2000+ELO coach will teach you the core concepts of chess and help improve thought process.

Find out more about Rogan-Joe

• When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  I’ve been playing chess for over ten years, but my real improvement began in late high school. Growing up in rural New Zealand, it was difficult to access quality information and resources. Toward the end of school, I finally had more opportunities to study and improve. In 2020, I fully caught the “chess bug” and started progressing rapidly, helped by strong role models whose lessons I still remember today. Early on, one of my main goals was simply to beat my uncle—I achieved that, and from there I kept setting bigger and better goals.

• 2) Which artists or works affect you the most?

  I’m drawn to games that begin in completely normal positions and evolve into something unique. That transformation—from positional understanding into tactical brilliance—is what fascinates me most. I particularly enjoy the attacking style of Grandmaster Simon Williams, whose creative and aggressive approach feels like a breath of fresh air.

• 3) What qualities and skills are required to succeed in this area?

  There are many important skills in chess: spatial awareness, logical thinking, pattern recognition, and the ability to absorb new ideas. However, the most important quality is enthusiasm for learning. A genuine eagerness to improve will always outweigh raw ability—it’s the ultimate “trump card.”

• 4) What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  If you’re not enjoying it, something is wrong—either with your approach or something else that needs addressing. Progress comes from passion. When you enjoy the process, the work becomes a labour of love, and consistency follows naturally.

• 5) How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  Chess is like a microcosm of abstract thought. It challenges logic, creativity, and imagination all at once. The more you understand it, the more you appreciate it. For me, it’s endlessly engaging and deeply satisfying.

• 6) What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  My proudest moments are when I discover ideas or tactics that I know I wouldn’t have seen before—clear evidence of growth. Playing over-the-board games with friends and finding those moments in real time is especially rewarding.

• 7) Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  All the time. Young students, in particular, often have incredible untapped potential. With the right guidance, they can quickly develop impressive calculation skills and new ways of thinking. They’re often underestimated, but they consistently rise to the occasion.

• 8) Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  The key is adaptability. Teaching isn’t about presenting information in one fixed way—it’s about recognising when to reframe a question, a concept, or a position. Everyone learns differently, and my goal is to understand each student’s style and help them grow in a way that suits them. It’s about finding what will make them improve and building from there.