Looking for a chess teacher who speaks English in Paris? I'm Nicolas Musicki, a FIDE-rated player and private chess teacher. I coach children and adults at their home in Paris, Versailles and nearby towns — or online, anywhere in the world — and I teach comfortably in English.
Whether your child is just discovering the game, you're a beginner who wants to learn properly, or you play online and want to stop hanging pieces, lessons are built around you. The first lesson is free, so we can meet, play, and see if it's a good fit — no commitment.
1. Your teacher
I've played chess since childhood and I'm rated 2086 Elo FIDE — a strong club level that lets me coach everyone from first-time beginners to tournament players. I've been teaching privately for three years, in French and in English, and most of my students are children of expat families, adult beginners, and online players stuck at the same rating for months.
My approach is simple: understand, then practise, then play. No memorising opening lines before you can checkmate with a queen. Every lesson ends with real play, because that's what chess is for.
2. How lessons work
One hour, one-to-one. Each lesson combines a new idea explained on the board with chosen positions, exercises to apply it immediately, and commented play — I explain why a move works, what your opponent was threatening, what you could have tried. Between lessons, I leave you targeted exercises matched to your level.
For children, the first lessons are games, not lectures: they learn how the pieces move by playing, and the theory comes later, naturally. For adults, we start from an honest assessment — one relaxed game tells me a lot — and build a programme from there: stop losing pieces, spot tactics, convert winning endgames.
3. At home or online
At your home: I come to you with the board and all the material, in Paris, Versailles and towns within about an hour's travel — including Le Chesnay, Viroflay and Vélizy. Ideal for children and for anyone who prefers a real board and no screens.
Online: we meet on a video call with a shared chessboard on screen. You click a link I send by email — nothing to install. Online lessons work from London, New York or Singapore exactly as they do from Paris, and several of my students kept their lessons after moving away.
4. Prices
- At your home (Paris, Versailles & nearby): €50 per hour, travel included;
- Online: €40 per hour, worldwide;
- First lesson free, no commitment.
You pay lesson by lesson — bank transfer, cheque or cash. No packages to buy upfront, no subscription. Lessons also make a lovely gift for a child, a partner or a parent: just mention it when you write.
5. Frequently asked questions
Are the lessons really taught in English?
Yes. I teach comfortably in English, and chess itself helps: notation, piece names and most training resources are universal. Many of my students are English-speaking families living in Paris or Versailles, or online students abroad.
How much do chess lessons cost in Paris?
Lessons at your home in Paris or Versailles cost €50 per hour, travel included. Online lessons cost €40 per hour, anywhere in the world. The first lesson is free, with no commitment, and you pay lesson by lesson.
Do you teach children?
Yes, from age 5. First lessons are playful: children learn how the pieces move through games, not theory. Chess is a wonderful way for expat children to build focus and confidence — and it works in any language.
How do online lessons work?
We meet on a video call with a shared chessboard on screen: you just click a link I send by email, nothing to install. Online lessons work from anywhere.
Do you offer chess coaching for club and tournament players?
Yes. Beyond beginner lessons, I offer structured chess coaching for improving players: we analyse your own games, fix recurring mistakes, build an opening repertoire you actually understand, and train tactics and endgames. Regular training works well online with a shared board and your game database.
Book your free first lesson
Write to me in English — tell me who the lessons are for, your level, your area of Paris (or your time zone for online lessons), and when suits you. I reply personally, usually the same day.
Email me — first lesson freeOr call / text me: +33 6 09 36 56 91. You can also use the booking form — it's in French, but feel free to write your message in English.