Self-taught Grandmaster | 2025-2026 |

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

Focuses on how to think rather than what to think, helping players stabilize their performance.

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

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.

Can we become a Grand Master through self study? - Chessable This is not a "passive" course

Some users find the older video format and Smirnov’s accent a bit dated compared to modern Chessable or Chess.com courses.

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 Highly praised for providing a clear, step-by-step roadmap

Includes a set of 20 special training tasks and 200 commented games and puzzles designed to automate the thinking algorithms Smirnov teaches.