Gm Igor Smirnov All 9 Chess Courses Better Free -

GM Igor Smirnov’s courses offer structured, psychologically oriented chess training 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.

| Player Level | Recommendation | |--------------|----------------| | Under 1500 | Avoid paying. Free Lichess + Chessable sample courses + YouTube (Naroditsky, Bartholomew) cover everything. | | 1500–1800 | Consider 1-2 courses (e.g., Self-Taught Grandmaster or Positional Understanding) only if you have disposable income and struggle with self-study. | | 1800–2200 | Possibly The Grandmaster’s Secrets for psychological mindset. But free resources (Smith, Silman, Dvoretsky PDFs) work if you’re diligent. | | 2200+ | No benefit. Use free databases (Caissabase), chess engines, and classic literature. |

These courses are listed in a logical learning order, from general improvement to specific phases of the game. gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses better free

The central thesis across all nine courses is that human players cannot calculate like computers. Smirnov argues that the primary error of club players is attempting to calculate too many variations deeply, leading to time trouble and blunders.

| 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) | These courses are listed in a logical learning