Coach’s Corner: Alfonso Jerez

Imagine you’ve been released from prison. What is the first thing you would do? 

Most people would stay as far away from the place where they were incarcerated. But upon release, a former inmate in a prison in Catalonia, Spain, was waiting right at the entrance for someone who had inspired him greatly: the prison’s chess coach.

You could imagine the surprise of IM Alfonso Jerez, who went to the penitentiary center for his weekly session. The newly-freed student lingered around to say farewell to Jerez and thank him for his efforts.

In his three decades of experience as a coach, Jerez has worked with clubs, top talents, and private students. He finds it extremely gratifying when a student has surpassed him. Working with incarcerated adults, however, has a special place in his heart and he is overjoyed to see them continue to play even after serving their time.

In this interview, Alfonso shares with us his tips for chess training:

What is your chess coaching philosophy?

A logical move is a good move. My motto is: "Never make a move if it looks odd and you have second thoughts about it.”

Suppose a player has only 3 hours a week for chess training. How should they spend their time?

Today I would focus on strategy plus tactics if we are talking about under 1800. If you can, working with a coach is the best idea. Nowadays, good material is easily available online. My most important piece of advice is: don't get obsessed with openings.

What is the biggest factor for improvement for players under 1200 (Chess.com)? Under 2000?

If you want to improve your blitz ratings, tactics should be your main focus. However, to improve in classical chess, you also need to work on your strategic vision. Tactical skill is important, but at some point in your chess journey, it won't be enough. There's also a key point: for tactics to work in your games, you need to get good positions! Some strategic foundations are essential.

What is your preferred way to improve at openings? What's the approach to chess openings that you try to teach your students?

If you are not a very strong player yet, don't go for very complicated openings with very long lines to remember. Instead, focus on playing healthy and sound openings with good development and no strange-looking moves. Even though an author recommends a move, don't play it if you don't understand the point. A good thing Chessable has brought chess improvers is the chance to ask questions directly to the authors so we can elaborate on plans and ideas.

What is your preferred way to improve at the endgame?

I think it is very important to look at the very best endgame masters like Karpov or Carlsen in order to learn how to play the endgame. My advice for anyone who wants to improve their endgame technique would be: always play actively and remember, the first player to queen will usually win the game. I always encourage my students to identify the best pawn in the position as soon as they enter the endgame: the promoter.

Is there anything else you would like to advise ambitious chess improvers?

Set up a study routine and stick to it as much as possible. Doing small work every day is better than many hours on the weekend. Be consistent and don't give up. Even some puzzles on your commute will count. And a last piece of advice: look at the board, not at the rating. Dropping some rating points is not the end of the world.

Courses by IM Alfonso Jerez

Alfonso has published two opening courses so far on Chessable, both in English and Spanish. 

The Vigorous Alapin Sicilian tackles on 1.e4 c5 2.c3, a smart approach against the Sicilian. White aims to set up a strong center with 3.d4 and actively develop, bypassing the highly-theoretical lines of the Open Sicilian and setting the tone of the game. Jerez shows how to control the flow of the game with a strong, stable setup that can lead to attacking chances where Black errs.

The Vigorous Wormald Attack: A Practical White Repertoire vs. 1.e4 e5 is similarly a practical choice for players looking to avoid overwhelming theory in the Ruy Lopez while still aiming for a dynamic, challenging game. The core of the repertoire is the Wormald Attack (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Ng6 5.Qe2), where the plan is to hold the center, maneuver the knight to g3, and potentially launch a kingside attack with g4-g5.

Backed by decades of experience as a player and as a coach for players of all levels, Alfonso’s teaching style is both practical and full of knowledge. The community certainly appreciates his clear-cut instruction and his responsiveness to their queries. 

Check out IM Alfonso Jerez’s Chessable author page!

Both of his courses are on sale for a limited time!