Chess Mastery Academy · Private Coaching
If you've been stuck at the same rating for months — or if you already know you're serious and want results faster — VIP private coaching is the direct path. One coach. One student. One plan built around you.
It's not effort. It's not intelligence. It's the lack of a specific plan built for your specific game.
Generic YouTube videos and puzzle apps are fine for beginners — but they can't tell you that your real problem is losing rooks to back-rank tactics, or that your endgames collapse in winning positions. Only someone watching your games can see that.
Every player has patterns — recurring blunders, calculation shortcuts, position types they misread. Without someone who knows your game personally, those patterns keep repeating. You improve around them, not through them.
Group classes give you exposure. But between sessions, most students drift. No plan, no homework, no feedback loop. Private coaching closes that gap with specific assignments, between-session accountability, and direct answers when you're stuck.
What's different about private coaching
In a group, the instructor teaches to the middle. In VIP, there is no middle — it's just you and Moses, working through your games, your openings, your habits, and your goals.
That means when you show up to a session, we already know what you struggled with last week. We've looked at your games. We have a plan for today. And when you leave, you know exactly what to work on before next time.
VIP isn't a status upgrade — it's a different kind of commitment. Here's what that looks like on both sides.
You're putting in the time. But the rating won't move. A private coaching session often finds the answer in the first 20 minutes by reviewing your games directly.
Not tactics puzzles. Actual preparation: opening lines for your expected pairings, endgame positions you need to know, time management habits, and how to handle losing positions.
Not just "they're improving." But: here's where they are, here's the next level, here's what we're working on, and here's what you'll see change over the next 90 days.
Bad habits form fast. Starting with private coaching means learning the right mental models from day one — not having to unlearn them at 800 ELO.
Group training gives you the curriculum. VIP adds direct attention to how you specifically apply it — and it dramatically accelerates what the group work builds.
There's an infinite amount of chess content out there. Private coaching gives you a filter: here's what actually matters for your level, your style, and your goals right now.
You want to study chess casually with no particular goals. That's perfectly fine — the ELO Group classes and free assessment are the better starting point. VIP is for students who are ready to commit to a real improvement plan.
You're hoping the sessions will do the work for you. Private coaching accelerates what you're already putting in — it doesn't replace the work. Students who get the most out of VIP do the homework, review their games between sessions, and show up with questions.
Every package includes direct access to FIDE Instructor Moses Ford, personalized session plans, and a study roadmap built around your specific games and goals.
Prices listed are starting rates. Final pricing is confirmed during the application process based on schedule, frequency, and student goals.
Group bundle discounts available for 2+ students from the same family.
Both are great. Here's the honest difference between them.
Many students do both — ELO Groups for curriculum, VIP for personalized attention. Full Mastery and Elite Track packages include group enrollment.
The whole process takes less than a week from application to first session.
The application asks about your current ELO rating, your chess background, your specific goals, and your preferred coaching frequency. There are no wrong answers — it's how we find the right fit for you.
Moses or a team member reviews your application within 1–2 business days and contacts you to confirm availability and answer any questions. If spots are currently full, you'll be added to the waitlist.
A brief call to confirm the package, get clarity on your goals, and answer any remaining questions before the first session. No hard pitch — just making sure the setup is right for you.
Your first full session is a diagnostic deep-dive. You submit 2–3 recent games. Moses analyzes them before the session, and together you identify the recurring patterns that are holding your rating back. By the end of session one, you have a clear picture of exactly what to work on.
After session one, you receive a written study plan tailored to your level and goals. Homework, resources, focus areas for the next session — everything in writing so you know exactly what to do between meetings.
Moses works with a small number of private students at any given time so each student receives the attention the program promises. Apply now to reserve your spot or be added to the waitlist.
Apply for VIP Coaching Not sure yet? Take the free assessment firstNo commitment required to apply. We'll reach out to confirm fit before any payment.
No. VIP coaching works for complete beginners through advanced players. The approach changes based on where you are — but private coaching is effective at every level. If anything, starting early saves you from developing bad habits that are harder to fix later.
That's actually the ideal setup. Group classes give you curriculum and exposure. VIP coaching adds a personalized layer on top — applying the group material directly to your specific games and patterns. Full Mastery Track includes group enrollment.
VIP coaching is available for youth students (with parent coordination). For younger students, we adjust session pacing and communication style accordingly. Parents of youth VIP students receive monthly written updates.
Life happens. We ask for 24 hours notice to reschedule. Sessions missed with notice are always rescheduled. We work with your real schedule — the goal is consistency, not rigid rigidity.
All private coaching sessions are conducted online via video call, typically using a shared chess board so you and Moses can work through positions together in real time. You need a stable internet connection and a device with a camera.
We'll tell you honestly during the intro call if we think a different program would serve you better. The goal is your improvement — not just filling a spot. The free assessment is a great first step if you're unsure.
Every week you spend stuck at the same rating is a week of playing without a plan. VIP coaching gives you the plan — and the coach who helps you execute it.
Application takes 5 minutes. No commitment before the intro call. Spots are limited — we only take on students we can give our full attention to.
Not sure which path is right? The free assessment starts the conversation.