Gm Igor Smirnov All 9 Chess Courses New
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.
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)?
GM Igor Smirnov , the founder of the Remote Chess Academy, is widely known for his systematic approach to chess improvement, often bundling his courses into comprehensive training systems.
While he has authored over 30 individual courses, your query likely refers to a specific 9-course "new" bundle or the core curriculum often highlighted in his popular "Super Pack". Core Comprehensive Courses
The following nine courses are frequently considered the pillars of his training method for those looking to reach master-level understanding:
Title: The Ninth Square
Chapter 1: The Stalemate
Leo had been stuck at 1850 Elo for fourteen months. He knew the opening traps, could calculate four moves deep, and had memorized more endgame tablebases than his club’s senior champion. Yet every time he approached the 1900 threshold, he crumbled. Not from a lack of knowledge—but from a fog. A grey, shapeless fog that descended after move fifteen, leaving him guessing, hoping, and ultimately losing.
One Tuesday night, after a particularly humiliating loss to a 12-year-old who played the Stafford Gambit, Leo threw his mouse across the room. He opened his laptop to quit chess forever. Instead, his cursor drifted to a dusty bookmark: Remote Chess Academy.
A new banner flashed: “GM Igor Smirnov – All 9 Courses. One Mindset.”
Leo scoffed. Nine courses? That was a career, not a study plan. But the price was a joke—less than a single private lesson. On impulse, he clicked Buy Now. gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses new
Chapter 2: The Architect’s Keys
The download was a torrent of gold: The Grandmaster’s Secrets (GMS), The King’s Gambit (not the opening, but the psychological one), Self-Taught Grandmaster, Calculate Till Mate, The Universal Opening System, The Attacking Manual, The Technique of Positional Play, Endgame Labyrinth, and the newest, The 9th Course: Beyond Calculation.
Each course was a locked room. And Igor Smirnov was the architect.
The first week, Leo devoured GMS. He learned that “positional understanding” was just a fancy word for comparing your worst piece to their best piece. A single idea. He started winning minor-piece endgames he used to throw away.
The second week, Calculate Till Mate rewired his brain. Igor’s voice (calm, slightly Russian, utterly relentless) drilled: “Stop calculating twenty moves. Calculate three forcing lines. Pick the one that leaves you with no regrets.” Leo’s bullet rating jumped 200 points. He stopped freezing.
Chapter 3: The Fog Lifts
By month two, Leo had finished five courses. He wasn’t just playing chess; he was conducting it. The Universal Opening System gave him a simple, repeatable setup against d4, e4, and everything else. No more theory panic. The Attacking Manual taught him that attacks aren’t spontaneous—they’re created by fixing the opponent’s weakness, then throwing everything at it.
But the real breakthrough came with course six: The Technique of Positional Play.
Igor said: “Most club players know how to win. They don’t know how to not lose.”
Leo realized his entire chess life had been a series of brilliant attacks that fizzled into draws. Now, he learned to squeeze. To trade down when ahead. To create two weaknesses instead of one. His endgames became surgical.
Chapter 4: The Ninth Course
He saved the newest course for last: Beyond Calculation.
It had no puzzles. No openings. Just nine video lessons, each under ten minutes.
Lesson 1: The Three Emotional Registers of Chess (Fear, Greed, Clarity). Lesson 4: How to Play When You’re Tilted (Without Stopping). Lesson 7: The 10-Second Ritual Before Every Move.
The final lesson was titled: You Already Have the Knowledge. Here Is the Permission.
Igor looked straight into the camera. “You have my nine courses. That’s more than I had at your level. The only thing missing is your belief that you deserve to win. Go. Play. Stop being polite.”
Leo felt a crack in his chest. The fog didn’t just lift—it shattered.
Chapter 5: The New Game
He entered a weekend rapid tournament. Round one: a 1950 FM. Leo played the London System—not mechanically, but actively, using Igor’s “universal piece placement.” By move 20, the FM had no good moves. Only bad ones and worse ones. Leo checkmated him with a rook lift that Igor had diagrammed in The Attacking Manual, page 47.
Round three: a 2100 expert. The game went to a rook endgame a pawn down. Old Leo would have resigned. New Leo remembered Endgame Labyrinth: “A pawn down is not losing. A pawn down with a passive rook is losing.” He activated his rook, created a counter-threat, and forced a threefold repetition. A draw against 2100 felt like a win.
