WFM Sofiia Kasaeva

I'm Sofiia, a 20-year-old math & CS student at HSE University and FIDE Women's Master. But chess is more than a title for me – it's the foundation of how I think and work.

I study machine learning and applied mathematics, currently focusing on ML/DL research and have worked in data engineering. Chess got me there: the pattern recognition, the ability to stay calm under pressure, the strategic thinking – these skills translate directly into tech careers, and I've seen it firsthand.

Beyond the board, chess has connected me with brilliant people across the world – scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs. Some of my most valuable professional relationships started over a game. In today's world, that kind of network is everything.

I coach online and work with students from different countries and backgrounds. If you want to get better at chess and sharper at life – I'd love to work with you.

1) European School Chess Champion 🏆

2) 2x Russian Chess Champion

3) FIDE Women's Master (WFM)

Competed in numerous national and international tournaments across Europe and Asia. My chess journey taught me discipline, pattern recognition, and the ability to stay calm under pressure – skills I now pass on to my students.

I have been coaching chess since 2023, working with beginners and intermediate players both individually and in small groups. My approach is built on clarity, patience and structure – I break down complex ideas into simple patterns that actually stick.

As a competitive player myself, I know exactly where students get stuck and how to get them unstuck. I focus not just on moves, but on the thinking process behind them: how to analyse a position, how to handle time pressure, how to learn from mistakes.

My background in mathematics and ML shapes how I teach – systematically, with attention to patterns and logic. And if you're interested, I'm happy to go beyond the board: share how chess thinking translates into real careers in tech, research and beyond – from my own experience.

Beyond chess, I mentor students in mathematics and analytical thinking, drawing on my experience at one of Russia's top technical universities. I have also studied at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen – which gave me a truly international perspective, both in academics and in life. I believe the same mindset that wins chess games – focus, pattern recognition, calm decision-making – is what drives success in science, tech, and beyond.

Openings and strategic planning, endgame technique, tactical pattern recognition, positional understanding. On the teaching side: breaking down complex positions into clear, digestible steps and helping students build their own thinking process, not just memorise moves. I also place a strong emphasis on independent work: every student gets structured homework, curated book recommendations, puzzle sets and practical tips to keep improving between sessions.

Every student is different, so I start with a short assessment to understand your current level, goals and weaknesses. From there, I build a personalised plan, no generic lessons.

A typical session includes: opening preparation tailored to your style, tactical puzzles, game analysis (your own games or classics) and of course endgame practice. After each lesson I share notes and homework so the progress continues between sessions.

I believe the fastest way to improve is to understand why, not just what to play. That's the approach I bring from mathematics and research: always look for the underlying pattern.