Meet Can Kabadayi: Chess.com Coach of the Month and Chessable Author of the Year

Chess.com has named Can Kabadayi as the Coach of the Month, recognizing his expertise and dedication to teaching the game of chess. Can, who is also the 2024 Chessable Author of the Year, brings a unique approach to coaching that is rooted in cognitive science and educational psychology principles.

Can’s coaching philosophy focuses on key concepts such as chunking, cognitive load management, and pattern recognition. He emphasizes the importance of introducing chess concepts at the right time in a student’s developmental journey to avoid cognitive overload. Can’s courses, such as the Chess Elevator, are designed to help students progress gradually and effectively.

In addition to structured learning, Can believes in identifying teachable moments in a student’s games and encouraging deep processing of the material. He emphasizes the importance of foundational skills in chess, aiming to raise the floor of a player’s performance to prevent costly mistakes.

As a coach, Can sees his responsibility as spreading his passion for the game, creating a safe learning environment, diagnosing weaknesses, and helping students develop strong thinking habits. He encourages students to engage actively in their learning and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth.

Can’s coaching approach is designed to help students break through plateaus and improve their overall performance in chess. Through his dedication to teaching and his innovative methods, Can Kabadayi is making a significant impact on the chess community.