Chess Academy · Pune & online

Train the board.
Train the mind.

Calm, structured coaching built around your own games. From first moves to titled-player preparation, led by a FIDE Instructor and Candidate Master.

Your coach

Soham Datar

Candidate Master, FIDE Instructor and founder of ChessMonk Academy. Soham has played in India and Europe for over twenty years, holds a peak rating of 2222 and has been teaching since 2008.

He started as a self-taught player and only took formal coaching at 1800, so he knows how it feels to learn the hard way and how to make it faster for you.

English · हिन्दी · मराठी

Personal

Every lesson starts from your games, not a generic syllabus.

Mindful

Calm decisions under pressure, taught as a skill.

Flexible

Online on Zoom or Meet, or in person in Pune.

Programs

A path for every player

♙

Beginner

Rules, board vision, basic tactics and checkmates. Ideal for ages 5+.

♘

Intermediate

Openings that make sense, middlegame plans, pawn structures.

♖

Advanced

Deep calculation, endgame technique, rating-focused training.

♔

Tournament prep

Opponent prep, time management and mental routines for events.

Group batches and 1-to-1 sessions available. Check the schedule with us for open slots.

How it works

Four steps to a stronger game

  1. 01

    Free demo

    A short session to understand your level and goals.

  2. 02

    Assessment

    We review your games and find the habits costing you points.

  3. 03

    Plan

    A training plan and a weekly slot that fits your life.

  4. 04

    Play & review

    Homework, tournaments, and honest review of every result.

0Students coached
0Teaching since
0IM norm earned by coach
0Years of play

Get started

Book your free demo class

Tell us a little about the player and we will get back with a time that works.

Email: sohamdatar94@gmail.com