Gm Igor Smirnov All 9 Chess Courses New May 2026
What it covers: This is not about "knights before bishops." This course destroys the concept of "good" and "bad" pieces. Smirnov introduces the concept of "Absolute vs. Relative activity."
Who needs it: Absolute beginners to 1800 players who feel like they often have no plan after move 10.
After reviewing the entire suite, the answer is a resounding yes – with a caveat.
The caveat: You must follow the order. Randomly jumping into The Art of Positional Sacrifice without the calculation matrix is a disaster. You will lose games and blame the course.
However, for the dedicated player (1200-2000 ELO), GM Igor Smirnov All 9 Chess Courses New represents the most coherent, efficient roadmap to advanced chess ever produced. It removes the guesswork. You are not learning "tips and tricks." You are learning how a Grandmother thinks about time, space, force, and psychology.
If you have been stuck at your current rating for more than a year, stop buying cheap chessable courses. Stop watching Hikaru’s blitz streams for "learning." Stop memorizing gambits.
Buy the system. Study the 9 pillars. And watch your opponents stare at the board wondering why, all of a sudden, you are playing like a Grandmaster.
Ready to start? Visit the official Remote Chess Academy (by GM Igor Smirnov) and look for the "All 9 New Courses Bundle." Download the first module (Course 1: Positional Understanding) tonight, and play your first training game tomorrow.
Your rating increase is not a matter of talent. It is a matter of having the right blueprint. This is the blueprint.
GM Igor Smirnov, founder of the Remote Chess Academy, offers an extensive library of courses designed to bridge the gap between amateur play and grandmaster-level thinking. The curriculum, featuring over 30 titles, is often structured around core training programs for openings, middlegames, and positional understanding. Explore the full list of courses at Remote Chess Academy Remote Chess Academy
Searching for "gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses new" usually means one thing: you are tired of bouncing between GothamChess videos, Hanging Pawns opening theory, and random Chessable flashcard decks. You want a system.
Is Smirnov’s system perfect? No. It is light on pure endgame theory (no 300-page Rook vs. Bishop treatises). It is aggressive to a fault (sometimes suggesting sacrifices that Stockfish dislikes but humans will blunder against).
However, for 90% of adult improvers, the new 9-course suite is the most practical, high-ROI chess product on the market in 2025. It doesn’t teach you to be Stockfish; it teaches you to beat the guy across the table. gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses new
Where to buy: Go to the official Remote Chess Academy website. Do not buy from third-party resellers—the "new" courses require a login portal for the interactive PGNs. Wait for a "Majors" sale (usually during the World Championship or Tata Steel).
Smirnov famously says: "Chess is 99% logic and 1% talent. You already have the brain; you just need the software." These nine courses are the software update you have been waiting for.
Further Reading & Next Steps:
Regardless of your choice, understanding Smirnov’s holistic approach to tactics, strategy, and psychology will change how you see the 64 squares forever. Happy grinding.
Grandmaster Igor Smirnov is a world-renowned chess coach and the founder of the Remote Chess Academy. His teaching philosophy focuses on understanding the underlying principles of the game rather than memorizing endless lines of theory. For players looking to make a serious jump in their Elo rating, Smirnov’s structured approach provides a clear roadmap from beginner to master level.
This guide explores the core components of the GM Igor Smirnov 9-course collection, detailing how each program targets a specific pillar of chess mastery. 1. The Grandmaster's Secrets
This is the foundational course of the entire Remote Chess Academy system. Smirnov breaks down the thinking process used by top-tier players. Instead of looking at individual moves, you learn how to identify the most important features of a position. Key Focus: Professional thinking algorithms.
