GM Igor Smirnov’s chess courses, primarily sold through his Remote Chess Academy
, are widely reviewed as highly structured "thinking systems" that focus on general principles rather than raw memorization.
While the "All 9 Courses" (or larger bundles like the "Super Pack") are rarely offered for free officially, Smirnov frequently provides free introductory materials and "mini-courses" to showcase his teaching style. Core Review Summary The "Thinking System"
: Most positive reviews highlight that Smirnov doesn't just show moves but teaches a specific algorithm for how to think during a game. Target Audience
: His courses are generally best suited for players rated between 600 and 1500 ELO
. Advanced players may find the principles too dogmatic or basic.
: Each course typically consists of a theoretical video section (explaining GM concepts) followed by a practical section with several dozen interactive exercises. Controversies
: Some critics argue his marketing is overly aggressive ("clickbaity") and that his focus on opening "traps" is less useful for long-term improvement compared to studying classical chess books. Highly Rated Individual Courses
If you are looking for specific modules from his "All 9" collection, these are often cited as the most impactful: ALL Chess Courses by GM Igor Smirnov - TheChessWorld
Grandmaster Igor Smirnov is one of the most recognized chess coaches online, known for his Remote Chess Academy (RCA) and a teaching style that blends chess strategy with deep psychological insights.
While the high-level professional courses are paid products, there are numerous ways to access GM Smirnov's training system for free through official channels. The 9 Essential Pillars of GM Smirnov’s Training
GM Igor Smirnov has developed a structured "system of thinking" designed to take players from club level to 2000+ ELO. His core curriculum is often grouped into specialized modules: TheChessWorldhttps://thechessworld.com ALL Chess Courses by GM Igor Smirnov - TheChessWorld.com
GM Igor Smirnov , founder of the Remote Chess Academy (RCA), offers several high-quality free resources, though his full 9-course premium "Super Pack" is generally a paid product. Legitimate Free Resources from GM Igor Smirnov
While the complete premium library is sold as a bundle, you can access substantial free training through these official channels:
Free Masterclass: A popular starting point is his Free Masterclass: 3 Simple Rules to Reach 2000 Rating Faster, which outlines his core thinking system. GM Igor Smirnov ALL 9 Chess Courses free
Free Mini-Courses: RCA often provides specific mini-courses at no cost, such as the Chess Training Plan and Crushing the King.
YouTube Channel: The Remote Chess Academy YouTube Channel features over 2,000 videos covering openings, traps, and positional play.
Blog & Articles: The RCA Blog contains hundreds of free text-based lessons and downloadable PGN files for game analysis. The Premium 9-Course "Super Pack"
The "9 courses" typically referred to in search queries often highlight the core of his curriculum, which aims to bridge the gap between amateur and master-level thinking. Key titles in his library include: The Grandmaster's Secrets The Grandmaster's Positional Understanding Calculate Till Mate The Grandmaster's Opening Laboratory Winning the Middlegame An Endgame Expert How to Beat Titled Players 7 Keys to Victory Your Winning Plan
Note on "Free" Downloads: Be cautious of third-party sites claiming to offer these premium courses for free "cracked" downloads. These are often unauthorized and may contain malware. Official discounts and bundles (sometimes up to 70% off) are frequently available directly on the Remote Chess Academy website. GM Igor Smirnov's Masterclass
Igor Smirnov is a Ukrainian Chess Grandmaster, a certified coach, and a holder of a Master's degree in Psychology. He is best known as the founder of the Remote Chess Academy (RCA), where he has developed a unique training system that focuses on the psychological aspects of chess and a structured "system of thinking".
While many players search for ways to obtain "GM Igor Smirnov ALL 9 Chess Courses free," it is important to distinguish between premium paid content and the extensive library of high-quality free resources Smirnov provides through his official platforms. Top Rated Courses by GM Igor Smirnov
Smirnov’s library consists of over 20 specialized courses, often bundled into "Super Packs" for different skill levels. The most essential courses often highlighted in "Top 9" lists include:
The Grandmaster's Secrets: A foundational course that reveals the core principles grandmasters use to find the best moves.
The Grandmaster's Positional Understanding: Focuses on deep strategic concepts rather than just tactical calculations.
Calculate Till Mate: Aimed at improving tactical vision and precise calculation skills.
The Grandmaster's Openings Laboratory: A systematic approach to building a robust opening repertoire without rote memorization.
Self-Taught Grandmaster: Outlines a comprehensive training plan for players who want to improve without a private coach.
An Endgame Expert: Teaches essential endgame techniques and theoretical knowledge. GM Igor Smirnov’s chess courses, primarily sold through
Your Winning Plan: Focuses on middlegame strategy and how to formulate plans in various positions.
