Beginners
Prerequisite: knows the basic rules of chess.
- Complex rules: en passant, 50-move rule, castling complications
- Fundamentals: board vision, piece activity, safe development
- Intro to calculation through simple strategy
Group chess classes
Weekly online group classes are designed for unrated and beginner players who want clear instruction, practical tactics, and a supportive learning environment.
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Class details
Learning chess is more fun and faster in a supportive group. Classes focus on fundamentals, practical tactics, and confident decision-making in a low-pressure setting.
- Clear lessons tailored to beginner and improving players
- Structured practice, mini-tournaments, and guided review
- Positive, encouraging coaching and a welcoming community
Classes are online and cost $10 per one-hour session.
Class methodology
Strong foundations come first. Most beginner mistakes trace back to fundamentals, so we emphasize clear technique, simple calculation habits, and confident decision-making before advancing to complex topics.
Intermediate
Prerequisite: comfortable completing games; knows all rules.
- Core tactics and patterns; blunder prevention
- Opening principles, sound middlegame plans, basic endgames
- Decision-making and intuition for tournament play
Personalized assessment included
We provide an initial assessment using your rating plus a short trial game/call to place you in the right group and set clear goals. For advanced classes (over 1100 NWSRS or 600 USCF), please contact us.
Coaching team
Nihanth Tatikonda
Founder and President, Evergreen Chess Club
Nihanth has worked with younger players and hosted multiple nationally rated tournaments. His teaching approach emphasizes clear explanation, strong habits, and practical decision-making.
- ~1600 USCF and NWSRS
- 7 years of playing experience
- Top-10 11th grader in Washington
- BHS varsity team captain with multiple top-3 state-level finishes
Tayshu Konde
Beginner/Novice Classes Coach
Tayshu leads beginner/novice classes and focuses on fundamentals-first instruction so students can progress confidently from early-stage games to competitive play.
- Top 25 nationally
- Teaching chess for 5 months
- Played chess for 6 years
- BHS varsity player and chess club VP with multiple state-level awards