Confident Chess Academy is a year-long coaching experience for beginners ready to commit to their chess passion and have fun becoming a chess player playing above a 1500 online rating.
Play Chess Confidently
“If there was one word I could use to describe my experience, it would be ‘excellent’.“
- Jacob P.
Overwhelmed by Chess?
You’re not Alone.
Whether you’re diving into chess for the first time, or coming back after years of not playing, the thought of playing chess confidently can be daunting.
Confusion, doubt, information overload.
No plan to see real results.
No chess friends and general lack of support.
Not sure the proper way to play chess.
I’m Billy
I wasn’t a 9-year old chess genius. I’m a regular guy who got serious about chess in 2019, played over 50,000 games and reached a Bullet rating over 2300 in my thirties- without memorizing a bunch of moves.
I turned my experience into a simple process that can take you from an absolute beginner to confident chess player in less than a year- while having a great time getting there!
Confident Chess Academy
Introducing
What it is…
A 12-month journey with the training, resources, support, and community to become a strong chess player- even if you don’t have a lot of time.
The program combines self-paced video lessons, weekly group calls, and private coaching sessions so you learn at your pace while getting tailored feedback to break through a 1500 online rating and beyond.
How it started…
The need for this program became clear after coaching youth full-time in Seattle, WA. While coaching in schools and classes, parents and staff would often stop me to pick my brain about chess.
After several of these interactions I realized these people represented a larger group of adults who wanted to learn chess, but who didn’t know where to start.
Or who had made some progress, but weren’t seeing significant results.
I realized that free tools like Lichess.org, chess.com, or YouTube weren’t going to cut it for them, and wanted to give people a simple path to real, long-term results.
I decided to create a dedicated program that helps adults reach their chess goals, without the formality.
Why it Works
Private Curated Community: I hand-pick each member to make sure the experience is positive.
Informal: We love to have good clean fun and it shows in our coaching calls and community.
Simplicity: I simplified complex topics so you learn step-by-step within your busy schedule.
Action-Based: Action steps, puzzles, and activities are built into the program so you learn by doing, not just listening.
1-on-1 Support: Cut your learning curve with private chess sessions with me.
Play Great Chess
Imagine…
Taking the guesswork out of your chess moves with a clear, decisive plan.
Having the skills to spot tactics, keep your pieces safe, and consistently win games.
Enjoying this game to the fullest by removing doubt and confusion.
Gaining the experience and confidence to play online and in person, share your knowledge with others, and- if you want- even lead a local chess club.
“I was surprised that I was able to learn so much about chess.”
- Christian S.
A Year of Skill Building
Learners who devote 2-3 hours a week (or 20 minutes a day) will see the best results.
Day 30
You’ll have all the rules down, become comfortable with piece movement, make real threats on the board, and will be able to win games 4 different ways.
Month 3
You’ll gain the vision to avoid major mistakes, know when to attack or defend, be skilled at spotting a number of tactics, and consistently play your best starting moves.
Month 6
You’ll become a skilled assassin, finding and targeting opponent weaknesses, making complex plans, and performing advanced game-winning moves.
1 Year
At years end, you’ll have the knowledge, experience, and community to play chess confidently for the rest of your life at a rating level above 1500.
The Details
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Not at all.
We have a core training that meets you where you are, whether you need to learn piece movement or are farther along.
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We know life is busy. Sessions are recorded and stored in the community so you can watch when you’re able.
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Yes.
If your application is approved, we’ll get you all set up to dive into the recorded lessons, resources, and live Q&A.
You’ll have access for a full year from when you sign up.
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From the very first lesson you’ll already start to clear confusion and build your chess foundation.
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All good! That’s why we’re here! To learn. We don’t judge where anyone is in their chess journey.
This is a supportive community of learners.
We encourage each other, offer advice, and share wins.
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It’s more relaxed.
We think chess should be approachable and enjoyable, so we joke and smile regularly.
That said, we also want you to play proper chess, so we adhere to all the official rules so you know how chess is played around the world.
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If you’ve not seen significant results after 90 days, I’ll extend your full program benefits for 3 months at no extra charge, so you have the time to reach your goals.
This Program Isn’t for Those:
Looking for a quick hack to win every game overnight.
Only wanting to memorize openings instead of learning how to think.
Who don’t want feedback or prefer to “go it alone”.
Who see chess as purely competition and not as growth or fun.
Who aren’t ready to invest time consistently each week to see progress.
Things to Know About Me:
I’m not a Grand Master and have no fancy title like IM, FM, or CM. I’ a regular guy who slows things down so you actually understand what’s happening on the board.
I’ve never played (or even had a real interest to play) an in-person tournament. I’m here to help you get great at this game we love. What you do with that experience is up to you, but if tournament experience is important to you, I may not be the best coach to guide you through that process.
Things I care about: curiosity, honesty, progress, laughter, community. Things I care less about: memorization, ego, sports, rating status.
I’m not for everyone- I’m for adult men and women who want chess to become a life-enriching skill that opens the door to more fun, challenge, and community.
“I started Billy's program barely knowing the basics. Thanks to his clear and thoughtful instruction, I now have a solid foundation that goes well beyond the basics, from openings to special moves and even algebraic notation. It’s been an incredibly fun and rewarding learning experience!”
- Zach S.
Included:
✅ 12-Months Access to Confident Chess Academy.
Easy step-by-step video lessons give you the freedom watch on your schedule and learn fast without pressure.
✅ Weekly group Q&A coaching calls.
Clear confusion by getting answers to your chess questions and regular guidance specific to your needs.
✅ 1 Private coaching call a month with Billy.
Drastically improve your chess playing with 1-on-1 mentorship.
✅ 1 year access to the Chess Vault.
Aide your growth with visual elements like puzzles, engaging activities, and helpful PDF’s that give you hands-on chess experience.
✅ Private group chat with Billy and other members.
Share wins, get answers to questions, and build meaningful friendships with other chess lovers like you.
This is Your Year
Don’t waste years or decades watching hundreds of videos for minimal results.
Let me help you build serious chess skills fast and make sure you have the tools needed to excel over the board for many years to come.
Get the coaching, support, and community to become a competent chess player by joining Confident Chess Academy for a one time fee of $5,000 (payment plans available).
Spots are limited to 50 people a year so that I’m fully able to serve each member and get them amazing results.
See you there!