By Rasika Ratnaparkhi
In chess training, much attention is given to openings, calculation, tactics and tournament preparation. Yet, one of the most overlooked aspects of improvement is something far more basic: classroom discipline!
Recently, renowned Indian chess coach GM R. B. Ramesh shared a detailed set of observations and suggestions about discipline in chess classrooms. These ideas go far beyond "keeping children quiet". They reflect a deeper philosophy about concentration, respect, learning habits, emotional maturity and professional training culture.
R. B. Ramesh is widely regarded as one of the finest chess trainers in the world. He has played a key role in shaping the careers of several top Indian players, including R Praggnanandhaa, R Vaishali and many more. | Photo: Arijit Sen/HT Photo
Here are the 31 suggestions by him, along with why each of them matters in practical training. Rather than looking at all the suggestions separately, it becomes easier to understand them when grouped into broader themes:
1. Creating an atmosphere of silence and respect
One major theme in the suggestions is the importance of silence and orderly communication inside the classroom. This includes:
Chess is a game of deep concentration. A single distraction can break a player's thought process. In a classroom environment, this becomes even more important because one student's disturbance affects everyone around them.
Ramesh's suggestions highlight that discipline is about creating a space where every student gets the opportunity to think clearly and listen carefully. When students learn to wait patiently, listen fully and communicate in an organized manner, the classroom becomes calmer, more respectful and far more productive.
2. Teaching students how to concentrate
Another major group of suggestions focuses on physical and mental focus. These include:
Many people assume concentration is natural. In reality, it is a trainable skill. Young children especially tend to move constantly, look around the room, or lose focus quickly during long explanations. Ramesh emphasises that coaches must actively teach students how to focus physically as well as mentally.
Even small habits matter. Calm posture, steady attention and controlled movement help students remain engaged for longer periods. Over time, these habits become valuable tournament skills, too.
3. Encouraging independent thinking
Several suggestions are aimed at helping students think for themselves rather than depending on others. This includes:
In chess improvement, the struggle to find the answer is often more valuable than the answer itself. If students immediately hear solutions from others, they lose the opportunity to calculate independently. By encouraging students to work quietly and explain ideas in their own words, coaches help them develop confidence, clarity and calculation ability.
The suggestion about stronger students moving to the next position while others continue solving is particularly practical. It allows students of different strengths to learn at their own pace within the same classroom.
4. Developing serious study habits
Ramesh also places strong emphasis on professionalism and structured learning. This includes:
These habits may seem small, but together they create a culture of seriousness. Strong chess players are rarely casual learners. They document ideas, revisit examples, organize study material and maintain discipline in their preparation. Teaching such habits early helps students approach chess not merely as entertainment, but as a craft requiring effort and structure.
5. Learning to enjoy the training process
One of the most insightful themes in the suggestions is the distinction between enjoying playing chess and enjoying learning chess. Ramesh points out that many children become bored when:
Most students naturally enjoy playing games. Far fewer enjoy the hard work involved in improvement. This is where coaching becomes important. A good coach motivates students to appreciate the learning process itself: thinking deeply, analysing mistakes, repeating variations and patiently listening to explanations. True progress in chess often comes during uncomfortable moments of effort and concentration.
6. Building physical and mental endurance
Some suggestions focus on stamina and maintaining energy levels during long sessions. These include:
Tournament chess is mentally exhausting. Players may need to remain focused for several hours under pressure. By gradually exposing students to longer training sessions and teaching them how to manage their energy, coaches help prepare them for the realities of competitive chess.
7. Creating an emotionally safe environment
Among all the discipline-related points, one suggestion stands out for its emotional depth. Ramesh notes that many children hesitate to share their weaknesses because of:
This is an important reminder that discipline alone is not enough. Students also need emotional safety. A strong classroom is one where students feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and discussing their struggles openly. When students trust their coach and classmates, learning becomes much more effective.
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