Francesco "Frasco" Salerno
I play, teach and talk about Abstract Strategy Board Games, pretty much all the time.If you like Chess, Hive, Board Games, Game Design or other mental challenges, you are in the right place!
What can I do for you?
Courses, seminars, and workshops on the history, maths and design of abstract strategy games.
One-on-one or group coaching sessions for Chess, Hive, and other Mind Sports.
Consultancy and collaborations for Game Design research projects, with a focus on science-based educational games and abstract games.
London, UK
courses, seminars and workshops
I deliver workshops, seminars, and full courses at the interface of board games and education (in person and online)
My sessions focus on:
The History & Culture of Board Games
Math & AI behind Board Games
Game Design of Abstract Strategy Games
Strategy and Critical Thinking in Mind Sports
Imperial College London Evening Course
(in person)
Next start: April 2026
Theory and Practice of Pure Strategy Games (video course)
Coming soon!
My last seminar
Norwich Games Festival 2025
Contact me to know what kind of events are suitable to your school, festival or company.
Private Coaching and mind sports
I specialise in Abstract Strategy Games:
2-player games with perfect information and no luck, where plan and strategy are key.Whether you are beginner or advanced, I can help you develop the skills to play your favourite game.I offer both private classes (in-person in London or online) and group sessions.
My main areas of coaching are Chess (Elo Fide 1950) and Hive (World Top 32).
Other games I am skilled at are: Abalone, Lines of Action, Amazons.
More games I enjoy teaching: Quoridor, Oware, Tumbleweed, Dominion...
I won several medals at the Mind Sports Olympiad
Contact me to get a quote for 1-to-1 or group lessons.
Hive is a modern 2-player strategy game inspired by chess. The community is growing and the game is evolving! Learn how to play here and find more info about events hereMy Short Intensive Beginners Course Slides
(Eng and Esp)
Events
I run Hive tournaments regularly for Gen42.
I co-organised MOCHALUNT, the first world championship of abstract games for national teams online.
I ran twice the London Strategy Games Festival together with ChessPlus.
game design and education
I am always open to collaborations on research projects that involve the design of new games or activities combining board games, science, and education.I am particularly interested in the following topics:
Divulgation of mathematical, historical and cultural ideas behind Traditional and Modern Board Games (museums, festivals).
Quantification of 'real benefits' of playing games on hard skills (academic research).
Board Games as a tool to teach critical thinking in young people and fight gambling addiction (social projects)
youtube and podcast
Ad Abstra Podcast
Listen to my conversations with personalities from the abstract board game community as we explore game design and culture.
Also on Spotify!
Master Hive
If you play Hive, check out my YT channel and find loads of videos with strategy tips and games commentary.
more about me & Contact
Beyond the board, I've got a PhD in Chemistry, I love learning languages (ever tried Language Transfer?), reading, playing (badly) music, and cooking (with a lot of olive oil!)
