Private online chess coaching
Online chess lessons with a National Master
Have you plateaued? I spent 8 years stuck at 1800 USCF before I decided to take control of my own improvement. Just over two years after changing my approach, I became a National Master. As a coach, I use the same methodology with my students.
- National MasterUS Chess title
- USCF-certifiedchess coach
- Hundredsof students coached
- Onlinelessons, on your schedule
Free sample lesson
An ancient problem
White to move and force checkmate. But there's a twist: you can only move the rook once.
The rules
- You play White. Force checkmate against the best defense.
- You may only move the rook once.
- The 50-move rule and threefold repetition still apply.
Hint This puzzle is really about ideas from king and pawn endgames.
Checkmate.
Well played! You won 20% off your first lesson.
20% off your first lesson Code OPPOSITION, automatically applied when you book from here.
Draw.
Try again, or book a 20-minute intro and I'll teach you two principles every player should know: opposition and flanking.
60% off your intro call Code FLANKING, automatically applied when you book from here.
My methodology
Your time is valuable. Let's use it efficiently.
Maximize the return on your time
In the modern era of chess, we're spoiled for choice. There are endless books, videos, courses, and software, all promising to make you a better chess player. They aren't lying. If you study anything, you'll improve eventually, but you might not improve efficiently. I'll make sure you select the right resources at the right time.
Lesson time is sacred
You pay for a lesson with both your time and your money. As a coach, I take the same duty of care with your time as I would with my own. I won't spend your lesson time on rote memorization or anything else you can complete just as effectively outside of lessons.
One topic at a time
As we fix one weakness, it ceases to be the highest priority. Over time, I develop students into strong, well-rounded players.
- Game review
- Curated topic
- Tailored homework
- Homework review
Drag a point to set your own profile
My story
I'm living proof that a methodical approach can lead to rapid improvement
My rating reached 1800 in 2008 and then I plateaued for almost eight years. I had to be honest with myself, admit my weaknesses, and create a structured plan to fix them. This self-directed training regimen led me to the National Master title just over two years later.
2200National MasterSeptember 17, 2018
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.
Chess lessons for adults
You have limited time and you want it to count. Most of my improvement came in my mid-twenties after I broke my plateau.
Lessons for adultsChess lessons for kids
Patient, organized coaching for young players, with clear homework and a plan parents can follow.
Lessons for kidsWhat 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.
Two ways to train
Book single lessons ad hoc, or commit to consistent training with a monthly package.
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
- Available for long-term students. Please start with a consultation or lesson so I can build a training plan for you
Not 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.
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 microphone, and a free lichess.org account. Google Meet runs in the browser, so there's 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. I'll tailor lessons to your level and needs.
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. Monthly training requires an introductory lesson or consultation first. 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 prefer working with students who are 8+ years old or 1000+ USCF, but I've coached students who were younger or lower-rated as well. 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 will include a link to reschedule or cancel. Please provide 24 hours' notice if your plans change.
Ready to study the right things?
Pick a time that suits you. Your first lesson starts with your own games.