Structured training for the serious chess improver.
Daniel and Samuel He are identical twins from the Seattle area. They each achieved the National Master title at the start of high school through the local tournament circuit, the same scene many of their students are part of. They coached the Redmond High School chess team to the 2017 State Championship and a top-5 finish at Super Nationals. Most recently, Daniel became the 2024 Washington State Champion and achieved the FIDE Master title. They hope to share their passion for chess with others, whether nurturing up and coming prodigies or serious adult improvers.
Daniel He
- Achieved FM title in 2025
- 2024 Washington State Champion
- 3-Time Washington Junior Closed Champion
- 2400+ USCF
Samuel He
- 2-Time Washington Open Champion
- 2nd Place Grade 11 National Champion
- 2-Time Washington Junior Closed Champion
Growing up as a tactical player, I improved primarily through active learning — playing thousands of games to develop pattern recognition and solving challenging exercises. My approach to chess emphasizes calculation and mastery of the initiative. I study modern chess engines to better understand and refine the concept of the initiative, a core foundation of our curriculum. This process has helped me continue to improve and achieve new competitive peaks as an adult player. I especially enjoy helping more advanced students translate complex engine ideas into practical concepts that can be applied to win games.
I developed a strong strategic foundation growing up studying model games of past champions such as World Champions Anatoly Karpov and Tigran Petrosian. Books played a key role as well, specifically modern classics by Jeremy Silman such as How to Reassess Your Chess and The Amateur's Mind, which taught me the importance of clarity and consistency in evaluation. Today, in an era dominated by engines, I help students move beyond "computer lines" by prioritizing an intuitive understanding of the game. I translate complex concepts into plain English, using analogies and model games to help players find the right moves naturally.