There's plenty of chess wisdom to share (photo by Neil Thomas at one of my workshops).

Hi! My name is Mario Amodeo and I am available for chess lessons in person to most of San Diego County or anywhere online. My guidance is appropriate for beginners to tournament players rated up to about 1900. 


Lesson Details and Objectives:

  • Appropriate for children and adults. Structured lessons emphasize understanding. For more details see Teaching Methods.
  • Children develop self-esteem, responsibility, tenacity, and sportsmanship. See Benjamin Franklin’s “Moral’s of Chess” in ‘Why I Teach‘.
  • Adults: Add to your chess skills for greater enjoyment of the game.

What’s Included With Individual Lessons:

  • Before each lesson I prepare a written outline of a personalized, systematic lesson.
  • Homework, Tracking of Past Homework & Lessons
  • Tracking of Tactical Development
  • For more details see Teaching Methods.

Group Ideas (I have equipment for up to 22 players):

  • Chess Homeshooling Classes
  • Children’s Parties (Mostly playing with a few tips sprinkled in.)
  • Adult Intermediate Level Chess Clubs

My Qualifications:

  • Since 1997 I’ve taught over 800 lessons ‘one on one’ and to groups ages 5 to 84 at locations such as Bernardo Heights Middle School, Carmel Creek, Carmel Del Mar, Park Village, Painted Rock and Rice (Elementary schools) to name a few.
  • USCF Candidate Master title, id: 12523359, rated over 2000, competing Wednesday’s at the San Diego Chess Club for 20 years. rating history.
  • Head Instructor, San Diego Chess Club Summer of 2000 Chess Camp.
  • Volunteer Tournament Director at numerous scholastic chess tournaments.
  • State of California Substitute Teaching Permit (click for screenshot)
  • Committed to constant improvement as a chess teacher.
  • References available.

For Rates Click Here

    Contact Information: 619-508-2312 or email:

UCSF Candidate Master Mario Amodeo at the San Diego County Bonita Sunnyside Library

Examples of places I can drive to: Del Mar, Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Solana Beach, Fairbanks Ranch, La Mesa, Hillcrest, Clairemont, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, National City, Lemon Grove, El Cajon, Santee, Tierra Santa, Linda Vista, Mission Valley, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Mission Hills, Del Cerro, Casa De Oro, La Jolla, North Park, South Park, Kensington, La Costa, Carlsbad, Poway, Spring Valley, Normal Heights, East Lake, Paradise Hills, Coronado, Bonita.