Frequently Asked

Common
Questions.

Everything parents, students, and schools typically ask before getting started with ReelChess. Contact us directly if your question is not answered here — we respond within 24 hours, usually much faster.

What age do you start coaching from?+

We typically start from age 5. Kindergarten age children can absolutely learn chess — they are not too young. We work with students from their very first lesson through to competitive tournament play.

Does my child need their own chess set?+

No. We provide absolutely everything — chess sets, boards, timers, and all materials. Your child just needs to show up.

For online sessions all you need is a device with a camera and internet connection.

My child has never played — is that okay?+

Absolutely. Many of our students start with zero chess knowledge. Our True Beginners Saturday group is specifically designed for students who have never touched a chess piece.

No experience needed for any program. We assess every student and place them in the right group.

How does payment work?+

Students enrol and pay through our booking portal. We accept:

  • Credit and debit card via Stripe (2% card processing fee applies)
  • Bank transfer — BSB 067-873, Account 1212 0820, Account Name ReelChess

Pro-rata fees apply for mid-term enrolments. If paying by bank transfer, please notify us via the contact form or directly so we can confirm your spot.

What do students receive in the program?+

Every student receives:

  • Structured coaching with progressive curriculum
  • Video resources and lesson recaps after sessions
  • Progress tracking throughout the term
  • Certificate on completing development milestones
  • Regular feedback for parents

The first printed certificate is Gold. Bronze and Silver are digital — all formally recognised by schools.

Can chess help with scholarships?+

Yes. Many of our students have obtained high school scholarships using ReelChess as a reference.

Do not hesitate to reach out if you need something personal written, especially if your child is excelling. We are happy to provide letters of support and documentation of achievement.

Do you run tournaments and holiday programs?+

Yes to both. ReelChess runs open tournaments, interschool tournaments, and in-school tournaments throughout the year.

We also run holiday online programs during school breaks — a great way to keep improving between terms.

How do I contact ReelChess directly?+

Reach us through any of the following:

  • Contact form at reelchess.com/contact/
  • Phone / text: 0402 769 387 (Rayman directly)
  • General: admin@reelchess.com
  • Schools: schools@reelchess.com

We respond within 24 hours — usually much faster.

How does chess develop problem solving?+

Chess is one of the most direct problem solving training tools available. Every move requires analysis, calculation, and decision making under time pressure.

  • Break complex problems into manageable parts
  • Pattern recognition — spotting opportunities others miss
  • Multi-step calculation and logical deduction
  • Adaptability when plans do not work out
  • Confidence in independent decision making
Read the full Benefits of Chess guide →
What are the key benefits of chess?+

Chess develops ten core skills:

  • Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
  • Focus and sustained concentration
  • Strategic planning and long term thinking
  • Resilience and growth mindset
  • Mathematical thinking and pattern recognition
  • Confidence through structured achievement
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Time management under pressure
  • Social skills and sportsmanship
  • Memory and pattern recognition
Read the full Benefits of Chess guide →
What are the school program fees?+

School programs start from $12 + GST per student for lunchtime sessions, $20 + GST for a standard one hour session, and $30 + GST for 90 minute sessions. Terms are typically 8 to 10 weeks.

Contact us to discuss your school →
What is your missed session policy?+

Our policy varies slightly by program type, but the general approach is:

  • No refunds for missed sessions once a term has commenced
  • If you notify us in advance, we can offer a pro-rata adjustment where appropriate
  • Make-up sessions are not guaranteed — they depend on availability
  • Students joining partway through a term receive a reduced pro-rata fee

We always do our best to be flexible and fair while maintaining the structure of our programs.

What happens if sessions cannot be completed within the term?+

If all sessions cannot be completed within the school term, remaining sessions carry over to the following term at no extra cost. This ensures you never lose what you have paid for.

2026 school holiday breaks for reference:

  • Term 1 break — April 3 to April 20
  • Term 2 break — July 3 to July 20
  • Term 3 break — September 25 to October 12
Can I reschedule a Saturday session?+

Yes. Up to 2 reschedules per student are allowed per term. Reschedules must be on the same Saturday but at a different available time slot.

  • Maximum 2 reschedules per student per term
  • Must be on the same Saturday, different time slot
  • Request must be made at least 3 days in advance
  • Reschedule requests outside this window may not be accommodated

To request a reschedule, contact Rayman directly on 0402 769 387 or email admin@reelchess.com.

What if my child misses a single lesson?+

Missing a single lesson is fine and will not affect your enrolment. That session carries forward to the following term automatically. You do not need to do anything — we track this for you.

All sessions, including carried-over ones, contribute toward your child's certificate progress and end of term report.

Do missed sessions still count toward certificates?+

All attended sessions count toward student certificates and progress reports regardless of when they are completed — including carried-over sessions from a previous term.

Your child's progress is tracked continuously across terms, not reset each term.

How do I notify you about a payment or ask a question about my booking?+

If you have any questions or would like to notify us of your payment — especially for bank transfers — you are welcome to contact Rayman directly:

  • Phone or text: 0402 769 387
  • Email: admin@reelchess.com
  • Schools email: schools@reelchess.com

For bank transfers, please include your child's name and the program enrolled in as the payment reference so we can match it quickly.

Still have a question? We are happy to help.

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