Coach Of The Month: CM Ilija Stanojevic

CM Ilija Stanojevic is a popular online chess coach with significant experience in teaching beginners as well as more advanced players. His lessons are customized to his students' skill levels and playing styles, with a particular focus on middlegames and overall strategy.

Read on to get top tips and advice from Ilija on chess improvement, and a look at one of GM Fabiano Caruana's best games!

Readers seeking private instruction can contact Ilija via his Chess.com profile.

At what age were you introduced to chess, and who introduced you?

When I was just five years old, I had my first encounter with chess, and it was all thanks to my dad and grandpa. We would spend hours playing casually, and over time, my interest grew. As a young child, I began delving into books about chess and even started participating in youth tournaments.

What is your first vivid memory of chess?

When I won my first tournament at my elementary school and received a trophy and a medal, the feeling was indescribable. At that time, I had been playing a lot without seeing any tangible results, but after winning the tournament, my confidence soared!

Which coaches were helpful to you in your chess career, and what was the most useful knowledge they imparted to you?

There were numerous coaches, but I could never find one who understood my style of play. Then, I met GM Aleksandar Delchev, who improved my game in just under three months, and together, we increased my FIDE rating by 300 points. In addition to him, I sought advice from IM Miodrag Perunovic, a trainer with a global perspective.

What is your favorite or best game you ever played?

There were many games that I could consider, but I want to point out this game of which I was really proud. I played WIM Adela Velikic, who is a really strong player and represented Serbia in the Olympiad. This game took place at the 2023 European Chess Championship in Serbia.

How would you describe your approach to chess coaching?

I always like to find the most critical area to focus on when someone new contacts me to be my student. That means that we are focusing immediately on the things that my student doesn't know how to do by themselves.

What is a piece of advice that you give your students that more chess players could benefit from?

If you lack knowledge of chess openings, it is advisable to focus on developing your minor pieces to natural squares rather than moving your queen excessively and wasting valuable moves. Prioritize castling at the earliest opportunity to secure your king's safety, and then consider alternative strategic plans.

What is your favorite teaching game that users might not have seen?

The incredible home preparation by GM Fabiano Caruana and the move Bc4 in the Najdorf opening against GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.

What is a puzzle you like to show to your students?

To gauge a student's understanding of chess, I often inquire about their thoughts on a specific position.

This particular position is mostly closed, with only two open files. Each side has its own plans, and our focus is on finding the best strategy for Black.

The solution: Black has the upper hand due to their greater space advantage and more active piece placement. In order to increase the pressure even more, Black now executes a strong dark-squared bishop maneuver with the move ...Be7. This move will further enhance their position and put additional pressure on the opponent, intending ...Bd8-b6 to seize the g1-a7 diagonal.

Do you prefer to teach online or offline? 

Learning chess online enables connections with people from all over the world, and I prefer it. However, I occasionally have offline lessons, which provide better interaction for understanding, especially with students who live in the same city as me.

What do you consider the most valuable training tool that the internet provides?

If you are a beginner, Chess.com is the perfect platform where you have everything that you need to start. After that, if you want to be more advanced, there is the ChessBase program which every professional player is using for their improvement.

Which under-appreciated chess book should every chess player read?

Definitely the book from author Nikola Karaklajic, "Let Me Ask You, Do You Know...?"

This book goes beyond the ordinary and expands your horizons with its mind-blowing tactical insights. While many people enjoy it for the sheer fun of solving challenging puzzles, its true value lies in its ability to profoundly elevate your tactical thinking and inspire innovative ideas.

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