Long-time fans of Smirnov (since his "Chess King" app days) will notice massive changes in the new 9-course suite:

| Old Issue | New Solution | | :--- | :--- | | Boring PDF text files | High-gloss video with on-screen analysis arrows | | Reused examples from 2015 | Fresh games from 2023-2024 (Nepo, Ding, Gukesh) | | No homework | Integrated PGN workbooks with auto-grading | | English subtitles only | Dubbed audio in Spanish, German & Hindi | | Lifetime access (dead links) | Cloud-based portal with download option |

Often considered the starting point, this course addresses the most fundamental question: How do Grandmasters think?

Pros:

GM Igor Smirnov , a Grandmaster and psychologist, is known for his unique "thinking system" approach to chess education through his Remote Chess Academy. While he has produced over 30 courses, his "Core 9" courses are frequently grouped together as the essential foundation for reaching master level. The "Core 9" Chess Courses

These courses are designed to provide a complete training system, covering everything from the psychological habits of masters to specific phase-of-the-game strategies. 1. The Grandmaster’s Secrets

Focus: The fundamental differences in how Grandmasters think compared to amateurs.

Key Insight: Provides a "Thinking System" to help you find the best move in any position without getting overwhelmed by calculations.

Contents: 5 video lessons and a "Practicum" with 200 special games and tasks. 2. The Grandmaster’s Positional Understanding

Focus: Deep strategic rules and the underlying logic of positional play.

Key Insight: Aims to make strategic rules feel natural and automatic, focusing on things like Bobby Fischer’s piece play and Petrosian’s pawn floods. Contents: Extensive video lessons and 234 commented games. 3. Calculate Till Mate Focus: Pure calculation skills and tactical vision.

Key Insight: Teaches a systematic way to calculate variations quickly and precisely while avoiding common blunders. 4. The Grandmaster’s Openings Laboratory (1.0 & 2.0)

Focus: Creating a professional opening repertoire without memorizing thousands of lines.

Key Insight: Teaches the "3-step formula" for a successful opening and how to study any opening effectively. 5. Self-Taught Grandmaster

Focus: Training methodology and self-improvement techniques.

Key Insight: A "map" for progress that includes an anti-blunder training program and instructions on how to use chess databases/engines like a pro. 6. Your Winning Plan Focus: Middlegame planning and strategy.

Key Insight: Explains how to "read" the board to find a concrete plan when there are no obvious tactics. 7. An Endgame Expert Focus: Essential endgame principles for practical players.

Key Insight: Focuses on the "thinking process" in the endgame rather than just memorizing theoretical positions. 8. 7 Keys to Victory Focus: Universal principles that apply to every game.

Key Insight: A condensed guide to the seven most important concepts used by top players to win consistently. 9. Winning the Middlegame Focus: Advanced middlegame themes and attacking play.

Key Insight: Bridges the gap between opening preparation and endgame execution. New & Updated Course Offerings

As of early 2026, GM Smirnov has released several "new" courses and updated bundles to reflect modern engine play and student needs:

Level Up Your Chess (2025/2026): Designed for advanced beginners and intermediate players to break through plateaus. 3 Steps to 2000 Elo:

A roadmap specifically for players aiming for the 1st category/Expert level. The Secrets of Strong Players

(Updated): Outlines 9 critical differences between amateur and master level players with a 120-page comprehensive eBook.

Super Pack Bundle: A massive collection (often includes 17–30 courses) currently offered at significant discounts on TheChessWorld and Remote Chess Academy.

💡 Key Takeaway: Smirnov’s courses prioritize psychology and thinking systems over rote memorization. His method is particularly effective for "lazy" or busy players who want high-impact principles instead of deep theory.

If you tell me your current rating (e.g., 1200, 1800) or which part of your game is weakest: I can recommend the specific order to study these courses.

I can find current pricing or discounts for individual courses. I can pull up sample lesson plans for a specific course. ALL Chess Courses by GM Igor Smirnov - TheChessWorld

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

GM Igor Smirnov, a prominent International Grandmaster and founder of the Remote Chess Academy, is widely recognized for his unique teaching methodology that blends deep chess strategy with human psychology. For players aiming to break through plateaus, his "Super Pack" bundles and specialized training systems offer a comprehensive roadmap from beginner to advanced levels. The Core Training System

Smirnov’s training often follows a structured 3-phase system designed to build a professional thinking process rather than just memorizing variations:

Phase 1: Thinking Foundation: Focuses on choosing correct moves and avoiding random play. Key courses include Level Up Your Chess and 3 Steps to 2000 Elo.

Phase 2: Core Skill Strengthening: Targets strategy, calculation, and psychology through The Grandmaster’s Secrets, GM’s Positional Understanding, and Your Winning Plan.

Phase 3: Arsenal Completion: Rounds out a player's repertoire with Grandmaster’s Openings Laboratory, An Endgame Expert, and How to Beat Titled Players. High-Impact Courses for 2026

While Smirnov has produced over 30 courses, these nine frequently highlighted programs represent the backbone of his "new" and most popular curricula:

Level Up Your Chess: One of his newest releases, specifically designed to help intermediate players overcome performance plateaus.

