Coach’s Corner: Adriana Nikolova – Chessable Blog

In a sport historically dominated by men, WGM Adriana Nikolova stands out – not only as a competitor but also as one of the most dedicated female coaches. A seasoned Olympiad player, Adriana claimed the Bulgarian Women’s Championship title in all formats (classic, fast and blitz) in 2011. Before that, her highest rating of 2389 earned her a spot in the top 100 female players in the world.

And while his trajectory as a player is impressive and his work as a streamer is on the rise, his work as a chess coach has become his true calling. In 2017, Adriana lived for a year in Dubai to work as a full-time coach. Since then, he has accumulated years of experience and has taught 300+ students worldwide; Adriana’s impact extends beyond the tournament halls.

“I’m happier when I can provide support and knowledge compared to playing alone in a tournament,” admits Adriana.

In this interview, the Plovid-based player shares basic advice:

What is your philosophy on teaching chess?

If you work hard, you deserve victory. Don’t give up; There is always hope, and you have to find a chance and fight to the end. I have had many students who have been quick to resign once they have lost a pawn, and after working with me they realize that sometimes having a queen is not enough to win the game if you are not accurate.

Suppose a player has only 3 hours a week for chess practice. How do they spend their time?

My students’ job is to follow my recommendations, raise their speed/blitz ratings, solve puzzles, and do their homework. They should play regular fast-paced games to have enough material to analyze, and study open-ended questions and read books in their free time.
If you only have 3 hours, you can invest it
1. Puzzle Rush
2. Rated puzzles
3. Some blitz play
4. Two quick games

What is the biggest factor in the development of players under 1200 (Chess.com)? Under 2000?

Under 1200 – they need to solve a hundred puzzles per week to avoid mistakes.

Under 2000 – they need to start paying attention to more opening novelties or just updating their opening repertoires.

What is your preferred way of improving openings? What is the chess opening technique you try to teach your students?

Personally, I have a great experience with openings simply because I am now more of a coach than a chess player. I prepare my students for the openings they need, not the openings I know best. When I decide to choose a new opening, I first try to check the 100 best games in the database of top GM players who played well; second, I follow some depth of theoretical knowledge; and third, before the OTB game, I want to have about 100 online blitz games to test if the result is good and if I understand the differences. Chess openings should be chosen depending on the chess style of the player’s board. In addition, if they already have good results in some openings, we can only update them, not start a new one and make them confused. It also depends on the level…for example, never give the newbie the biggest opening like Sicilian or Ruy Lopez, of course.

What is your preferred way of improving the end game?

Chess.com has great chess exercises. I also work with my students on Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual. I also like 1000 Endgame Studies because you develop your creativity in the middle of the exercise, and you realize how amazing chess is. This is ART. And finally, I am also a fan of Averbakh’s books.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with aspiring chess developers?

Last but not least is physical fitness. If you’re in good shape, of course, you’ll play a six-hour game better. So don’t forget that movement is LIFE. I like to read business books, which develop my creativity and always give me new ideas to work on chess or just inspire me with their stories. The life of Mr. Buffett was not easy when he was young, so everyone has to work hard to deserve victory, to deserve a better result, sweat in the gym, and look good in front of the mirror. Every morning say “Thank you” that you are here, that now you can play 10 games of chess and enjoy your life! Of course, for more ambitious chess players, the advice should also include hours of chess work every day—no rest. Thousands of puzzles, high-level opening prep, physical fitness, and always after falling – think about the NEXT games!

Pawn Endgames for Beginners

WGM Adriana Nikolova published a well-received course on Chessable: Pawn Endgames for Beginners.

Available in English and German, the course will guide you step by step through the basic techniques of pawn-up positions, covering important concepts such as king activation, opposition, passed pawns, etc. Check it out!