Who it is for
Regular players who see tactics but drift without a plan in quiet positions.
Approximate level
Intermediate · typically 900–1400 rating equivalent
Typical stage duration
Typically 5–8 months
Recommended learning format
1:1 or a tightly level-matched group of up to four
Expected learning outcomes
- Generate and compare candidate moves before choosing
- Calculate short forcing lines accurately
- Read pawn structures and target weak squares
- Improve the worst piece instead of moving the easiest one
- Play a small, understood opening repertoire with both colours
Core syllabus
- 1Candidate moves and a repeatable thinking process
- 2Calculation: forcing lines, visualisation, blunder-checking
- 3Pawn structures: isolated, doubled, passed, majorities
- 4Weak squares, outposts and colour complexes
- 5Good pieces and bad pieces; piece activity
- 6Open files, the seventh rank and rook activity
- 7Building a first opening repertoire
- 8Rook and pawn endgames: Lucena, Philidor, active rooks
- 9Time management and avoiding time trouble
Practice activities
- Weekly annotated position sets with written plans
- Endgame technique drills against the coach
- Two rated online games per week, both reviewed
- Repertoire file the student maintains themselves
Milestone
Explain a coherent plan for a middlegame position and follow it through to a favourable endgame.
Rating and age ranges are guides only. Final placement always happens through a friendly assessment in the free demo, so your child starts exactly where they are.
Try Strategic Player with a free demo
Tell us where your child is now. In the demo the coach checks their level in a friendly way and confirms whether this stage is the right starting point.