Summer is often a time for leisure, reflection, and perhaps, dedicated self-improvement. For chess enthusiasts, this period presents an excellent opportunity to refine their skills or deepen their understanding of the game`s rich heritage. ChessBase is currently highlighting a select pair of resources designed to facilitate precisely this kind of development, available for a limited period.
This special offering is active for one week only: June 23rd through June 29th.
Sharpening Black`s Repertoire: The Pirc Defence
One featured resource targets players looking to employ dynamic and counter-attacking strategies with the black pieces. The Pirc Defence (commencing after 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6) is a contemporary opening choice that, on the surface, permits White significant central presence, only to later challenge it aggressively. This often leads to complex, unbalanced positions where tactical acumen and strategic understanding are paramount.
International Master Fabien Libiszewski`s video course, “Master the Pirc Defence! – A strategic and dynamic approach,” provides a comprehensive guide to navigating these structures. Spanning over eight hours, the course delves into essential themes, key ideas, and practical resources required for effective Pirc play. By analyzing illustrative games and presenting a complete repertoire, Libiszewski aims to equip players with the knowledge to confidently handle the ensuing middlegame battles.
While the Pirc involves a degree of inherent risk – as Grandmaster Savielly Tartakower famously quipped, “The player that takes risks may lose, the player that doesn`t always loses” – the course emphasizes that this risk can be controlled and leveraged through proper understanding. It positions the Pirc as a valuable, surprising, and practical weapon capable of generating genuine winning chances in unpredictable games. The training is further enhanced with interactive exercises compatible with ChessBase software and the Fritz App, allowing for practical application of the learned material.
This week, the extensive “Master the Pirc Defence” video course is available at a significantly reduced price, presenting a timely opportunity for players seeking to add a sharp, modern defence to their arsenal.
A Journey Through Time: The Masterclass Collection
For those inclined towards historical study and learning from the giants of the game, the second highlight offers a deep dive into over 150 years of chess evolution. The ChessBase Masterclass series is a collection dedicated to legendary players, their significant games, major tournaments, and contributions to theory.
The Summer Special features a bundle encompassing all eighteen volumes released to date. This collection traverses the history of competitive chess, examining the styles and contributions of champions and influential figures from the early days of Paul Morphy right up to the modern era represented by Magnus Carlsen. It`s a comprehensive library covering key periods and strategic/tactical advancements through the lens of the players who shaped them.
Acquiring these eighteen volumes together provides an unparalleled resource for studying the historical context of chess strategy and tactics directly from the games of its most accomplished practitioners. This week, the complete Masterclass bundle is offered at a substantial discount, making it an opportune moment to invest in a foundational library of chess history and master-level instruction.
Whether your goal is to adopt a challenging new opening or to immerse yourself in the legacy of chess`s greatest minds, these limited-time offers from ChessBase provide distinct pathways for summer improvement. Choose your focus, or perhaps explore both facets of the game, before the week concludes on June 29th.
Rupert Hartwell