About me
Hi, my name is Yelizaveta Orlova, but call me Liza! I am a Woman Candidate Master (FIDE) & Woman National Master (Canadian Chess Federation).
I’ve been interested in chess ever since I was a little child. My mom taught me how to move the chess pieces when I was 4 years old, however, once the game got more difficult I lost interest. At age 8, I saw my dad playing chess on the computer and asked my father to teach me the game. I started taking chess seriously at age 9 and later that year with hard work and dedication became the vice-champion for Girls Under 10 in Canada.
Throughout the years, I’ve achieved many national achievements and travelled abroad representing my country. My passion for chess introduced me into chess instruction where I wanted to show & educate people the greatness and fun of the game. It’s been an amazing experience teaching young and old minds through out the years. Let me show you this experience too!
Playing experience
2022 Became Best Selling Author (Category: chess)
2019 Became Best Selling Author (Category: chess)
2018 Published my very first book
2013 Helped introduce Woman National Candidate Master (WNCM) and Woman National Master (WNM) title; first recognized WNM player
2013 4th Highest rated Canadian female
2012 Represented Canada at International Women’s Championship at UNAM
2012, 2010 Represented Canada at Women’s Olympiad
2011, 2010 Toronto Women’s Championship, 1st place
2011 Canadian Women’s Championship, 3rd place
2011, 2008, 2007, 2005 Canadian Youth Chess Championship, 1st place
2010, 2009, 2004-2007 Ontario Youth Chess Championship, 1st place
2008 Top 10, World Youth Under-14 Girls Championship
2008 Toronto Women’s Championship, 2nd place
2008 Canadian Junior Girls Champion
2006, 2004 Canadian Youth Chess Championship, 2nd place
Teaching experience
Chess Instructor, Self-employed, Oct 2010 – Present
-- Improving ambitious students’ skills through chess theory, analysis and lesson personalization.
Pub Chess Toronto, Founder, June 2015 – Present
-- Driving the social landscape of chess through tournaments, guest lectures and meetups for keen chess players at pubs across Toronto.
Chess Instructor, Chessminds Academy in Vancouver, Jan 2018 – Present
-- Teaching chess fundamentals to students in extracurricular schools programs. Supervising kids chess tournaments; resolving disputes and recording scores.
Vancouver Chess Club, Founder, Sept 2019 – March 2020
-- Competitive chess scene through tournaments, guest lectures and casual play for keen chess players across Metro Vancouver.
Book Author, Callisto Media, June 2018 – Feb 2019
-- Published the book — Chess for Beginners: Know the Rules, Choose Your Strategy, and Start Winning! Became a best seller, Nov 2019!
Chess Instructor, Chess’n Math in Toronto, Oct 2014 – Dec 2017
-- Teaching chess fundamentals to students in extracurricular schools programs. Supervising kids chess tournaments; resolving disputes and recording scores.
Chess Instructor, Annex Chess Club in Toronto, March – July 2017
-- Recruiting female chess players with high-quality lessons.
Publicity Officer, Chess Federation of Canada, Volunteer, Aug 2015 – Aug 2016
-- Handling social media platforms.
Women’s Coordinator, Chess Federation of Canada, Volunteer, Sept 2013 – Aug 2015
-- Answering questions & emails regarding Women’s chess in Canada.
Chess Instructor, Seneca Hill Chess Club in Toronto, May 2011 – July 2014
-- Teaching chess fundamentals to students in extracurricular schools programs. Supervising kids chess tournaments; resolving disputes and recording scores.
Other experiences
National Chess Player
-- My greatest chess achievements include being Canadian Girls' Chess Champion 4x, Ontario Girls' Chess Champion 6x & playing for the Canadian Women's Team 2x at the World Chess Olympics. I have a great understanding of the competitive side of the game.
Experienced Chess Coach
-- I have had over 12 years of experience in chess instruction of all kinds. Private. semi-private and group lessons. Kids & Adults. In-person & online!
Best Selling Author
-- Dec 2018, I published my very first beginner chess book. It became a best seller on Amazon, Nov 2019. Book is available on Amazon & in-stores: Indigo & Chapters (Canada), Barnes & Nobles (USA)
Teaching methodology
Lessons are done by
lichess.org + Zoom. Homework always given!
Lesson material is saved on lichess & can always be reviewed on your own time.
Have a ton of studies to offer!
You can message me anytime throughout tthe week for questions, or to show a game etc.
Canada