Who it is for
Club players entering or already competing in over-the-board or rated online tournaments.
Approximate level
Advanced club · typically 1400–1800 rating equivalent
Typical stage duration
Typically 6–12 months
Recommended learning format
1:1 strongly recommended, with optional group tournament labs
Expected learning outcomes
- Calculate longer lines with fewer oversights
- Balance positional and dynamic decisions
- Arrive at each game with concrete opening preparation
- Defend difficult positions and prevent opponents' plans
- Manage the clock and emotions across a long event
Core syllabus
- 1Advanced calculation: candidate trees, prophylactic thinking, quiet moves
- 2Positional versus dynamic decision making, sacrifices for initiative
- 3Opening preparation and transposition awareness
- 4Defence, prophylaxis and creating practical problems
- 5Advanced practical endgames: rook, minor piece, opposite bishops
- 6Clock management and time-trouble discipline
- 7Tournament rules, arbiter procedure and etiquette
- 8Opponent preparation from their games
- 9Performance routine and emotional resilience after a loss
Practice activities
- Timed calculation exercises under clock pressure
- Simulated tournament games with post-game analysis
- Preparation files per opponent and per opening
- Written self-review after every event
Milestone
Complete a full tournament with a prepared repertoire, sensible clock use and a written self-review.
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 Tournament Ready 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.