7 Keys to Victory: Summarizes the most critical rules to follow to win more games instantly.
How to Beat Stronger Opponents: Provides psychological and strategic tips for facing higher-rated players. How to Access Free Content Legally
While his full premium courses are paid, GM Igor Smirnov offers several ways for players to access his teaching methods for free:
GM Igor Smirnov's courses typically include a practical part
with dozens or hundreds of specific exercises designed to reinforce the concepts taught in the video lectures. Unlike standard tactics puzzles, these positions often require deep study
(analyzing for roughly 10 minutes) before comparing your thoughts with a detailed solution or model game.
While the full "all-inclusive" course bundles are generally paid products, you can access a significant amount of his teaching content through these free features: 1. Free Masterclass Smirnov frequently offers a Free Masterclass through his Remote Chess Academy (RCA)
website. This typically focuses on a "system of thinking" designed to help players reach 2000 ELO by simplifying complex Grandmaster strategies. 2. Free Video Lessons & YouTube He provides extensive free instructional content on his official YouTube channel
, which has over 870,000 subscribers as of 2026. Key free lesson topics often include: Igor Smirnov's "GM's Secrets" - Chess Forums 5 Jun 2013 —
Igor Smirnov is a Ukrainian chess Grandmaster and the founder of the Remote Chess Academy. He is highly recognized for his instructional videos and courses that promise to teach students a concrete, step-by-step thinking system to find the best moves. 🛑 The "Free" Myth vs. Reality
If you are looking for links or downloads to get all of Igor Smirnov's courses for free, you should be aware that these do not exist legitimately:
Strict Anti-Piracy: Smirnov heavily protects his intellectual property. His platform uses digital rights management to prevent courses from being ripped and shared.
Scam Warnings: Websites claiming to offer his full library (like the famous 9 foundational courses) as a free download are notorious for harboring malware, trojans, or phishing traps. Best for: Players who want to turn "equal"
Legitimate Discounts: If you want his training system affordably, Smirnov frequently discounts his bundles. You can check the official sales at the Remote Chess Academy Store. 📖 The "1600 to 2260" Breakthrough Story
Beyond the commercial courses, Igor Smirnov's own rise to the Grandmaster title is a highly interesting and often-cited story in the chess community: 🧩 The Stagnant Amateur
At 11 years old, Smirnov had read countless chess books and possessed massive amounts of technical knowledge. Yet, his execution on the board was completely inconsistent. Like many club players, he was stuck at a plateau because he focused entirely on calculating individual moves and memorizing lines rather than understanding the bigger strategic picture. 👑 The Mentor's Secret
Smirnov credits his breakthrough to a local mentor, Coach Murashko. The coach realized Smirnov was playing too reactively. He taught the young player a simplified, aggressive thinking framework centered around relentless activity and finding attacking moves.
By abandoning complex calculations in favor of fundamental, aggressive principles, Smirnov's rating exploded from 1600 to 2260 ELO in just a single year. He went on to become an International Master at 13. 🧠 The Psychologist Grandmaster
Despite his rapid rise, Smirnov hit another massive wall at around 2450 ELO. Realizing that his limitations were no longer about chess knowledge but rather psychological barriers and decision-making flaws, he decided to do something highly unusual for a professional player: he earned a Master's degree in psychology.
By merging cognitive psychology with chess strategy, he mapped out how the human brain actually processes a complex board. This allowed him to finally break through his plateau and achieve the Grandmaster title in 2008. He leveraged this unique psychological perspective to build the very courses he sells today. GM Igor Smirnov's Super Pack - Remote Chess Academy
Focus: Endgame Strategy There is an old saying: "You cannot win a game until you know how to win the endgame." This course moves beyond basic checkmates and teaches you how to convert advantages. It covers activity, the principle of two weaknesses, and how to handle various endgame structures.
1. The GM’s Opening Laboratory (Often split into Part 1 & 2)
2. The GM’s Secret (or "The GM's Mindset")
3. How to Play Titled Players
Before diving into specific courses, it is crucial to understand GM Smirnov’s teaching philosophy. Unlike many chess authors who focus on memorizing opening lines or static puzzles, Smirnov focuses on psychology and systematic thinking.
When people search for the "9 courses," they are generally referring to the core catalog of the Remote Chess Academy. These include:
If you type "GM Igor Smirnov ALL 9 Chess Courses free download" into Google, you will find links to Mega.nz, Pirate Bay, or obscure Russian trackers.
Warning: Downloading these files is risky for several reasons: