In the ever-evolving world of chess, continuous learning remains the cornerstone of improvement. For enthusiasts and aspiring masters alike, the quest for deeper understanding of openings, middlegames, and endgames is perpetual. ChessBase, a renowned name in chess software and educational content, is currently offering an exclusive summer special on two highly regarded instructional series, providing a significant opportunity to elevate one`s game.
This limited-time promotion features two comprehensive three-part courses: Grandmaster Luis Engel’s exhaustive repertoire on the Najdorf Variation of the Sicilian Defense and International Master Robert Ris’s insightful series on mastering general chess strategy. Both sets, originally priced higher, are now available at a special rate of €69.90, down from €99.90. This presents a considerable saving for those looking to invest in top-tier chess education.
Luis Engel: Najdorf – A Dynamic Grandmaster Repertoire Against 1.e4 (Volumes 1-3)
The Najdorf Variation, arising after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6, stands as one of the most formidable and frequently employed responses to 1.e4. Its reputation for aggressive counterplay and deep strategic nuances precedes it, often giving White players pause for thought. Luis Engel`s three-volume Fritztrainer is designed to equip Black players with a complete, grandmaster-level repertoire, ensuring preparedness against virtually any line White might attempt.
Engel meticulously covers all critical sixth-move options for White, transitioning from the most common responses to the less frequent, yet equally dangerous, sidelines. The course emphasizes both the attacking potential and the strategic depth inherent in the Najdorf, making it suitable for a wide range of player styles. Each volume is meticulously structured to build a cohesive understanding:
Volume 1: Navigating the Main Lines
This initial volume focuses on White’s primary continuations after 5…a6, including 6. Bg5, 6. Be3, 6. Be2, and 6. Bc4. It provides essential theoretical knowledge coupled with practical exercises designed to solidify key positions. The inclusion of an Opening App allows for interactive testing of memory and understanding of the presented theory.
- Video running time: Approximately 5 hours.
- Interactive training positions to reinforce critical concepts.
- Integration with ChessBase apps for repertoire memorization.
Volume 2: Addressing Less Common Sixth Moves
Building on the foundation, Volume 2 delves into White`s less conventional, but still important, sixth-move choices such as 6. h3, 6. g3, and 6. Rg1. This ensures that the student is not caught off guard by unexpected deviations. The emphasis here remains on practical application through tactical exercises and positional play-outs.
- Video running time: Approximately 3 hours 44 minutes.
- Interactive training with video feedback for deeper understanding.
- Further exercises to cement the acquired knowledge.
Volume 3: Conquering the Anti-Sicilians
Often, opponents will eschew the open Sicilian entirely in an attempt to avoid the main Najdorf variations. Volume 3 is dedicated to preparing players for these “Anti-Sicilians,” covering crucial alternatives from White`s second and third moves. This includes the popular Grand Prix Attack (2. Nc3), the Alapin Variation (2. c3), and less common lines like 3. Bb5+ or 4. Qxd4. This volume ensures a complete and seamless grandmaster repertoire against 1.e4, addressing every conceivable early deviation.
- Video running time: Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes.
- Comprehensive coverage of all Anti-Sicilians and early White deviations.
- Training with ChessBase apps to master theoretical lines and key positions.
Robert Ris: Mastering Chess Strategy (Volumes 1-3)
While openings set the stage, it is strategy that dictates the flow and outcome of the middlegame. Robert Ris`s “Mastering Chess Strategy” series is an indispensable guide for players aiming to develop a profound positional understanding. Ris’s approach is refreshingly practical, focusing on the application of strategic principles rather than abstract theory, ensuring that students can immediately integrate new concepts into their play.
The series progresses systematically, from foundational elements like pawn structures to advanced concepts of exploiting weaknesses. Each volume is packed with interactive exercises, moving beyond passive learning to actively engage the student in decision-making processes, mirroring the demands of a real game.
Volume 1: The Basics of Chess Strategy
This introductory volume begins with a fundamental truth, attributed to Philidor: “pawns are the soul of chess.” Ris explores the profound impact of pawns – their strengths, weaknesses, and their role in creating tactical opportunities and restricting opponent mobility. The course illuminates how pawn structures lead to weak squares and how pieces can exploit these vulnerabilities. It also delves into the power of rooks on open files and the critical significance of the seventh rank, laying a solid foundation for positional play.
- Video running time: Approximately 5 hours.
- 77 interactive exercises with video feedback.
- Database of practical positions for hands-on learning.
Volume 2: Elevating Piece Play
Building on the basics, Volume 2 shifts focus to the nuanced art of piece evaluation and optimization. The core question addressed is: which pieces are good, and which are bad? Ris teaches how to identify underperforming pieces and improve their activity, when to exchange pieces for maximum impact, and how piece activity directly contributes to king safety. The course emphasizes practical application, with multiple questions within examples to deepen understanding.
- Video running time: Approximately 5 hours 32 minutes.
- Extensive interactive challenges designed for active learning.
- Focus on practical decision-making in middlegame scenarios.
Volume 3: Exploiting Opponent`s Weaknesses
The final volume integrates strategic planning with tactical awareness, teaching the crucial skill of identifying and attacking an opponent’s weaknesses. Whether it’s a vulnerable pawn, an exposed king, or poor piece coordination, Ris guides students on how to pinpoint critical targets, prioritize attacks, and execute clear, effective plans. The course highlights the interplay between strategy and tactics, demonstrating how they are intrinsically linked in real-game situations.
- Video running time: Approximately 5 hours 57 minutes.
- Exercises blending strategic planning with dynamic calculation.
- Training to adapt plans as positions evolve, fostering flexible thinking.
This summer special offers a unique opportunity for chess enthusiasts to acquire a comprehensive understanding of two pivotal areas of the game – a dynamic opening repertoire and fundamental strategic principles. With expert instruction and interactive learning tools, these courses represent a significant investment in one`s chess journey, promising tangible improvements for dedicated players.
Rupert Hartwell