Does the program work?

HI, I was checking out ICS and found this forum. Do you who have purchased the program find it worthwhile? Did it improve your chess? If so, how much?

So far I like it very much, but after only two months it is hard to tell if I have improved or not in terms of rating.

Like BDK i am only starting month three but can say that i like the course. Did i improve is difficult to say but i guess being busy with chess in a structured way with a good chess program (ics course) cannot be bad.

I am sure i have learned something already from this course but (perfect/correct) implementing it in otb play takes a little longer. It needs practise.

I think ICS program is definitely worth the money. At least the Main Module.

As far as opening module, if somebody doesn't mind spending 15 bucks a months and plans to play the openings they will cover then ICS does provide a great material.

It will be needed to supplement it with more games and maybe some other books but anybody who will study any opening seriously will have to do it anyway!

I have to say I don't think I could expect to go to one source on such a complicated game as chess and get all the information I needed about everything. So, I didn't plan on getting the opening module if I do purchase the main module. I just need the thinking process and positional play to help me analyze the rest myself. It sounds like for those topics it is worth the time and money. Do you get someone to ask questions to along the way? An advisor or teacher? What rating were you guys at before you started?

I am on month 4, almost done. I find it great, the material has provided me a deeper understanding of the game. It has helped my play, although the way I have been playing lately you wouldn't know it. I have the opening module as well. There is a huge amount of material and it can be overwhelming at times. but I think it is worth the extra dough.

hi everyone, i'm new here and have not joined the program
i was wondering what are your opinions, does it help, has it worked?
has anyone finished it and seen a real chess improvement? that kind of stuff
i'm just a 1800 elo player and so far i have mostly studied tactics

Easy answer is yes.
2 Caveats
1) I think the opening module is a distraction.So I do not recommend they are studied together
2) Keep practicing tactics
I was similar about 1800 and found I learned a lot but started introducing tactical errors in my game.

In truth if doing it I would plan for 2 years to force yourself to complete all tests.
Subject to two caveats above I went 1800 to over 2000. Dropped back a bit when I have tried to change openings