7 Keys to Victory: Teaches the fundamental principles behind every winning game, helping players find the right plan in any position.

The Grandmaster’s Secrets: A foundational course summarizing the essential rules and "secrets" that GMs use to simplify complex decisions.

Calculate Till Mate: A rigorous training program focused on improving tactical vision and deep calculation techniques.

Grandmaster's Openings Laboratory (2.0): Focuses on the principles of opening play, ensuring students understand why moves are made rather than just memorizing lines.

The Grandmaster’s Positional Understanding: Deep dives into the "soul" of chess—positional play—to help students evaluate positions correctly.

An Endgame Expert: Simplifies the often-neglected endgame phase into practical, winnable systems.

How to Beat Stronger Opponents: Strategies for taking down titled or higher-rated players by exploiting psychological and strategic vulnerabilities.

Your Winning Plan: A focused guide on the middlegame, providing clear steps for creating and executing effective plans. Why This Methodology Works Level Up Your Chess with GM Igor Smirnov - TheChessWorld

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

Introduction

Course 1: Endgame Course - Essential Endgames for Club Players

Course 2: How to Reassess Your Chess - Improve Your Chess with Igor Smirnov

Course 3: Chess Fundamentals - Mastering the Basics

Course 4: Opening Course - Mastering Popular Openings

Course 5: Middlegame Course - Strategies and Tactics

Course 6: Positional Chess - Mastering Strategic Play

Course 7: Tactical Chess - Mastering Tactics and Combinations

Course 8: Advanced Chess Tactics - Mastering Complex Combinations

Course 9: Chess Mastery - Achieving Chess Excellence

Conclusion

Bonus Materials

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.

You're referring to the chess courses by Grandmaster Igor Smirnov!

Igor Smirnov is a renowned chess Grandmaster and a well-known chess coach. He has created a comprehensive series of chess courses, which cover various aspects of the game. Here is a report on his 9 chess courses:

Course 1: The Grandmaster's Opening Preparation In this course, Smirnov focuses on the opening principles and preparation. He shares his insights on how to choose the right opening, understand the strategic and tactical ideas, and prepare for the middlegame.

Course 2: Basic Opening Principles Smirnov explains the fundamental principles of the opening, including control of the center, piece development, and pawn structure. He provides examples and analysis to help students understand these concepts.

Course 3: Opening Fundamentals - Pawn Structures This course delves deeper into pawn structures, which are essential in understanding the opening and middlegame. Smirnov discusses various pawn chains, pawn islands, and other structures, providing guidance on how to handle them.

Course 4: The Art of Middlegame Play In this course, Smirnov shares his expertise on middlegame strategies and tactics. He covers topics like attacking and defending techniques, maneuvering, and prophylactic thinking.

Course 5: Endgame Fundamentals Smirnov's endgame course covers the basic principles of endgame play, including king and pawn versus king and pawn structures, opposition, and triangulation. He provides guidance on how to convert advantages into wins.

Course 6: Basic Tactics This course focuses on basic tactics, including pins, forks, skewers, and other tactical motifs. Smirnov provides numerous examples and exercises to help students improve their tactical skills.

Course 7: Advanced Tactics In this course, Smirnov explores more advanced tactical concepts, such as combinations of tactics, defensive tactics, and tactical motifs in different pawn structures.

Course 8: How to Analyze Your Games Smirnov shares his approach to analyzing games, including how to identify mistakes, understand strategic and tactical ideas, and create a plan for improvement.

Course 9: The Grandmaster's Mindset In this final course, Smirnov discusses the mental aspects of chess, including psychology, motivation, and concentration. He provides guidance on how to develop a winning mindset and overcome obstacles.

Overall, Igor Smirnov's 9 chess courses offer a comprehensive and structured approach to improving one's chess skills. By studying these courses, chess players can gain a deeper understanding of the game, enhance their strategic and tactical skills, and improve their overall performance.

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:

What Can You Expect to Gain from These Courses?

By taking GM Smirnov's 9 chess courses, you can expect to:

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!

The chess training ecosystem created by GM Igor Smirnov , largely housed within his Remote Chess Academy (RCA)

, focuses on a psychology-based "system of thinking" rather than pure memorization. While Smirnov has produced dozens of courses, his core curriculum is often represented by a "Super Pack" of flagship titles that cover every phase of the game. The Core System: Defining the Essential Courses

Smirnov’s methodology is built on the idea that chess is about thought process

. Among his vast library, these nine courses are frequently highlighted as the backbone of his training system:

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:

Warning: Do not take this course until you have mastered Course 2. Blind sacrifices are just blunders.

Forget the London. Forget the Kings Indian. Smirnov argues that openings are a trap for amateurs.

The revolutionary claim: You do not need to know 20 moves of theory. You need a System that works against anything.

This course provides two "Universal Repertoires":

What's new? Smirnov removed sharp lines (like the Najdorf) and replaced them with "anti-positional" traps that work up to 2200 ELO.

One of the most common frustrations for club players is knowing what to do when there are no tactics.