Self-taught Grandmaster • Verified Source

This is not a "passive" course. To see results, you must commit to the rigorous practical exercises and repetitive training tasks.

The course is built on the philosophy that modern players often "know" too much but "do" too little, leading to inconsistent results. It focuses on transforming passive knowledge into "unconscious competence"—skills that trigger automatically during a game.

is a specialized chess training course created by Ukrainian Grandmaster Igor Smirnov . Unlike many courses that focus on specific openings or tactical patterns, this program is designed to be a comprehensive "training system" for players who want to improve without a personal coach. Core Content & Structure Self-Taught Grandmaster

The course covers the "Main Problem" of self-taught players (lack of a clear system) and moves into advanced concepts like planning, style development, and the "High School" of chess.

Smirnov utilizes his background in psychology and neuroscience to explain how the brain best absorbs chess information and handles tournament pressure. Strengths vs. Weaknesses Systematic Approach This is not a "passive" course

Highly praised for providing a clear, step-by-step roadmap for study, which is often what self-taught players lack most.

Focuses on how to think rather than what to think, helping players stabilize their performance. Core Content & Structure The course covers the

The course is ideal for who feel stuck and don't know what to study next. It is particularly valuable for "lone wolf" players who prefer a structured curriculum they can follow independently.