Online chess coaching grew 400% during the pandemic and maintains 25% annual growth. Platforms like Chess.com report 20 million daily users. AI analysis tools help tutors identify student weaknesses 50% faster. The "Queen's Gambit" effect continues - female participation doubled since 2020. Corporate clients now comprise 30% of business as companies recognize chess's strategic training value. However, market saturation prompts tutors to specialize - openings theory for intermediates is most requested. Hybrid models combining app lessons with live sessions retain 60% more students. Chess tourism (combining travel with tournaments) emerges as a niche.
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GM Maurice Ashley's "Bluff Chess" course teaches psychological warfare - like intentionally playing weak moves to provoke overconfidence. Students report 30% more wins against same-level opponents. The human edge? Machines can't model ego. Platforms now offer "poker face" analysis using webcam AI, but true mastery requires reading physical tells. Coaches are rebranding as "mental game trainers" - a service bots can't provide. The best still use engine prep but focus on exploiting how humans react to pressure.
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Glassblowers build solar concentrators using salvaged satellite dishes to achieve 1,200°C melting points sustainably.
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