Gm Igor Smirnov All 9 Chess Courses Better [2021] Free [BEST]

The universal rules of development and how to punish opponents who violate them. 3. Grandmaster's Positional Understanding Focus: Strategy and maneuvering.

Teaches how to build a powerful, low-maintenance opening repertoire based on understanding rather than memorization.

| Criteria | Free Content (YouTube/Lichess) | GM Smirnov’s Courses | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 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) |

If you choose the free route, you can piece together an incredible curriculum using these platforms: gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses better free

According to user reviews, the value depends on how you learn.

GM Igor Smirnov’s courses offer but are not unique in raw information. Free resources (YouTube, Lichess studies, Chessable sample chapters, opening databases) can replicate 60–80% of the core material with self-discipline. Smirnov’s main value lies in curation, time-saving, and mindset frameworks —not secret “GM knowledge.” For players under 1800 Elo, free resources are likely sufficient. Above 2000, his tactical/positional courses may be worth selective purchase.

If you feel overwhelmed by random YouTube videos and need a specific, cohesive, step-by-step method to follow, his 9+ course structure is designed for you. The universal rules of development and how to

Premium chess courses require a financial investment. Beginners and club players often look for free workarounds for several reasons:

Focused on improving tactical calculation and visualization.

| Feature | Traditional Training (Books/Courses) | GM Smirnov's Methodology | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Memorization of deep theoretical lines. | Understanding typical pawn structures and plans. | | Calculation | Solving puzzles based on pattern recognition. | Learning the algorithm of how to calculate variations. | | Psychology | Rarely addressed in books. | Integral part of the curriculum. | | Learning Style | Topical (Tactics, Strategy, Endgame separate). | Integrated (Ideas flow from opening to endgame). | Teaches how to build a powerful, low-maintenance opening

The RCA courses are very well-organized, with a clear path from lesson to lesson.

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.

How to create long-term plans, identify weak squares, and improve your worst-placed pieces. 4. Calculate Till Mate Focus: Tactics and calculation visualization.

Players worry whether a paid course will actually translate into rating points. Top Free Chess Resources That Match Paid Courses