All 9 Chess Courses Better Free: Gm Igor Smirnov
Report Title: Analysis of GM Igor Smirnov’s Paid Chess Curriculum vs. Free Alternatives
Date: Current Cycle Subject: GM Igor Smirnov (Remote Chess Academy) – 9 Core Courses
Let us answer the search query directly: Yes, GM Igor Smirnov’s all 9 chess courses are vastly better than free content—if and only if you value structure, depth, and time efficiency.
GM Smirnov himself often says: “Free information is like a pile of bricks. A course is the blueprint for a house. You can’t live in a pile of bricks.”
If you are tired of watching 100 videos and staying the same rating, invest in the system. The 9 courses are not just better than free—they are the only path from amateur to advanced without a personal GM coach.
Ready to start? Visit the Remote Chess Academy (RCA) and look for the “All Courses” bundle or start with the free “7 Grandmaster Secrets” mini-course to taste his style. Then, move to the paid material. Your future rating will thank you.
Rating improvement guarantee? None. But ask any student who finished “Positional Understanding” – they never look at a chessboard the same way again.
Unlock Your Chess Potential: GM Igor Smirnov's All 9 Chess Courses Better Free
Are you looking to improve your chess skills and take your game to the next level? Look no further! Grandmaster Igor Smirnov, a renowned chess expert and trainer, has made all 9 of his chess courses available for free. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of GM Smirnov's courses, what you can expect to learn, and how you can access these valuable resources.
Who is GM Igor Smirnov?
Grandmaster Igor Smirnov is a Ukrainian chess player and trainer with a wealth of experience in the game. He has been a chess professional for over 30 years, with a peak rating of 2540. Smirnov has won numerous tournaments and has represented Ukraine in several international competitions. As a trainer, he has worked with students of all levels, from beginners to grandmasters.
The Value of GM Smirnov's Chess Courses
GM Smirnov's chess courses are highly regarded for their comprehensive coverage of various aspects of the game. Each course is carefully designed to help players improve their skills, regardless of their current level. With a focus on practical and theoretical knowledge, Smirnov's courses cover topics such as:
All 9 Chess Courses: A Comprehensive Overview
GM Smirnov's 9 chess courses are:
Benefits of GM Smirnov's Courses
By taking advantage of GM Smirnov's free chess courses, you can:
How to Access GM Smirnov's Free Chess Courses
Accessing GM Smirnov's free chess courses is easy. Simply visit his website and navigate to the "Free Courses" section. From there, you can download or stream each course, depending on your preference. The courses are available in video format, with accompanying PDF materials and interactive exercises.
Conclusion
GM Igor Smirnov's decision to make all 9 of his chess courses available for free is a generous gift to the chess community. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, these courses offer a wealth of knowledge and insights that can help you improve your game. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity and start improving your chess skills today!
FAQs
Final Tips
By following these tips and taking advantage of GM Smirnov's free chess courses, you can unlock your full potential and become a better chess player.
GM Igor Smirnov, the founder of Remote Chess Academy (RCA), offers a wide range of chess courses known for their focus on "thinking systems" rather than just memorizing variations. While his premium courses (often sold in a "Super Pack") are highly regarded, many players find his free content sufficiently solid to significantly improve their rating. Solid Free Content Options
If you are looking for high-quality content without the premium price tag, these are the best official sources:
Free Masterclasses: Smirnov frequently offers free 60-minute masterclasses, such as "3 Steps to 2000 Elo," which focuses on the core principles that helped him jump from 1600 to 2260 ELO in one year.
YouTube Channel (Remote Chess Academy): This is his most extensive free resource, featuring over 500 videos. Solid playlists include:
Attack in Chess: Covers aggressive plans like "7 Winning Attacking Plans in the Italian Game".
Tactics and Calculation: Teaches grandmaster calculation techniques and how to avoid blunders. gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses better free
Thinking Systems: Lessons on how to find the best move even when you don't know the theory.
RCA Freebies: The official Remote Chess Academy Freebies section offers introductory courses and trial lessons, including "3 Simple Rules to Reach 2000 Rating Faster".
