: Forcing the opponent to create pawn weaknesses that you can target later.
Most chess improvers forget the economics of time. If you spend 200 hours watching random free videos to gain 100 ELO, you have wasted 200 hours.
This course is a practical instruction manual for players in the 1600-2000 rating range. It focuses on the crucial difference between having knowledge and possessing skill.
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. gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses better free
Before diving into the courses, it is helpful to understand why GM Smirnov's approach resonates with so many learners. Achieving the Grandmaster title at the age of 20, his own chess journey was not purely about natural talent; it was a deliberate search for the most effective methods of training. Dissatisfied with traditional, often overwhelming, chess instruction, he used his Master's degree in psychology to develop a system based on how the human mind learns and processes strategic information.
To access the courses, simply visit the website and create an account. Once you've registered, you'll have instant access to all 9 courses, which you can stream or download for offline viewing.
Specific, high-level preparation.
The only metric where free content wins is cost. In every metric that actually improves your rating , Smirnov wins decisively.
Practical recommendation
Understanding how to handle pressure, manage time, and exploit human weaknesses at the board. : Forcing the opponent to create pawn weaknesses
| Criteria | Free Content (YouTube/Lichess) | GM Smirnov’s Courses | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 4/10 (surface level) | 9/10 (Grandmaster insights) | | Structure | 2/10 (random order) | 10/10 (graded difficulty) | | Practice Integration | 1/10 (you find your own) | 9/10 (PGNs & exercises included) | | Psychology | 0/10 (ignored) | 9/10 (core focus) | | Time Efficiency | 3/10 (watch 50 hrs to learn 5 hrs worth) | 9/10 (every minute is dense) | | Cost | 10/10 (free) | 5/10 (one-time payment) |
Q: Can I download the courses for offline viewing? A: Yes, once you've registered, you can download the courses for offline viewing.
Platforms like Lichess Puzzles offer completely free, unlimited tactical training, custom puzzle themes, and interactive endgame trainers powered by open-source engines. This course is a practical instruction manual for