Final round: 2050, need a win to cross 2000. The position was a dead equal queenless middlegame. Then Leo remembered The 9th Course: “Stop being polite.” He didn’t wait for a tactic. He pushed a random-looking pawn two squares forward—a “hope move.” The opponent spent seven minutes, panicked, and blundered a knight fork.
Leo won. Final rating: 2017.
Epilogue: The Grandmaster’s Echo
That night, Leo didn’t celebrate. He opened the RCA dashboard and looked at all nine courses, now marked 100% complete. He sent a single message to GM Igor Smirnov’s support email—not a question, just a line:
“The ninth square isn’t on the board. It’s in the mind. Thank you.”
The next morning, a reply arrived. It was short, automated, but Leo swore it was written just for him:
“Now teach someone else. That’s course ten.”
Leo smiled. He opened a new Lichess study. Title: “How I Climbed 200 Points with GM Igor’s Nine Keys.” Grandmaster Igor Smirnov is a world-renowned chess coach
He had become the student who finally became the teacher. And that, Igor had whispered in the final minute of the ninth course, was the only true grandmaster move.
END
GM Igor Smirnov , a Grandmaster and psychologist, offers a comprehensive library of chess courses through his Remote Chess Academy
. While his total collection now exceeds 30 courses, his foundational "original" set often refers to a core group of 9–10 highly-rated volumes designed to take players from beginner levels to expert status. TheChessWorld The Core "Original 9" Chess Courses
Historically, these nine courses formed the backbone of Smirnov’s training system, focusing on a Grandmaster's thinking process rather than just memorizing variations.
GM Igor Smirnov , founder of the Remote Chess Academy, offers an extensive collection of over 30 chess courses. While "all 9 courses" may refer to specific curated bundles, his core training system is most notably represented by his comprehensive Super Pack and Expert Bundle. Core Comprehensive Course Sets
Igor Smirnov’s training is built on a "system of thinking" designed to help players reach 2000+ ELO. Key courses often highlighted in his primary collections include:
The Grandmaster's Secrets: Focuses on the fundamental thinking processes used by GMs.
The Grandmaster's Positional Understanding: Teaches deep strategic concepts beyond basic tactics.
Calculate Till Mate: A dedicated course for improving calculation and visualization speed.
7 Keys to Victory: Outlines critical rules for winning positions in every game.
Winning the Middlegame: Strategies for navigating the most complex part of the game.
Self-Taught Grandmaster: A guide for players looking to train effectively without a personal coach.
The Grandmaster’s Opening Lab (1.0 & 2.0): Comprehensive opening preparation and general principles.
Attack and Win: Tactics and strategies for aggressive, offensive play.
How to Beat Stronger Opponents: Psychology and technique for facing higher-rated players. New and Featured Offerings (2025–2026)
As of early 2026, GM Smirnov continues to release updated content through his Remote Chess Academy YouTube and web store: ALL Chess Courses by GM Igor Smirnov - TheChessWorld.com
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 Title: The Ninth Square Chapter 1: The Stalemate
Unlock Your Chess Potential with GM Igor Smirnov's 9 Chess Courses
Are you tired of plateauing in your chess game? Do you want to improve your skills and become a formidable opponent? Look no further than GM Igor Smirnov's 9 chess courses, a comprehensive training program designed to take your chess game to the next level.
GM Igor Smirnov, a renowned chess grandmaster and coach, has created a series of 9 courses that cover a wide range of topics, from basic tactics and strategies to advanced techniques and endgames. With his courses, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the game, improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and develop a winning mindset.
What Sets GM Smirnov's Courses Apart?
GM Smirnov's courses are unique in that they are designed to be accessible to players of all levels, from beginners to advanced players. His teaching style is clear, concise, and engaging, making it easy to follow along and understand complex concepts. Additionally, his courses are filled with interactive exercises, quizzes, and puzzles that help reinforce your learning and keep you motivated.
The 9 Chess Courses: A Comprehensive Overview
So, what can you expect from GM Smirnov's 9 chess courses? Here's a brief overview of each course:
- "The Basic Tactics": Master the fundamental tactics and techniques that every chess player needs to know, including pins, forks, skewers, and more.
- "The Art of Attack": Learn how to launch a successful attack on your opponent's position, including how to create threats, break through defenses, and convert advantages into wins.
