Gm Igor Smirnov All 9 Chess Courses Better !link! Free May 2026

Executive Summary

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.

Interactive Practice: You don't just watch; you solve hundreds of curated positions that force you to apply the lessons. gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses better free

Final verdict: The “all 9 courses” bundle is not worth purchasing for any player under 2000. At best, buy one course on sale ($30–$50) if you struggle with motivation. Otherwise, the free chess internet already contains all of Smirnov’s insights—just without a slick sales funnel. Target Audience: Club Players

Pillar II: Calculation & Tactics

"Calculate Till Mate" is perhaps the most famous component. It rejects the "solve 100 puzzles a day" dogma. Smirnov wins decisively.

• Target Audience: Club Players.
• Core Concept: Focuses specifically on planning in the middlegame. Many players know "what" a good position looks like but don't know "how" to get there.
• Key Takeaways:

  The Secrets of Strong Players: Teaches the thought process used by high-rated players.

  Conclusion: The only metric where free content wins is cost. In every metric that actually improves your rating, Smirnov wins decisively.

  1. The Grandmaster’s Positional Understanding
  2. The Secrets of Strong Chess Players (psychology/decision-making)
  3. The Chess Tactics Mastery (pattern recognition)
  4. Calculate Till Mate (calculation training)
  5. The Endgame Ladder (essential endgames)
  6. My Amazing Chess Games (annotated masterpieces)
  7. Self-Taught Grandmaster (self-improvement framework)
  8. The Attacking Chess Mastery (initiative/dynamics)
  9. The Universal Chess Training Plan (roadmap for all levels)

  Essay: "GM Igor Smirnov — All 9 Chess Courses: Better, Free?"

  GM Igor Smirnov is a well-known chess coach whose training materials and courses have influenced thousands of players worldwide. Framing an essay around the phrase "GM Igor Smirnov all 9 chess courses better free" suggests exploring three linked claims: that Smirnov offers nine courses, that they represent an improvement ("better") over alternatives, and that they are available free. This essay examines those ideas: Smirnov’s approach and courses, what “better” might mean in chess instruction, and the realities of free versus paid access.