The Chess Elevator Climb to 1200 and Beyond by CM Can Kabadayi Chessable

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving 1200 and Beyond

The best way to get better at chess is to build level by level, floor by floor. You have to master each level before you can move up to the next one.

This course is the embodiment of that idea. Candidate Master Can Kabadayi has worked through thousands of amateur games to put this specialized training program together. A cognitive scientist by training, he has taken a scientific approach by analyzing the games at each level and working out what kinds of mistakes those players make. Then, with his guidance, you’ll learn how to stop making those mistakes and move up to the next level.

His goal is to provide a system that optimizes your training. By design, each level shouldn’t be too difficult – as a cognitive scientist, he’s aware of the danger of overloading your brain with problems that are just too hard. He aims to get your training in the “goldilocks zone”, in order to make your work as efficient as possible.

Starting with Level 1 (aimed at 600-800 rating), you’ll work through the ideas and problems that are most common at that level. You’ll focus on noticing threats, asking yourself questions and building board awareness.

Defending against threats is one of the key parts of Level 1. Can you save the queen?

Then you’ll move up the elevator to Level 2 (aimed at 800-1000 rating). You’ll build and expand on the skills from level one, learn how to blunder-check and how to calculate. You’ll start to see more complex problems on both attacking and defending.

Level 2 will introduce you to calculation. Can you see the next 2 moves?

Level 3 (1000-1200) will upgrade your blunder-check skills and introduce you to positional and strategic concepts. You’ll also learn the basics of good pawn play and the importance of piece activity.

Can you see what the best square for the knight is?

The course features puzzles from real games at each level. They’re mixed up to create a real game experience, since during a game you wouldn’t necessarily know what kind of move you’re looking for.

Can Kabadayi is a Candidate Master from Sweden. He was voted Community Author of the Year in 2022, and his course Fundamental Chess Calculation Skills won Best Tactics Course in 2023. His courses lean on his experience as a cognitive scientist and offer a unique, science-based approach to your chess training.