Bonus Free Downloads: You can occasionally find free full video lessons like "Fighting in the Endgame" and "10 GM Secrets" by using specific promo codes (e.g., "FREEDVD") on the RCA store. The Core "Solid" Premium Courses GM Igor Smirnov's Super Pack - Remote Chess Academy
GM Igor Smirnov , founder of the Remote Chess Academy , offers a vast library of over 30 courses. While his premium courses are paid, he provides several free resources to help players build a "Grandmaster thinking system" without the upfront cost. Top 9 Course "Features" (Premium vs. Free) Igor Smirnov's training is unique because it focuses on psychology calculation algorithms rather than just memorizing opening lines. The Grandmaster's Secrets
: His flagship course, teaching the fundamental thinking process used by GMs to find the best moves. The Grandmaster's Positional Understanding
: Focuses on deep strategic planning and how to read the board like a professional. Calculate Till Mate
: A comprehensive system for improving calculation and visualization abilities. The Grandmaster's Opening Lab
: A guide to building a powerful, GM-level opening repertoire effectively. 7 Keys to Victory
: Identifies 7 critical rules that determine the outcome of most chess games. Winning the Middlegame
: Provides an integrated system for planning and executing attacks in the middle of the game. An Endgame Expert
: Simplifies complex endgame theory into practical, actionable rules. Self-Taught Grandmaster
: Teaches you how to train yourself effectively without an expensive personal coach. How to Beat Stronger Opponents
: Specifically designed for club players to overcome higher-rated opponents using psychological and tactical "tricks". Better "Free" Alternatives & Resources GM Igor Smirnov's Super Pack - Remote Chess Academy
In the dim glow of a single monitor, Leo, a 1400-rated chess player, clicked "Buy Now" on the 9th course from GM Igor Smirnov. His credit card whimpered. His bookshelf already groaned under The Secret of Grandmaster Calculation, The Universal Opening System, and The Champion’s Mindset. But this one—Endgame Alchemy—was the last piece.
He had spent $847 chasing the phantom of a 2000 rating. Yet here he was, still hanging forks, still losing to the London System, still blundering back-rank mates.
"Tonight," Leo whispered, "I study all nine."
He brewed coffee, opened Course #1 (Positional Domination), and began. Three hours later, his eyes crossed. The principles blurred: "Activate your worst piece… restrict the opponent’s knight… trade bad bishops…" He knew the rules. He just couldn’t feel them.
Frustrated, Leo slammed the laptop shut. The screen flickered—and stayed on. Static crawled across the display like digital frost. Then, a face formed. Not Igor Smirnov’s polished thumbnail face, but a younger, sharper version: a grandmaster in a hoodie, sipping tea.
"Leo," said the ghost of GM Igor Smirnov—or something wearing his face. "You bought all nine courses."
"I… yes."
"Good. Now I’ll give you what’s better than all nine. For free."
Leo’s heart hammered. "Better than nine GM courses? Free?"
The ghost grinned. "The problem isn’t knowledge. You have more openings than Magnus. The problem is noise. You memorize variations but don’t recognize a single human mistake over the board. Watch."
The screen split into nine windows—each showing a key moment from each course. Course #3: Attacking the King. Course #7: Beating Lower-Rated Players. Course #9: Clutch Tactics. They swirled together into a single, ugly position: a middlegame from Leo’s last loss.
"You hung your rook on move 18," the ghost said. "But you didn't see it because you were trying to recall a 'grandmaster idea' from Course #5. You ignored the free lesson: look at your opponent’s last move with hate."
The ghost snapped his fingers. The nine courses collapsed into three short sentences, burning into the screen:
"That’s it?" Leo asked. "That’s the 'better than nine courses'?"
"That’s the filter," the ghost said. "The 2000-rated player doesn’t know more than you. He just ignores 80% of the fancy junk and follows those three rules with religious fear."
The screen went black. Leo rebooted. All nine courses were still there, untouched. But now, every time he opened one, a watermark appeared in the corner: "Better free lesson: what’s the direct threat?" Report Title: Analysis of GM Igor Smirnov’s Paid
Leo stopped binge-watching courses. He started playing slower. He asked one question per move: "If I do nothing, what kills me?" Within two months, he hit 1850. He never bought another course.
Years later, a student asked him, "Should I buy all nine GM Igor Smirnov courses?"
Leo smiled. "Buy one. Maybe two. But the real course? It’s free. And it fits on a sticky note."