Best For: Players who feel stuck and don't know how to find a plan. 2. The Grandmaster's Positional Understanding
Chess isn't always about tactical fireworks; often, it’s about slow, methodical improvement of your pieces. This course explains the "hidden" rules of strategy that grandmasters use to outplay opponents in quiet positions. Key Focus: Maneuvering and piece coordination. Best For: Improving long-term strategic planning. 3. The Grandmaster's Openings Laboratory
Memorizing openings is a trap for many amateurs. Smirnov teaches you how to study openings efficiently by focusing on the typical plans and pawn structures that arise from your chosen repertoire. Key Focus: Opening principles and preparation efficiency.
Best For: Building a reliable and aggressive opening repertoire. 4. How to Beat Titled Players
Playing against a higher-rated opponent can be psychologically taxing. This course provides a blueprint for neutralizing the advantages of stronger players and exploiting their common overconfidence. What it covers: This is not about "knights before bishops
Key Focus: Psychological warfare and solid defensive techniques. Best For: Tournament players looking to score upsets. 5. Your Winning Plan
One of the most common questions in chess is "What do I do now?" This course provides a concrete system for creating a plan in any middle-game position, ensuring you always have a goal to work toward. Key Focus: Middle-game planning. Best For: Eliminating aimless piece shuffling. 6. Anish Giri's Opening Laboratory
While Smirnov provides the system, this specific collaboration looks at elite-level opening preparation. It bridges the gap between club-level play and the rigorous standards of modern Grandmasters. Key Focus: High-level opening analysis. Best For: Advanced players seeking a competitive edge. 7. Calculate Till Mate
Calculation is the engine of chess. Smirnov teaches a disciplined method for calculating variations without getting lost in the "trees" of the position. Key Focus: Tactical vision and calculation accuracy.
Best For: Reducing blunders and finishing off winning positions. 8. Endgame Expert
Many games are lost in the final phase due to a lack of fundamental knowledge. This course covers the essential theoretical endgames and, more importantly, the strategic themes that apply to all endgames. Key Focus: Transitioning to and winning the endgame.
Best For: Saving draws and converting small advantages into wins. 9. Self-Taught Grandmaster
The final piece of the puzzle is learning how to train yourself. Smirnov outlines the exact training regime you need to follow to continue improving long after you’ve finished his courses. Key Focus: Training methodology and efficiency.
Best For: Dedicated students who want to manage their own progress. 🚀 Mastering the System
Igor Smirnov’s courses are designed to be studied sequentially. By integrating tactical sharpness with deep positional understanding, these 9 courses provide a holistic education that covers every phase of the game.
To help you find the right starting point, could you tell me: What is your current Elo rating? Do you struggle more with tactics or long-term strategy?
What is your primary goal (e.g., winning local tournaments, reaching 2000 Elo online)? Who needs it: Absolute beginners to 1800 players
The GM Igor Smirnov "All 9 Chess Courses" bundle refers to a specific core curriculum curated from his extensive library at the Remote Chess Academy (RCA). This collection provides a comprehensive system for progressing from amateur to master level, focusing on Smirnov's unique psychological and strategic thinking methods. Overview of the 9 Core Courses
These courses form the backbone of Smirnov's training system, designed to replace traditional, often ineffective, rote memorization with a clear "Thinking System".
The Grandmaster's Secrets: Focuses on the fundamental thinking process and identifying the "correct" way to approach any position.
The Grandmaster's Positional Understanding: Teaches advanced strategic concepts and how to evaluate positions like a pro.
Calculate Till Mate: A intensive course dedicated to sharpening tactical vision and calculation accuracy.
7 Keys to Victory: Outlines the seven most critical principles for winning games at any level.
The Grandmaster's Opening Laboratory: Provides a complete, professional opening repertoire that is easy to learn and implement.
Winning the Middlegame: Focuses on planning and executing complex strategies once the opening phase is over.
How to Beat Stronger Opponents: A psychological and tactical guide on handling higher-rated players.
An Endgame Expert: Covers essential endgame techniques and theoretical positions every player must know.
Self-Taught Grandmaster: Shares Smirnov's personal study methods and how to train effectively without a dedicated coach. Key Features for 2026 ALL Chess Courses by GM Igor Smirnov - TheChessWorld