Igor Smirnov, a chess coach and author, has become known in the chess community for producing structured instructional materials aimed at accelerating improvement for club and tournament players. His "All 9 Chess Courses" — a bundled offering of nine separate modules covering tactics, openings, endgames, and psychological preparation — promises a complete curriculum for progressing from beginner or intermediate levels toward higher competitive performance. This essay examines the content, pedagogy, strengths, and limitations of Smirnov’s nine-course collection, situating it in the broader landscape of chess education and offering a critical assessment for prospective students.
Absolute beginners to 1800 players who feel like they often have no plan after move 10.
If you can tell me and what part of your game (openings, middlegame, endgames) you struggle with most, I can give you a more tailored recommendation on which of these courses to start with. Would that be helpful? gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses new
: Provides a systematic approach to calculation and finding tactical shots.
Improved ability to create a winning plan from an equal position. 3. An Endgame Expert Igor Smirnov, a chess coach and author, has
Master the Board: Reviewing the Latest 9 Chess Courses from GM Igor Smirnov
This course teaches you how to handle "quiet" positions where tactics are not immediately apparent. You will learn how to improve your pieces, strengthen your position, and exploit small advantages. 3. Calculate Till Mate Absolute beginners to 1800 players who feel like
The "new" part is critical here. Older chess openings are being refuted by Stockfish 17. Smirnov has updated the lines to avoid the "Englund Gambit" traps and the "Jobava London" counters. He provides a PDF—memorize the first 5 moves of every line, and the rest is just logic.
Considered the flagship course of the Remote Chess Academy, this module acts as the foundation for the entire system. It targets the single biggest problem amateur players face: the lack of a concrete, reliable thought process.
This course is aimed at players who have reached a plateau and want to compete with higher-rated opponents. It focuses on the psychological and technical differences between amateur and master play.