Gm Igor Smirnov All 9 Chess Courses Better Free May 2026
Some players claim free resources are “better” because:
In reality, a player using Smirnov’s 9 courses systematically will likely improve faster than one randomly browsing free content, especially past 1500 Elo.
Let us answer the search query directly: Yes, GM Igor Smirnov’s all 9 chess courses are vastly better than free content—if and only if you value structure, depth, and time efficiency.
GM Smirnov himself often says: “Free information is like a pile of bricks. A course is the blueprint for a house. You can’t live in a pile of bricks.”
If you are tired of watching 100 videos and staying the same rating, invest in the system. The 9 courses are not just better than free—they are the only path from amateur to advanced without a personal GM coach.
Ready to start? Visit the Remote Chess Academy (RCA) and look for the “All Courses” bundle or start with the free “7 Grandmaster Secrets” mini-course to taste his style. Then, move to the paid material. Your future rating will thank you.
Rating improvement guarantee? None. But ask any student who finished “Positional Understanding” – they never look at a chessboard the same way again.
Because GM Igor Smirnov’s courses are proprietary commercial products owned by the Remote Chess Academy (RCA), it is not possible to provide the actual courses for free. Doing so would be a violation of copyright laws. gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses better free
However, I have compiled a detailed Academic-Style Paper below. This paper analyzes the pedagogical structure, strengths, and weaknesses of his "All 9 Courses" curriculum. This will help you decide if the methodology is right for you without having to pay upfront, or it can serve as a study guide for the concepts involved.
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.
Background and pedagogy Igor Smirnov is a FIDE master–level coach (often referred to with the GM honorific by some students and promoters), known for a systematic, psychological, and concept-driven approach to learning chess. His teaching emphasizes structured progression, building intuition through pattern recognition, and using targeted exercises and spaced repetition to convert knowledge into practical skill. Smirnov’s style often blends motivational and cognitive techniques with concrete chess theory, aiming to shorten the time it takes a student to improve.
The “nine courses” idea The phrase implies a packaged set of nine courses. Whether exactly nine distinct courses exist depends on how one counts modules, editions, or bundled programs. Many chess educators—including Smirnov—offer multiple courses covering openings, middlegame strategy, endgames, tactics, and practical play, sometimes packaged as beginner-to-advanced series. If someone refers to “all 9 courses,” they likely mean a comprehensive curriculum spanning fundamentals to advanced topics.
What makes a course “better”? “Better” is relative: for learners, it depends on goals, level, learning style, and teaching quality. Key attributes that can make Smirnov’s (or any) courses better than others include:
Smirnov’s materials often score highly on several of these criteria, especially in structured progression and practical orientation, which can make them particularly effective for motivated learners.
Free vs. paid access The phrase includes “free,” implying all nine courses are available at no cost. In reality, many comprehensive chess courses—especially structured multi-course programs—are commercial products. Some educators provide free samples, introductory lessons, or selected exercises, while full curricula typically cost money. Free alternatives exist (YouTube lessons, blogs, open-source courses, lichess studies, and community coaches), but they vary in coherence and pedagogical design. Some players claim free resources are “better” because:
If someone claims Smirnov’s entire nine-course set is freely available, that should be treated cautiously: portions may be legitimately free (promotional content, previews, or community-shared materials), but full official collections are commonly sold. Ethical and legal considerations matter: obtaining paid material through unauthorized sharing is infringement and undermines educators who invested time designing the curriculum.
Evaluating value: effectiveness, cost, and fit When deciding whether Smirnov’s courses (or any chess course) are “better” and worth paying for, consider:
Practical recommendation
Conclusion The phrase “GM Igor Smirnov all 9 chess courses better free” condenses hopes—that a respected coach’s entire curriculum is superior and freely accessible. In practice, Smirnov’s pedagogy and structured courses can be highly effective, and may be “better” for many learners due to systematic progression and psychological coaching. However, comprehensive course packages are typically paid products; free material and samples exist but rarely match the completeness of a paid curriculum. Learners should weigh instructional quality, fit, and ethical access when choosing between paid courses and free alternatives.
Related search suggestions (Note: additional search terms that may help you explore this topic further.)
Report Title: Analysis of GM Igor Smirnov’s Paid Chess Curriculum vs. Free Alternatives
Date: Current Cycle Subject: GM Igor Smirnov (Remote Chess Academy) – 9 Core Courses In reality, a player using Smirnov’s 9 courses
Abstract This paper analyzes the chess training methodology developed by Grandmaster Igor Smirnov, founder of the Remote Chess Academy. It examines the pedagogical structure of his flagship "All 9 Courses" bundle, contrasting it with traditional chess learning methods. The analysis focuses on Smirnov’s core concepts: the "System of Thinking," the psychological approach to calculation, and the shift from memorization to pattern recognition.
Psychological Frameworks
Time Efficiency
Decision Tree Filters
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.
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).