How is it? Has anybody taken it?Is it worth it. Google ICS Grandmaster Package..

Thanks,

Krishna.

It has opening repertoire. I am not sure whether to buy it...

Anybody??

Looks interesting. If the cost is not a problem, I think you should buy it.

google reviews on it.  There has been more than one thread created about it on chess.com.  I know because I started one myself asking the same question lol.  I've seen mostly good reviews.  I actually did it for a month, but I did not have the time to dedicate to it so I had to cancel.  In my opinion it is a bit pricey for pdf format material that you download and go through by yourself.  I know master and grandmaster lessons are very expensive, but when you compare pdf downloads for 40 bucks a month as opposed the amount of material you get with chess.com's diamond membership, with all the lecture videos, chess mentor courses, tactics trainer it does seem expensive.  This is just my opinion though.  I am sure some will disagree with me.  However what it does do is break down their material into a structured course that is designed to help you improve.  So in that aspect it is better than chess.com.  I'd say try it for a month or 2.  I am pretty sure you pay month to month and can cancel at any time so if you really don't like it then just cancel.

Thanks Mandy, Pen2da_Pixel and mattyf9!

Yeah i was thinking the same thing bro..

40 bucks for just pdfs.. does seem silly. So as u say i'll play month to month.

By the way was it helpful??

Thnx for da info,

Krishna Harish.

I didn't study it long enough to actually improve. I don't even think I did it for a month. I only read a few pieces of their material.

Ok so thats the case.

Well anyway best of luck to u at improving ur game buddy!

I have seen the material, and it's advanced.(I would say around >1600 elo to start with the course).The biggest advantage of ICS is that it's structured and has a way of turning knowledge into skill. 

Nevertheless, the main point you should consider is the following: are you going to toil (hard work!!!) around 6-8 hours/week on the ICS course? fruit will be reaped but only with your effort. And it's not just reading text, oh no, it's working trough hard exercises.

Indeed. I think the question you need to ask is how much expert guidance are you likely to receive each month, and from what calibre of player/teacher. Presumably this is what you're paying for - since $40 per month would go a long way if you spent it on chess books.

I studied the material, and even did some flashcards of the important points. But then one day I took Khmeinitski (sorry I'm surely spelled wrong) test course, and saw that all that ICS material didn't help me a little bit into finding the right move. The same would happen in some correspondence games. I wasn't able to formulate a plan. I believe that chess, at non-pro level (which mean not someone who learned from 6-7 years old, had different coaches, and does it at GM level) is just mainly tactics. And that tactics can even give more ideas than all the questions one could learn to ask him/herself through the ICS course.

The opening course was silly, the opening ideas were not explained, and I really couldn't use it in my own games. I worked with the course for about 6 months before to stop using it. I believe it is better to buy 2-3 books a month, with the same amount of money.

I have grandmaster ICS in chessbase format and basically it provides suggested opening theory for like 12 moves max.  It gives explanations, but it is pretty basic.  Not sure how useful this product is because I have it, but I haven't actually used it.  

Awesome thanks for the reply guys.

You all around the world are indeed more knowledgable than me..

Thanks for all the advice. But as i hv made up my mind. Let me see i'l probably go for it and try to get the best out of it by showing real results i mean RESULTS!!

Again i'l keep whatever u guys told in mind and wish u all the best in ur future chess matches ;)

Cheers,

Krishna.

Are you going to post in these forums when you've started it? I'd be interested in hearing if it's any good.

Yeah definitely IpswichMatt i'll post and even tell u if i've had any good results with it (tourneys)..

By the way i am going to buy it by the end of this week. Will keep u posted...

Would be good if you did. I'm particularly keen to know how much GrandMaster or IM feedback you get from them - whether it looks like they've spent time looking at your game.

I wouldn't expect very much, but I would expect some for that money.

True thats a lot of money.. K, lets c.

I am in month 6 with Grandmaster Package and now I can tell that I am not sorry of doing this course. It's not cheap, indeed, but it's really different from other materials I've seen so far. Their lessons are very consistent and rich in explanations and "what you have to do" - I understand chess much better now, I formulate my plans more purposely and ... 2 days ago I won my first tournament against 35 opponents.

I also took advantage of their free "teacher guidance". I asked them many questions and their answers always seemed very professional. It's like having a grandmaster as very good friend :)

Yeah man i agree its just awesome!! Just superb...

I am dying to see how i perform in a rated tournament..