He wrote:
Spot threats. Don’t hang pieces. Ignore noise.
And under it, in tiny letters: "That’s the only grandmaster secret."
GM Igor Smirnov offers over 30 premium chess courses through his platform, Remote Chess Academy . While his full "Super Pack" bundle can cost approximately
(down from over $1,600 during sales), he provides several high-quality free resources that serve as a bridge to his paid content. Remote Chess Academy Top 9 Core Chess Courses
These courses are often highlighted as the most foundational for students looking to move from amateur to master levels: Remote Chess Academy ALL Chess Courses by GM Igor Smirnov - TheChessWorld
A Promoted Pawn – My Chess Journey – GM Smirnov. How to Beat Stronger Opponents – GM Smirnov. Winning the Middlegame – GM Smirnov. TheChessWorld GM Igor Smirnov's Masterclass
GM Igor Smirnov , the founder of the Remote Chess Academy (RCA)
, offers a wide range of premium courses and free materials designed to help players reach a 2000+ ELO rating. While his full "Super Pack" contains over 30 courses
, nine of them are frequently highlighted as the core foundational library. Core Course Breakdown
These courses are part of his foundational system, often sold as a "Super Pack" or in bundles: The Grandmaster's Secrets : Explains the universal system of thinking used by GMs Remote Chess Academy The Grandmaster's Positional Understanding
: Focuses on positional chess and why certain moves work strategically Remote Chess Academy Calculate Till Mate
: Provides a system for calculating variations and improving tactical vision Remote Chess Academy The Grandmaster's Opening Laboratory
: Teaches a professional opening repertoire and how to study any opening TheChessWorld Your Winning Plan : Focuses on creating concrete plans in the middlegame Remote Chess Academy An Endgame Expert : Covers critical endgame strategies and technical play TheChessWorld Self-Taught Grandmaster
: Outlines a training program for players who want to improve independently TheChessWorld How to Beat Stronger Opponents
: Strategies specifically for playing against higher-rated players TheChessWorld 7 Keys to Victory
: Summarizes the most important principles for winning games at any level Remote Chess Academy Paid vs. Free: Which is Better?
While the paid courses offer a structured "hand-holding" system, Smirnov provides significant free content that may be sufficient for many players. ALL Chess Courses by GM Igor Smirnov - TheChessWorld.com
Here are three options for your post, depending on the vibe you want for your social media (Instagram, Twitter/X, or a Facebook community). Option 1: The "Hacker" Vibe (Best for Instagram/TikTok)
Headline: Are GM Igor Smirnov’s courses actually better than free YouTube videos? 🤔
We’ve all seen the ads for the "9 Course Super Pack" or the "Masterclass." But when you can find 800k+ subs worth of content for free on his YouTube, is it worth the 💰? The verdict: YouTube: Great for opening traps and quick tips.
The Courses: These aren't just videos; they are a "thinking system". If you’re tired of playing random moves and want to actually calculate like a GM, the structured drills in courses like The Grandmaster's Positional Understanding are a game-changer. Stop "watching" chess and start "training" it. ♟️⚡
#ChessStrategy #GMIgorSmirnov #ChessImprovement #RemoteChessAcademy #ChessTips Option 2: Short & Punchy (Best for Twitter/X) GM Igor Smirnov: 9 courses vs. Free Content? 🧐
Free videos are great for "what" to play. Smirnov’s courses teach you "how" to think. Most players plateau because they lack a system. If you're serious about hitting 2000 ELO, the structured Remote Chess Academy bundles are the shortcut. Quality > Quantity. 🏁 #Chess #Grandmaster #Improvement Option 3: Value-Focused (Best for Facebook Groups/Forums)
Post Title: Is the Igor Smirnov "Super Pack" Worth It? 🛒♟️
A lot of people ask if they should just stick to free videos. I did some digging into GM Igor Smirnov's Remote Chess Academy courses. Why they beat "free" content: GM Smirnov himself often says: “Free information is
A Complete System: Free videos are scattered. The courses (like The Grandmaster's Secrets or Your Winning Plan) build on each other to fix your specific weaknesses.
Interactive Practice: You don't just watch; you solve hundreds of curated positions that force you to apply the lessons.
