at home, at a time that fits your family’s routine… why would you choose anything else?
That’s exactly why online chess training is not just a trend—it’s the future. It’s smarter. It’s more flexible. And it actually works better for kids.
✅ The Real Benefits of Online Chess Learning
Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible:
No Travel, No Rush, No Chaos
Offline classes may sound good on paper… until it’s 4:15 PM, your child’s still in school uniform, traffic is awful, you’re trying to feed them a quick snack in the car, and the class is 25 minutes away.
It’s a hassle.
With online chess, all your child has to do is open the laptop. That’s it. No driving. No getting dressed. No lost time. More energy goes into learning, not logistics.
Access to Better Teachers—Not Just Whoever Is Nearby
This is a big one. Most offline classes are limited to who’s available in your suburb. But think about it—would you go to the closest doctor, or the best doctor?
Chess is a skill. And it’s best learned from certified, experienced coaches who know how to teach young minds. With online platforms like Debsie, your child gets world-class coaching—without needing a passport.
We’re not just teaching kids from Perth. We teach students from Dubai, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, the US, and more. That’s the level of trust parents around the world have in Debsie.
Every Click Is a Learning Moment
Online training doesn’t mean just sitting and listening.
Our platform includes:
- Interactive puzzles that adapt to your child’s level
- Move-by-move game review after every match
- Digital whiteboards where kids make moves and coaches give real-time feedback
- Homework and assignments that come with a few clicks, not a pile of paper
It’s designed to make learning chess feel like play—which is how kids learn best.
Shy Kids Blossom Online
Here’s a story we see again and again:
A quiet child joins a Debsie class. Barely says a word in the beginning. But slowly, in the safety of their own home, they start raising their hand. Asking questions. Solving puzzles out loud.
By week 4, they’re cracking jokes in the group chat and winning tournaments.
Online learning levels the playing field. Kids who might feel too shy in a room full of strangers feel comfortable enough to be themselves—and that’s when real learning starts.
Smart Use of Tech = Smart Kids
We all worry about screen time. But here’s the truth:
Not all screen time is equal.
One hour of watching cartoons is not the same as one hour of deep focus, puzzle solving, strategy building, and mental calculation.
At Debsie, we’re turning screen time into brain time. Kids learn to use tech as a tool, not just entertainment.
Flexibility That Works for Families
Busy week? No problem. We have multiple time slots. If your child can’t make one class, there’s another.
And because everything is online, your child can even attend class from a holiday home or grandma’s house. The classroom is always with them.
Online Chess Isn’t “Less Than”—It’s Often Way More
Some parents worry that online means “less effective.” The truth? It’s often better.
Here’s why:
- Online coaching can use real-time analysis tools.
- Students can replay and review entire classes.
- Coaches can pull up diagrams, puzzles, and live game boards instantly.
- Learning happens in a focused, one-on-one or small-group environment without classroom noise or distractions.
This is why online chess training is no longer the second option—it’s the smart one.
And Debsie is leading this movement.
How Debsie Leads the Online Chess Training Landscape
Let’s now paint the full picture. Why is Debsie not just “one of the good ones,” but truly leading the way?
Here’s what makes us the #1 online chess academy for students in Perth (and beyond).
🎓 We’re Built Like a Smart, Kind, Modern School
We don’t throw random lessons at kids and hope they stick.
We’ve built a complete curriculum—step by step—from beginner to advanced. Every topic is placed carefully. Every class has a goal. Every week moves your child forward.
We know exactly when to introduce openings. When to teach forks and pins. When to challenge kids with deeper thinking. It’s a system. It works.
❤️ Coaches Who Coach the Whole Child
Our FIDE-certified coaches do more than teach moves.
They build trust. They listen. They see when a student is tired or overwhelmed. They slow down when needed, and push when they know a student is ready.
We treat every student like a growing mind—not just a chess rating.
📈 Progress Isn’t Just Promised. It’s Measured.
You’ll never have to wonder:
“Is my child actually improving?”
Because at Debsie, you’ll see it.
- Puzzle accuracy: ✅
- Game reviews: ✅
- Mistakes reduced: ✅
- Wins and losses tracked: ✅
- Parent updates: ✅
You get reports. You see feedback. You stay informed.
🤝 We Work With Parents, Not Around Them
At Debsie, parents aren’t just “the ones who pay.”
You’re part of your child’s journey.
We send you updates, milestones, and insights. We tell you when they’re thriving and when they need support. You’re not left out—you’re part of the team.
🧠 We Build Focus, Patience, and Grit—Through Chess
This is where we shine.
Your child might come to us for chess. But they’ll leave with:
- The ability to focus deeply
- The patience to sit with a hard problem
- The grit to keep going, even after a tough loss
- The joy of solving something tricky
- The confidence to speak up, take risks, and be proud of their mind
These are the skills that help them not just win games—but win in life.
🎉 We’re Not Just a Class. We’re a Community.
Kids love coming to Debsie classes. They meet friends from around the world. They play in tournaments. They cheer each other on. They laugh, they learn, they grow.
It’s not just about the board. It’s about being part of something special.
💬 What Parents Say About Debsie
“This is the first class my son never wants to miss.”
“I’ve seen a huge change in how she thinks and solves problems.”
“He’s more confident and smart in school now too.”
“I’m so glad we found Debsie. It’s the best decision we made.”
🎁 Try It Yourself—For Free
We want you to feel the difference.
That’s why we offer a free trial class. No pressure. No payment. Just one hour of learning, fun, and discovery.
👉 Click here to book your free trial class
Let your child experience the joy of learning chess the right way—with expert coaches, a clear plan, and real support.
Because when you choose Debsie, you’re not just choosing chess.
You’re choosing focus. Confidence. Growth.
And that’s something worth every move.