Francesco Salerno
Board Games and Science Educator in London (UK)
Learn more about the History, Maths, Strategy and Design of Board Games!
What can I do for you?
Game design consultancy (abstract/combinatorial games)
Contact me so we can have a chat about what you need!
courses, seminars and workshops
I deliver workshops, seminars, and full courses at the interface of board games and education.
My sessions focus on:
The History & Culture of Board Games
Math & AI behind Board Games
Game Design of Abstract Strategy Games
Strategy and Analytical Thinking in Mind Sports
Imperial College London Evening Course
(in person)
Next start: October 2026
Theory and Practice of Pure Strategy Games (video course)
Coming soon!
My last seminar
"From Traditional to Modern Abstract Games"
Norwich Games Festival 2025
Past seminars:
- Digital Transformation Course 2026, visiting lecture at Imperial College: "Board Games VS Video Games"
- European Mensa Annual Gathering 2025 Wales: "From Chess to Hive: the evolution of Strategy Board Games"
- European Hive Convention 2025 Budapest: "One Hive Rule: Community!"
Contact me to know what kind of events are suitable for your school, festival or company.
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, Othello, Tumbleweed, Dominion...
I won several medals at the Mind Sports Olympiad
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.
Contact me to get a quote for 1-to-1, group lessons or discuss the organisation of events.
game design & collaborations
Did you design a board game and want me to find its weaknesses?Do you want to design a game together or collaborate on educational board game projects?I am particularly interested in the following topics:
Abstract/Combinatorial games and deck-building. Give me your game and I'll break it for you!
Traditional, modern and novel educational games for museums and festivals.
Board Games as a tool to teach critical and analytical thinking.
Show me your game or contact me to talk about it!
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.
Shop
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 hereHere you can find some strategy guide material I created!
Understanding Hive move by move (book)
(COMING SOON!)
Intensive Beginners Hive Course (slides)
(English and Spanish)