- "The Power of Pawns": Discover the importance of pawn structure and how to use pawns to control the center, create barriers, and support your pieces.
- "The Endgame Course": Develop your skills in converting advantages into wins in the endgame, including how to create passed pawns, use opposition, and win with rooks and bishops.
- "The Rook and Bishop Endgames": Master the intricacies of rook and bishop endgames, including how to win with these pieces and how to defend against them.
- "The Secrets of Chess Strategy": Learn how to think strategically and make long-term plans, including how to identify key factors, create imbalances, and exploit weaknesses.
- "The Art of Defense": Improve your defensive skills and learn how to neutralize your opponent's threats, including how to create counterplay and turn the tables.
- "The Middlegame Course": Develop your skills in the middlegame, including how to create threats, attack weak points, and convert advantages into wins.
- "The Advanced Tactics": Take your tactical skills to the next level with advanced techniques, including how to use X-rays, discovered attacks, and other sophisticated tactics.
What Can You Expect to Gain from These Courses?
By taking GM Smirnov's 9 chess courses, you can expect to:
- Improve your tactical and strategic skills
- Develop a deeper understanding of the game
- Enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Increase your confidence and winning percentage
- Become a more formidable opponent
Get Instant Access to GM Smirnov's 9 Chess Courses
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to improve your chess game. Get instant access to GM Smirnov's 9 chess courses today and start unlocking your full potential.
Whether you're a beginner looking to improve quickly or an advanced player seeking to refine your skills, GM Smirnov's courses have something for everyone. So why wait? Start your chess journey today and become the player you've always wanted to be!
Conclusion
GM Smirnov's 9 chess courses are a game-changer for anyone looking to improve their chess skills. With his comprehensive training program, you'll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to succeed in the game. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your chess game to the next level. Get instant access to GM Smirnov's 9 chess courses today and start achieving your chess goals!
Who Is This Collection For?
The Ideal Candidate:
- The "Plateaued" Player: If you are stuck at a rating (1100–1800 Elo) and reading books isn't helping, this system is designed to break bad habits.
- The Adult Improver: The teaching style is logical and verbal, avoiding the heavy memorization that adult learners often find tedious.
- The Strategic Seeker: Players who want to understand why moves are played, rather than just what to play.
Who Might Not Like It:
- The Puzzle Solver: If you want thousands of tactical puzzles, this isn't the right product. It focuses on strategy and thinking methods.
- The Opening Theorist: If you love memorizing 20 moves of Sicilian theory, Smirnov’s "keep it simple" approach to openings may frustrate you.
5. The Openings Lab
- Focus: Opening repertoire building.
- Key Takeaway: How to choose openings that match your style (1.e4 for attackers, 1.d4 for positional players). It provides universal systems against 1...e5, Sicilian, French, etc., without memorizing 20 moves of theory.
- Best For: Players who feel lost after move 5.
Course 2: The Secret of Calculation (New Edition)
This is the engine room. Smirnov famously hates "brute force" calculation (looking 10 moves ahead mindlessly). Instead, he teaches Candidate Moves filtering.
Key novelty in the new version:
- The "Blunder Buffer": A 3-step pre-move checklist that eliminates 95% of one-move blunders.
- Visualization of Empty Squares: How to see the board without pieces to find sacrificial ideas.
- The 30-Second Algorithm: A decision tree for time trouble.
Without this course, the tactical motifs in later courses will kill your clock.
Final Conclusion: Is This The Ultimate Chess Curriculum?
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.
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:
- Check your current ELO on Chess.com (Rapid).
- Download the free "Universal Principles" PDF sample from RCA.
- Watch the first hour of The Grandmaster’s Positional Understanding on YouTube (free preview).
- Decide if you are a "bundle buyer" or a "pay-per-course" improver.
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.
Course 5: The Art of the Positional Sacrifice (Newest Release)
This is the most "Grandmaster" course in the bundle. Smirnov believes the difference between a 1900 player and a 2100 player is the willingness to sacrifice without a forced mate.
Concepts introduced:
- Exchange sacrifice for "Bishop pair dominance."
- The "Rook lift" sacrifice to permanently strangle the opponent's position.
- Sacrificing the Queen for two minor pieces + lasting initiative (the "Smirnov Gambit").
Warning: Do not take this course until you have mastered Course 2. Blind sacrifices are just blunders.