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.
Go to the official Remote Chess Academy website. Do not buy from third-party resellers—the "new" courses require a login portal for the interactive PGNs. Wait for a "Majors" sale (usually during the World Championship or Tata Steel).
This course replaces brute force with "Smirnov’s Tree of Variations." The new edition includes a "Blindfold Mode" chapter where you are forced to calculate without moving pieces on the screen. It teaches you when to stop calculating. Over-calculation is the #1 time-waster for adult improvers. Course #3: The Universal Pawn Structures (New) Format: 10 hours | 40 annotated master games The Hook: 80% of all chess positions fall into 7 distinct pawn structures. Learn the plans for these 7, and you don't need to memorize opening theory. gm igor smirnov all 9 chess courses new
However, for 90% of adult improvers, the is the most practical, high-ROI chess product on the market in 2025. It doesn’t teach you to be Stockfish; it teaches you to beat the guy across the table.
If you are a 900-rated rapid player, start with The Universal Opening System and 2000 ELO Tactical Mechanics only. Long-time fans of Smirnov (since his "Chess King" app days) will notice massive changes in the new 9-course suite: The "new" part is critical here
Instead of equalizing, you bait White into overextending. The new edition focuses heavily on the and the Winawer French . Smirnov includes a "Trap Index"—a cheat sheet of 30 opening traps you can set by move 12. Part 4: The Mental & Practical Edge Course #8: Chess Psychology & Over-the-Board Secrets (New) Format: 5 hours | Off-board techniques The Hook: Why do you play like a GM at home but a beginner in tournaments?
This article breaks down every single one of the courses, explaining the unique methodology, who each course is for, and how the full system builds a 2000+ ELO player from the ground up. The Philosophy Behind The "New" 9 Courses Before diving into the list, you must understand GM Smirnov’s core teaching axiom: Don’t memorize moves; understand the logic. He provides a PDF—memorize the first 5 moves
Common tactics courses teach forks and pins . This course teaches the geometry of the board. New chapters include "Laser Pins" (pins that last 5+ moves) and "The Arabian Mate Family." If you only buy one tactics course in your life, make it this one. Course #6: The Universal Opening System (New "G6" Update) Format: 14 hours | 3 Repertoires (White, Black vs e4, Black vs d4) The Hook: One opening setup for your whole career. For White: The London System 2.0 (aggressive version). For Black: The King’s Indian Defense setup against everything.