Gm Igor Smirnov All 9 Chess Courses May 2026
Third, Unlike purchasing a random Tactics course on a marketplace, Smirnov’s nine courses are designed to build on each other. A student who completes them in order (Foundation → Weapons → Psychological) will have few gaps in their practical understanding. The Weaknesses: Honest Critiques However, a discerning consumer should note several issues.
The opening courses ( The King’s Gambit , Universal System ) are deliberately narrow. If your opponent plays 1…c6 (Caro-Kann) or 1…e6 (French), the Universal System (based on 1.d4 and 2.g3) can struggle. Smirnov’s answer—“just play positional chess”—is philosophically consistent but practically frustrating for players who want concrete variations. GM Igor Smirnov ALL 9 Chess Courses
The foundation of the library rests on and “Self-Training: How to Improve Your Chess Without an Opponent.” These are not about memorizing the Berlin Defense or the Najdorf Sicilian; they are about understanding pawn structures, piece activity, and, crucially, how to study. Smirnov argues that the average player’s practice (mindless blitz games) is actively harmful. His courses replace volume with deliberate, principle-based reflection. This is a liberating idea: you don’t need a better memory, just better questions to ask at the board. The Nine Pillars: A Map of the Catalogue Smirnov’s nine courses can be grouped into three distinct phases of a player’s development journey: Third, Unlike purchasing a random Tactics course on
Ultimately, Smirnov’s legacy is not the nine courses themselves, but the mindset they instill: chess mastery is not about knowing more than your opponent; it is about thinking more clearly. For that lesson alone, his catalogue is worth a serious look—just don’t expect to buy your way to a title without the hard work of unlearning your own bad habits. The opening courses ( The King’s Gambit ,
Second, He excels at simplifying complex concepts. His explanation of “prophylaxis” (preventing your opponent’s plan) or “the principle of the least active piece” is clearer than in many classic textbooks. The video format, with his calm, accented English narration and clear board visuals, is highly effective.
In the crowded digital marketplace of chess education, where grandmasters and engines compete for the amateur’s attention, GM Igor Smirnov has carved out a unique empire. Unlike many peers who offer a single “magic bullet” opening or a generic tactics bundle, Smirnov has systematically constructed an ecosystem of learning: nine distinct courses that promise not just better chess, but a better thinker . To examine his complete catalogue is to understand a coherent pedagogical philosophy—one that prioritizes psychological resilience, universal principles, and the art of practical play over brute-force calculation. However, a critical look also reveals redundancies, a steep pricing structure, and a teaching style that, while effective, is not without its limitations. The Core Philosophy: Principles Over Memory Before dissecting the individual courses, one must grasp Smirnov’s overarching thesis: most club players lose not because they lack tactical vision, but because they lack a strategic compass. His nine courses are designed to systematically dismantle what he calls “chess blindness”—the tendency to move without a plan.
