Gm Igor Smirnov All 9 Chess Courses Better Free May 2026
Courses such as "The Grandmaster's Positional Understanding" move away from static rules (e.g., "control the center") and focus on dynamic factors. Smirnov emphasizes the "main playing laws" of chess—identifying the weakest link in the opponent's position and targeting it. This section challenges the dogmatic Soviet School approach by teaching flexibility.
GM Smirnov has created over a dozen products, but the core "9 courses" that form the backbone of the RCA system are as follows. We will analyze each.
| Course Name | Focus | Free Alternative | Gap | |-------------|-------|------------------|------| | The Grandmaster’s Positional Understanding | Positional chess (pawn structures, outposts, etc.) | “Chess Structures” by Mauricio Flores Rios (free Lichess study), GM Naroditsky’s positional videos | Less structured path, but same core concepts | | Calculate Till Mate | Tactics & calculation | Chesstempo (free), Lichess tactics, “Predator at the Chessboard” (free ebook) | No personalized feedback; Smirnov adds pattern categorization | | The Secret of Chess Tactics | Tactical motifs | Same as above. Free tactics trainers are exhaustive. | Minimal | | GM’s Opening Preparation | Opening principles + a few systems | Lichess opening explorer (free), YouTube: Hanging Pawns, GothamChess, Chessfactor | Smirnov discourages memorization—good; his actual lines are shallow | | The King’s Scandi (specific opening) | Scandinavian Defense | Free Scandi videos (e.g., IM Sielecki, Hanging Pawns) + Lichess database | Only a few novelties; not worth paying for | | Universal Chess Strategy | Strategic themes | Lichess “Learn → Practice” exercises, “Winning Chess Strategies” (Seirawan – free PDF available) | Smirnov’s “universal” approach is just basic strategy | | The Chess Tempo Guide | Time management | “Simple Chess” (Stean – free PDF), YouTube: “Time management in chess” by ChessDojo | Minimal difference | | Self-Taught Grandmaster | Learning methodology | “Study Plan” on Lichess, “How to Get Good at Chess” (free series by Kostya Kavutskiy) | Smirnov’s is more systematic but not novel | | The Grandmaster’s Secrets (Flagship) | Psychology, training, thinking system | “Pump Up Your Rating” (Smith – free sample), “Amateur’s Mind” (Silman – free PDF excerpts) | Smirnov’s psychological framing is his most unique; still, free psychology content exists (e.g., “Chess Psychology” by Dr. Canbalaban) |
No product is perfect. Here is the honest truth about the "better than free" claim.
Pros of Smirnov’s courses:
Cons compared to free content:
Verdict: If you have $0, free content is fine. If you have $200 and genuinely want to reach 2000 ELO, Smirnov’s courses are a steal compared to coaching ($50/hr). gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses better free
Courses like "An Opening Repertoire for White and Black" focus on "universal" setups rather than memorized lines. The goal is to reach a playable middlegame where the student’s superior positional understanding (learned in Pillar I) can take over.
Claim: “All 9 GM Smirnov chess courses better free” → FALSE.
Corrected statement: “High-quality free chess resources exist, but they are not a substitute for the curated, sequential, time-saving system of GM Smirnov’s paid courses. A hybrid approach is optimal.”
Report prepared for objective decision-making. No affiliate or anti-piracy stance beyond fair use.
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 No product is perfect
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 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". Cons compared to free content:
Tactics and Calculation: Teaches grandmaster calculation techniques and how to avoid blunders.
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 's courses, offered through his Remote Chess Academy (RCA), focus on a "system of thinking" rather than pure memorization. While there are over 30 premium courses available, many players start with his foundational "Super Pack" which historically centered around 9 core titles. The "Core 9" Foundational Courses
These courses are widely considered the heart of Smirnov's teaching methodology. Igor Smirnov's Courses worth giving a try? - Chess Forums
GM Igor Smirnov 's Remote Chess Academy courses are highly regarded for their structured teaching of "how to think" rather than just providing "what to do". While his free YouTube content is excellent for quick tips and common traps, the paid courses offer a more comprehensive system of understanding that many students find essential for breaking through rating plateaus. Overview of Smirnov's Core Bundle
The "all 9 courses" often refers to his classic collection, now frequently bundled into larger packages like the Super Pack or Become an Expert Bundle. Igor Smirnov's Courses worth giving a try? - Chess Forums