Efficiency: It takes 100 hours of YouTube to find what's in one 5-hour targeted course.
Bottom line: If you’re 1200+ and stuck, a structured bundle like the Super Pack is usually the fastest way to bridge the gap. Remote Chess Academy - Courses, Lessons and Videos
GM Igor Smirnov is a Ukrainian Grandmaster and founder of the Remote Chess Academy (RCA), known for teaching structured "thinking systems" rather than just rote memorization. While Smirnov offers nearly 20 premium courses, players often focus on his core curriculum—frequently referred to as his "top courses"—to build a complete chess foundation. The Core "9" Chess Courses
While Smirnov has many offerings, these nine are often cited as his most foundational for systematic improvement:
The Grandmaster’s Secrets: The baseline course explaining his step-by-step thinking system.
The Grandmaster’s Positional Understanding: Deep dive into strategy and positional evaluation.
Calculate Till Mate: Focuses on sharpening calculation, visualization, and tactical precision.
The Grandmaster’s Opening Lab (1 & 2): Teaches how to understand opening principles and build a repertoire without heavy memorization.
Winning the Middlegame: Strategies for navigating the most complex part of the game.
An Endgame Expert: Systematic approach to technical and practical endgames.
Your Winning Plan: Teaches how to formulate a concrete plan in various middlegame positions.
7 Keys to Victory: A condensed guide to the most important rules for winning games.
Self-Taught Grandmaster: Outlines a comprehensive training program for independent study. Better Free Alternatives?
Many players debate whether Smirnov's paid courses are worth the investment (often priced around $50–$150 individually or $497+ for a Super Pack) when compared to free high-quality content.
Because GM Igor Smirnov’s courses are proprietary commercial products owned by the Remote Chess Academy (RCA), it is not possible to provide the actual courses for free. Doing so would be a violation of copyright laws.
However, I have compiled a detailed Academic-Style Paper below. This paper analyzes the pedagogical structure, strengths, and weaknesses of his "All 9 Courses" curriculum. This will help you decide if the methodology is right for you without having to pay upfront, or it can serve as a study guide for the concepts involved.
The Ultimate Guide to GM Igor Smirnov’s Chess Courses: Why Better Training Beats "Free"
Finding the right path to improvement is often the hardest part of chess. While thousands of free videos exist, many players find themselves "stuck" at a specific rating plateau. GM Igor Smirnov, founder of the Remote Chess Academy, argues that this is because most free content provides information without teaching a cohesive thinking system.
Below is an analysis of his most impactful courses and how they compare to free alternatives. The "Core 9" and Beyond: Key GM Smirnov Courses
While GM Smirnov has produced over 30 courses, these nine are frequently cited as the foundation for breaking through to the 2000 ELO level:
Abstract This paper analyzes the chess training methodology developed by Grandmaster Igor Smirnov, founder of the Remote Chess Academy. It examines the pedagogical structure of his flagship "All 9 Courses" bundle, contrasting it with traditional chess learning methods. The analysis focuses on Smirnov’s core concepts: the "System of Thinking," the psychological approach to calculation, and the shift from memorization to pattern recognition.
Let’s use a concrete scorecard. We evaluate learning criteria from 1 to 10.
| Criteria | Free Content (YouTube/Lichess) | GM Smirnov’s Courses | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Depth | 4/10 (surface level) | 9/10 (Grandmaster insights) | | Structure | 2/10 (random order) | 10/10 (graded difficulty) | | Practice Integration | 1/10 (you find your own) | 9/10 (PGNs & exercises included) | | Psychology | 0/10 (ignored) | 9/10 (core focus) | | Time Efficiency | 3/10 (watch 50 hrs to learn 5 hrs worth) | 9/10 (every minute is dense) | | Cost | 10/10 (free) | 5/10 (one-time payment) |
Conclusion: The only metric where free content wins is cost. In every metric that actually improves your rating, Smirnov wins decisively.
Before reviewing the courses, we must address the elephant in the room. Free chess content (YouTube, Twitch, forums) suffers from three fatal flaws:
GM Igor Smirnov’s methodology flips this. He teaches universal principles that work from 800 to 2000 ELO.
You do not need all 9 courses immediately. Based on the "better than free" analysis, here is the optimal path:
