I am a relaxed, easy-going 24 year old WIM from New Zealand. I have a BA majoring in Psychology and I love incorporating psychological concepts into my students' learning. I believe it is much easier to play chess once we can understand why our brains think the way it does.
The most important aspect of teaching for me is that my students enjoy, are excited and love chess. I am very friendly and honest, and enjoy getting my students involved with discussions during lessons. I prepare individualised lessons for my students based on their needs, thinking style, strengths, weaknesses and personality.
WIM Layla Timergazi
hello
| Location |  New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Languages | English (US) |
| Rating | 218721892354 |
| Hourly rate | $45NZD to $50NZD |
| Availability | Accepting students |
| Active |
About me
Playing experience
Represented New Zealand at the 2014 Chess Olympiad in Norway, achieving the Woman’s Fide Master title.
2015 Wellington Open Champion (joint).
Represented New Zealand and won the 2017 Women’s Oceania Chess Zonal, upgrading to the Woman’s International Master title.
2013, 2015 and 2018 New Zealand Junior Rapid Champion.
2023 Wellington Chess Club Champion (joint).
Represented New Zealand at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Hungary, as board 1.
2025 North Island Rapid Champion (joint).
Host online simuls, typically playing 15-18 games at a time.
2015 Wellington Open Champion (joint).
Represented New Zealand and won the 2017 Women’s Oceania Chess Zonal, upgrading to the Woman’s International Master title.
2013, 2015 and 2018 New Zealand Junior Rapid Champion.
2023 Wellington Chess Club Champion (joint).
Represented New Zealand at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Hungary, as board 1.
2025 North Island Rapid Champion (joint).
Host online simuls, typically playing 15-18 games at a time.
Teaching experience
I started teaching in 2022 because I was a broke university student! I decided to give it a try, and did not expect to enjoy it. However, I learnt very quickly that I love teaching. I get excited about everything my students achieve, even non-chess achievements!
After my first few months of teaching, all of my students had significant increases in online rapid rating (150-200 points). I knew I was doing something right.
I have been teaching students on and off since then. I've worked with a range of player strengths and backgrounds and have helped students improve rapidly. I believe my methods work because my students are willing to look at chess from a different perspective.
My students are not the only ones learning - I am constantly learning from my students. Different people have different strengths.
Outside of lessons, I like to keep in contact with my students. I am always happy to answer questions, provide material, and give advice. I also often go overtime when teaching and am happy to do so free of charge.
After my first few months of teaching, all of my students had significant increases in online rapid rating (150-200 points). I knew I was doing something right.
I have been teaching students on and off since then. I've worked with a range of player strengths and backgrounds and have helped students improve rapidly. I believe my methods work because my students are willing to look at chess from a different perspective.
My students are not the only ones learning - I am constantly learning from my students. Different people have different strengths.
Outside of lessons, I like to keep in contact with my students. I am always happy to answer questions, provide material, and give advice. I also often go overtime when teaching and am happy to do so free of charge.
Other experiences
I enjoy running and playing piano!
Teaching methodology
Usually I conduct a 1 hour lesson a week, or a 2 hour lesson every 2 weeks. However, I am flexible and I am happy to change the timing and frequency. I am always open to extra lessons if needed (eg. if a tournament is coming up).
Typically I will have a psychological concept/theme for the lesson. A huge chunk of my lessons will involve puzzles and participation on the student's end is needed. I am not able to talk to a brick wall.
Some examples of the psychological concepts I teach are process thinking and calculation, decision making, risk taking, environmental factors (if relevant), managing focus and emotion, managing frustration, developing resilience, confidence, attentional resources and developing a playing style based on your personality. These concepts will be demonstrated through example positions and puzzles.
Other important aspects that I focus on are going through students' games, openings, middlegames and endgames. I will always emphasise important chess concepts, but they are often not the main focus of a lesson.
My lessons can be chill and relaxed, but they can also be full on. I am always happy to adjust the intensity of a lesson if needed.
Typically I will have a psychological concept/theme for the lesson. A huge chunk of my lessons will involve puzzles and participation on the student's end is needed. I am not able to talk to a brick wall.
Some examples of the psychological concepts I teach are process thinking and calculation, decision making, risk taking, environmental factors (if relevant), managing focus and emotion, managing frustration, developing resilience, confidence, attentional resources and developing a playing style based on your personality. These concepts will be demonstrated through example positions and puzzles.
Other important aspects that I focus on are going through students' games, openings, middlegames and endgames. I will always emphasise important chess concepts, but they are often not the main focus of a lesson.
My lessons can be chill and relaxed, but they can also be full on. I am always happy to adjust the intensity of a lesson if needed.