NM Ian Harris

Founder of RedBandit Chess, a comprehensive chess coaching program. I have 10+ years of experience coaching students ranging from complete beginner to 2100. Many of my students have competed nationally and have made significant improvements. My peak rating is 2364 and I am 3-time Connecticut State Champion. I have also co-authored Mastering Chess: 2nd Edition with IM Danny Kopec, et al. You can find out more about me and my method when it comes to chess instruction on my website.

I am currently accepting students. Message me if you are interested!

More about me here: www.redbanditchess.com/about

3-time Connecticut State Champion (2013, 2015, 2016)
Member of the UMBC Chess Team (2005 - 2009)
Represented CT at the Denker Tournament of High School Champions (2005)

I have been coaching players of all levels, adults and children, for over ten years. I have also coached teams that have competed at the national scholastic championships. Many of those individuals have scored very well on the national stage and one of my teams placed 1st at the National Elementary Championships.

I teach with a deliberate focus on assessing and improving executive functioning (EF). Broadly, EF comprises a set of cognitive control processes that enable goal-directed behavior and self-regulation. Specific skills associated with EF include decision-making, planning, sequencing behavior, inhibiting habitual responses, shifting between tasks, and coping with novel information or situations. As such, EF is necessary for developing good and flexible habits in everyday life. EF skills have also been linked to better overall academic, vocational, and emotional functioning. Thus, by using chess as a fun and evidence-based approach to targeting executive functions, I provide my students with life-long, cognitive benefits – whether their goal is to participate in a beginners tournament or reach the level of master.

More details here: www.redbanditchess.com/approach