Kostya Kavutskiy

Kostya Kavutskiy is an International Master, professional chess coach, and author who has become one of the most respected voices in chess education. Based in the United States, Kavutskiy earned his IM title through years of competitive play and has since dedicated his career to helping players improve through structured, practical instruction.

He is best known as the author of the "Modernized" book series, published by Quality Chess. The series covers popular openings with an emphasis on modern ideas and practical game plans. Titles in the series include works on the Open Sicilian, the Caro-Kann, and the French Defense, among others. Each book blends classical understanding with current grandmaster practice, making them valuable resources for club and tournament players looking to build a serious repertoire.

Beyond writing, Kavutskiy is an active coach who works with players at various levels. He contributes regularly to chess media, has written for outlets like Chess Life and New In Chess, and maintains an educational presence online through his blog and social media. His approach focuses on understanding ideas over memorizing lines, which resonates with adult improvers and ambitious juniors alike.