Aside from her captivating smile, Shir brings determination, brilliance and resourcefulness to each lesson. Shir has been instrumental in mentoring my son’s love of chess and his passion and excellence in science and technology. By challenging his curiosity, intellect, preparation and self-belief, Shir deserves much of the credit for his success. So much more than a chess teacher, Shir is also a wonderful life coach.

I was in a rating vacuum which veered 100 points up and down. I was recommended to Shir by a friend who went from beginner to a strong player in a year through her brilliant coaching. Three months later my ranking was heading upwards, after eight months it was 700 points higher online, and 300 points over the board. Shir also helped me find a club and I now play in Leagues and tournaments.

Shir is super professional and extremely pleasant to work with. She has a rare combination of kindness, intelligence and endless motivation. For more than a decade she has taught my son and I chess, combining theoretical knowledge with tactics, puzzles and studies. Through her professionalism and a significant tutoring presence, she delivers wonderful courses for students at all levels of their chess journey.

I started studying chess with Shir a couple of years back thinking that I need some ‘gym workout’ for my brain. Since then, I enjoy studying chess immensely thanks for Shir’s deep understanding of the content, her captivating way to teach and explain complicated concepts, and all that through the convenience of studying on zoom. I highly recommend it to anyone, beginner or advanced player!

I have three children, 5, 7 and 10, who have benefited from Shir’s expertise in teaching chess, along with her passion for the game. They sit for hours with chess puzzles and their only complaint is that no lesson with Shir is long enough. What sets Shir apart is her patience and ability to bond with the students. I highly recommend her.

Shir’s chess classes are beyond amazing! I looked forward to each class and immensely enjoyed them. I don’t know how she was so patient but I wish I had a fraction of it! She is extremely professional, and truly inspired me. I strongly recommend her services if you and/or your family want to learn chess in a fun environment!

As the manager of Herzliya Chess Club I am delighted to give Shir Bartal a testimonial. A coach under my watch, Shir created strategic ways to teach children to improve their creativity, patience and tactical thinking. She also excels in pedagogical and professional methods of teaching, and she has a strong track record in organising and managing tournaments.

Our 11-year-old son is in virtual group lessons and one-to-one sessions with Shir and other coaches at the academy. In two years, he has made significant progress and thoroughly enjoys learning and playing chess. Shir brings out the fun and enjoyment of playing chess, while learning life skills like winning and losing in a respectful way, along with concentration and thinking. I thoroughly recommend the London Chess Academy.

My 11 year old son Ethan has been attending chess sessions with Shir for a couple of years. His chess has come on in leaps and bounds, and Shir has continued to stretch and challenge him throughout. He still looks forward to the classes every week and clearly has a lot of fun! I would highly recommend the club.

I am delighted to recommend Shir and her team at the London Chess Academy. My oldest boy started three years ago and fell in love with chess, even persuading his friends to join the academy. Her passion and motivation for chess influence the children. My youngest child also joined the club. I can’t recommend Shir enough!

My son has been enjoying Shir’s chess club for two years and going. He calls it “training my brains”. He became the best player in the family, gained new skills, learned to implement strategies, analyse the chess board and solve puzzles. Shir gives each student a personal attention and challenges them to achieve their highest potential.