Does some GM or notable coach consistently employ "hand and brain" as a teaching tool?

Question

I've seen some streamers do what they call "hand and brain", meaning that one person plays while the other chooses the kind of piece that they must move. All cases I've seen were intended for having fun. But it got me thinking about how effective would this be as a teaching tool.

My question, at heart, is: "Is playing hand and brain with a student an effective teaching tool?" Since this is probably too opinion-based, I only ask if there are cases of GM's/notable coaches that employ it as a teaching tool consistently. If there are references attesting to it being an effective teaching tool, those are of course appreciated.

David Miedema · Answer

As an IM and experienced chess coach I can say I only use it in play and for fun.
Serious training should be learning concepts and solving a lot of puzzles.
The only time I do use it is when one person is clearly stronger than the other and the weaker side needs some help. Especially absolute beginners who completely mess up all my plans are my favorite partners!
In theory of course you could use it once in a while as a training exercise, the players can learn from the plans of the others, but other than that I do not see any big use. Sorry, I do think it's fun, but fun and use are different.

David · Answer

With the coach as "brain", it probably doesn't hurt, but I don't see it as an effective tool, since it'd be making most of the decision for the student (the exact opposite of what training should be like).
With the student as "brain", then it's the equivalent of playing a game of chess

chessie · Answer

Not at all effective.
In fact it would be counterproductive as a teaching tool intended to help a player improve.

Does some GM or notable coach consistently employ "hand and brain" as a teaching tool?

3 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question