Private online chess coaching
Online chess lessons with a National Master
I went from 1858 to National Master in just over two years, as an adult. I know which study works and which wastes your time, and I'll build your training around the first kind.
- National MasterUS Chess title
- USCF-certifiedchess coach
- Hundredsof students coached
- Onlinelessons, any time zone
Free sample lesson
An ancient problem
White to move and force checkmate. One condition: the rook may move only once.
The rules
- You are White. Force checkmate against the best defence.
- The rook may move once in the whole game.
- You have 50 moves. After that the game is a draw.
- Repeating a position three times is also a draw.
Hint This puzzle is really about ideas from king and pawn endgames.
Checkmate.
Well played. If you enjoyed working that out, you will enjoy the lessons.
My methodology
Your time is valuable. Let's use it efficiently.
The most improvement per hour
We are spoiled for choice when it comes to chess training material. My role as a coach isn't just to tell you which resources will improve your chess. It's to tell you which will improve it the most per hour you spend on them. I want you to have the greatest possible return on the time you invest in improving.
Lesson time is sacred
You pay for a lesson with both your time and your money. I don't spend it on rote memorization, or on anything else you would benefit from nearly as much by doing on your own.
Lessons 1 and 2
Game analysis
We spend the first one or two lessons analysing your games, so I can build a profile of you as a player.
Then repeat, in alternating weeks
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Lesson
New material
I present instructional material chosen for your profile.
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Between lessons
Homework
You work through the homework I assign, on your own time.
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Next lesson
Homework review
We go over your homework together. Then the cycle starts again.
My story
I'm living proof that a methodical approach can lead to rapid improvement
My rating reached 1800 in 2008 and stayed there for almost eight years. On May 25, 2016 it was 1858. Then it went to 2200 in 28 months, and US Chess awarded me the National Master title in September 2018. Every rated game is on the public record.
2200National MasterSeptember 17, 2018
Who I teach
Lessons for adults and for kids
I've coached children, adult improvers, retirees and everyone in between, from first-time tournament players to those chasing a title.
Adult improvers
Chess lessons for adults
You have limited time and you want it to count. I improved as an adult myself, so I know what the climb looks like around a job and a life.
Lessons for adultsKids and parents
Chess lessons for kids
Patient, organized coaching for young players, with clear homework and a plan parents can follow.
Lessons for kidsTestimonials
What students say
Nikolas has guided me towards a better understanding of why I play as I do, and I have found that his advice sticks in a way that advice from others has not.
The coaching sessions have been very rewarding and Nikolas makes himself accessible outside our scheduled times. He is very organized and I always look forward to our lessons.
Nikolas also gives excellent homework, tailored to my needs, that helps me stay on track to improving my game. I can't recommend him highly enough!
Nikolas is professional, patient, and organized.
Pricing
Two ways to train
Book single lessons whenever you like, or commit to a month of regular training and pay less per lesson.
Pay as you go
Single lesson
$75 per lesson
- One hour, one-to-one, on Google Meet
- Built around your own games
- Notes and tailored homework by email
- No commitment: book when it suits you
Monthly training
Four lessons a month
$280 per month
- Four one-hour lessons every month
- $70 per lesson, a saving of $20 a month
- Notes and tailored homework by email
- Regular lessons keep your study plan moving
Confirm terms: cancel any time? Do unused lessons carry over?
Start monthly trainingNot sure yet? Start with an intro call
Twenty minutes for $25. Ask me anything about how I teach, and talk through your goals and how lessons would fit them.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do online chess lessons work?
Lessons are one-to-one and run for one hour. We meet on Google Meet and work through positions together in a Lichess study. After each lesson I email you notes and homework. When you book, you can share your Lichess username so I can look at your games before we start.
What do I need for a lesson?
A computer with a camera and microphone, and a free Lichess account. Google Meet runs in the browser, so there is nothing to install.
What level do I need to be?
Any level. I've taught complete beginners, club players and players working toward a master title. The plan is built for where you are now.
How much do lessons cost?
A one-hour private lesson is $75, paid when you book. Monthly training is $280 a month and includes four one-hour lessons. A 20-minute intro call is $25.
Do you give homework?
Yes. Every student gets homework chosen for their own weaknesses, sent by email with the lesson notes. It might be a Lichess study of puzzles I've picked for you, a Chessable course to work through, or specific videos and articles.
Do you teach children?
Yes. I've coached many young players. See chess lessons for kids for how lessons work for children and what parents can expect.
I'm not sure coaching is right for me. Can we talk first?
Yes. Book a 20-minute intro call for $25. I'll answer your questions and we can talk through your goals and how coaching might fit them.
What time zone are lessons in?
I'm based in St. Louis, on US Central time, and I teach students in other time zones. The booking calendar shows available times in your own time zone.
Can I reschedule a lesson?
Yes. Your booking confirmation email includes a link to reschedule or cancel.
Ready to study the right things?
Pick a time that suits you. Your first lesson starts with your own games.