Upstep Academy Intermediate Chess Level

Intermediate Level is the period where you go from being aware of the usual tactical patterns and opening strategies to cementing that knowledge with practice of more difficult positions along with newfound knowledge of the endgames. If you want to be a better player, our intermediate chess course gives you the deep, systematic training that you need. The intermediate chess lessons that we offer are extensive and cover the most important aspects of tactics, endgames and openings, thus making your chess training for intermediate players not only effective but also enjoyable.

Happy Students
0 +

Who Should Take This Course Intermediate Chess Level?

This course is designed for students who already have a strong foundation in chess and are ready for deeper concepts. It is not for a beginner, but for students who are ready to think several moves ahead.

Intermediate Chess Course

To make the most of this course, a student should have:

  • Completed a Pre-Requisite: The student must have completed the Beginner level of the Upstep Academy curriculum.
  • Equivalent Knowledge: The student has equivalent knowledge, at a minimum, a reasonable understanding of basic tactical motifs (such as forks and pins), the ability to complete simple checkmates, and a reasonable ability to play a game of chess correctly, following the international rules.


Our coaches will quickly identify your knowledge and skill level to ensure you are placed in the correct chess intermediate level that allows you to make gains.

What You Will Learn in Intermediate Chess Level

Our Intermediate Level Curriculum strengthens a student’s understanding of all phases of the game. Tactics remain the main focus, with particular emphasis on learning how to apply them effectively in real positions. We also cover the Opening and Endgame phases in greater detail, along with structured two-move calculation exercises that become very useful in the Middlegame.

With a solid foundation from the previous levels, students are now ready to explore these ideas more deeply and continue progressing confidently in their chess journey.

Our Strategy in Chess Level 2 Curriculum

The teaching method of the Upstep Academy is developed to ensure the greatest transfer of knowledge and at the same time to be the most flexible possible for all those students who are searching for the intermediate chess lessons.

Class Type Frequency Duration Unique Focus
One-on-one
2 days/week (20 sessions)
2.5 Months
Personalised and undivided attention of the coach, tailored pace.
Focused Group
2 days/week (24 sessions)
3 Months
Focuses more on implementation & frequent game analysis in a smaller group (4 students).
Regular Group
2 days/week (24 sessions)
3 Months
Offers flexibility in learning chess at a steady pace in an interactive group (8 students).

Practice and Accountability

Game Analysis

All the games you played are subjected to thorough game analysis as part of the curriculum. This is important for spotting the areas where you are lacking and strengthening the chess intermediate concepts that you are mastering.

Homework and Review

Occasionally, students are assigned homework that is then reviewed by the coach during the next class. This guarantees that the students get practical experience and the coach has a way of ensuring that the students are actually doing the work outside of class.

Learning Progression

The special curriculum makes it inevitable that the skills you acquire through instruction are the same that are practiced through playing in the coaching sessions, thus eliminating the discrepancy between theory and real-game execution.

Results and Advantages
of Intermediate Chess Training

Results and Advantages of Intermediate Chess Training

Outcomes Measured

Major Developmental Benefits

The divine load of our intermediate chess lessons gets converted to real-world cognitive skills:

Intermediate Players’ Most Common Questions

Is the Intermediate Level compulsory before Advanced?

Yes. The Intermediate level of the Foundation chess course introduces the various aspects i.e. tactics, openings, and endgames in the correct manner that will be of utmost importance for the Advanced Level curriculum (Advanced Level Part 1 and Part 2) to be understood and further built upon.

When will I be able to say that I have completed the Intermediate Level?

The course promises to be around 2.5 to 3 months at the most, depending on the mode chosen. Nevertheless, the main aim is to achieve mastery, not merely to spend the hours. The progress will be in line with the student’s commitment to homework and practice.

What if my kid is outside the age group defined (4 to 15 years)?

Our curriculum is organized for the upward move of knowledge. If you are a mature student or a grown-up with the necessary knowledge, then you are free to join. The content is pertinent for all who want to master chess intermediate concepts.

Is there any material provided for revision?

We give you a thorough set of Notes for Revision and also the access to specific Puzzles for Targeted Growth that match exactly with the ideas learnt in each session, guaranteeing that you can study effectively.

What is the frequency of competitive games that my child should play?

When students are about to finish the level, they will be strongly motivated to take part in Regular Tournaments in order to use the knowledge acquired. Our coaches will be able to give their opinion on the most appropriate frequency.

Are there any specific software requirements for the online sessions?

Not at all; our online chess courses for the intermediates are conducted over standard, live-online platforms that guarantee interactive sessions. A reliable internet connection, and a computer or tablet are sufficient for you.

Is it possible to move from a Group Class to a One-on-One Class?

Absolutely; we have a flexible system. Our Dedicated Relationship Manager is there to support you in adjusting your class format according to your schedule and availability, so the transition will be smooth.

What will the homework assignments be about?

The homework will concentrate on training the recognized tactical themes and endgame techniques that were taught during the lesson, for example, practicing the Knight Fork and applying Berger’s Rule to determine the win/draw condition.

Will there be any particular opening variations taught throughout the course?

At this level, we are going to concentrate on mastering the fundamentals of the opening play (for example, center control, quick development, King safety). Deeper theory and specific line memorization will only be covered in Advanced Levels.

What type of certification will I receive?

Students who complete the Intermediate Level of Foundation chess course
will receive a formal Upstep Academy Certificate of Completion that acknowledges their official move to the next stage of mastery.

Are You Ready to Improve Your Chess Skills?

If you are ready to eliminate simple mistakes and start turning your advantages into victories, then the Intermediate Level is your way to go. We will be guiding you through this thrilling stage of your growth.