Self Taught course by smirnov or premium member ship in chess.com

Hello friends

I am planning to buy either Premier membership in chess.com or IGM Smirnov self taught course.

Which one is useful in improving chess skills.

Thank u

prashpot

I think you'll get a lot more for your money with a diamond membership here.  Smirnov seems to get mixed reviews and he's not cheap.  I think most people probably learn best with a variety of approaches.  Some days you feel like working hard and hitting the Chess Mentor, some days you just want to kick back and watch a video.  Unlimited Tactics Trainer is kind of a mixed benefit if you find yourself becoming addicted to it but it sure inproves your board vision.  Of course since I'm a diamond member I'm not exactly a neutral observer.  Someone who has had success with Smirnov will probably say the opposite.  For sure I'd search the forum archives for "Smirnov" before spending big bucks.  

I didn't try Smirnof (also not the Vodka) - but why spend big money? It's possible to buy just one course and see what it gives you... the guy is a GM, which means proven success in chess, and from the way he presents his courses, I'm sure that he can be at least a thought-provoking teacher (although I didn't buy anything from him yet). 

Diamond membership here is, at least, fun, and probably much more...

So why not get both? One course from Smirnoff, a couple of months of Diamond membership, and then see what it does to your love, enjoyment and understanding of chess...

Thank you Baddogno and Rapidwurst.

I donno how to grade my self my score is around 1350 here in chess.com.

Yah Smirnov is expensive and i think ill plan for membership here in chess.com.

Are the videos here in chess.com good?

thx in advance.

The videos here are at a bare minimum as good as what I've seen from Smirnov (he has free ones on youtube if you want a taster), and most are less offensive on the ears.

It's true that the way he speaks English isn't so appealing... but it's better to judge by content than by form. 

Thank you Solkytz.

Danny Rensch's live session videos alone are worth the price of admission.  Some of the others are a mixed bag, but kind of depends on your level.  I've tried looking at some advanced level videos and getten promptly lost, but that's not the fault of the author-I'm just not his target audience.  FM Lilov has been doing a wonderful introductory series on the major openings that is billed as a beginner series, but is really beginning intermediate.  You're bound to find something you want to study.  Have fun.

You're welcome :-)

you always have a 30 day money back guarantee here :)

Thank you guys for prompt replies. I really appreciate.

@ Scottrf Thx

Smirnov offers a money back guarantee too ;)

But yeah there is a video on almost everything here, I suggest you at least try it.

I think that with what chess.com has to offer, making use of the 30 day guarantee borders on abuse... it's just $14 for a month which at the very least provides tons of entertainment. Money is well spent here. 

Care is needed here. Just because a player is titled does not mean that they can teach! The two do not go hand in hand as a matter of course.

True CB-39.

And to comment on the thread. I'm not the type to pay for a membership for anything, but my premium membership has been well worth it. I agree with solskytz, it is indeed money well spent. I have no regrets!

I  bought one of his courses and I must say it doesn't deliver. He spoke about a simple rule of making your moves most active. He then explains in sicilian Bg5 is the most active place for that bishop. Then he gives an example where he plays Be3 and then says its opening preparation. It just didn't make sense to me because he didn't clarify what he had prepared. Certainly I can't just have been Be3. If you prepare for an opponent you play a certain line if you have an idea how to counter it. He may have done that but he didn't say what it was specifically. Instead it sounded like he found all the moves over the board by using the "most active spot" principle.

I tried to use the principles he outlayed but didn't find it very helpful. This may be my level that isn't high or low enough. I think all chess teaching products should have rating range on it so you know if it is suitable for your current level. Like chess.com videos have :)

He does have some free videos that you can watch however.  I suggest you try those first to see if you get something from it.

Thx Sluck.

After all these responses i took premium membership here at chess.com . I felt its not bad.

Nice diamond you've got there

I predict over time, you will realize you made the right choice.  Premium membership here is a great value, and definitely worth it.  See you in the Diamond-Member's only group!