25% off today in the ChessBase Shop, only today!

[Issue #11 May/2018](#) ChessBase Newsletter // Dear Chess Friends! [The countdown has started! Only today, May 29, 2018, will you receive 25 % off of everything* in our online shop! *]( *Excluding vouchers and ducats [Order from the ChessBase Shop now and make real savings! But be careful, if you think for too long, you could end up losing on time!]( // Our recommendations [NEW! Komodo 12]( Komodo is on fire! The new version of the multiple world champion program is not only stronger than ever. The additional "Monte Carlo" version of Komodo 12 relies on the analysis technology recently used by the "AlphaZero” AI project. Komodo 12 is both a top program and an exciting analysis partner certain to surprise you with suggestions and bring you interesting ideas! The package also includes the current Fritz 16 program interface and Premium membership (6 months) for a ChessBase account, including access to playchess.com, the ChessBase video portal, Live Database and much more. "I am deeply moved by the style of Komodo. In my opinion it's the perfect combination between computer accuracy and human positional understanding. I get the feeling it's taken positional understanding to the next level” (GM Boris Avrukh) • New Komodo 12 multiprocessor engine • New Komodo 12 “Monte Carlo” engine • The latest Fritz 16 program interface • 6 months Premium membership for your ChessBase Account [Instead of 89,90 €, in the sale just 67,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [ChessBase 14 Mega package]( Train like Carlsen, Caruana and other top players! In latest version of ChessBase, ChessBase 14, there are a lot of improvements that make move input and analysis easier, and make creating training material or training itself far more convenient. "Assisted Analysis” helps when entering a game, a colour-coded evaluation is displayed on the board for all the possible moves of the piece just by clicking on it. "Tactical Analysis" annotates games or entire databases automatically, adding comments, variations and diagrams and much more ChessBase 14, Mega Database 2018, one year Premium membership for your ChessBase Account plus a year’s subscription to ChessBase Magazine. [Instead of 279,90 €, in the sale just 209,93 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [NEW! Yannick Pelletier: A Classical Guide to the French]( Swiss Grand Master Yannick Pelletier is an expert in the French Defence. He is a lover of the typical ideas, plans and structures found above all in the classical variations. No wonder, then, that his new DVD offers you a repertoire based on tried and tested lines that have been played for decades. In the interactive format, he guides you through master games in which the ideas of the opening come to fruition. And in the decisive positions, it's your move: Find the best move and enter it on the board. Was your move correct? Find out immediately in the Grandmaster’s video feedback! [Instead of 29,90 €, in the sale just 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [NEW! Lawrence Trent: The Amazing Albin Counter Gambit]( The Albin Counter Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5!?) is popular with grandmasters and amateurs alike. About 15 years ago, this exceptionally aggressive system experienced a renaissance when GM Morozevich revived the opening with a series of new ideas and good results. IM Lawrence Trent has examined the various White strategies that have since been developed against Morozevich's structure and found improvements for Black. His conclusion: the opening is not only perfectly healthy, it is also White who has to be very careful not to come out of the opening worse!. [Instead of 29,90 €, in the sale just 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [NEW! ChessBase Opening Encyclopedia 2018]( Chess is about victory or defeat from the very first move. And sometimes the outcome is certain from as early as the opening. Make sure you're always a few moves ahead of your opponent! The new ChessBase Opening Encyclopedia 2018 is a first-class tool to close gaps in your repertoire and to augment your own arsenal with new ideas, traps and variations! THE reference work for every opening: Over 6.3 million games, more than 85,500 of them annotated 1,073 special theoretical articles and 6,450 opening overviews Current "Trend Articles" on the King’s Indian Attack, Winawer French, Bogo Indian and King’s Indian with 6.h3 Large opening book covering all the games provides a quick overview and accurate statistical evaluation [ChessBase Opening Encyclopedia 2018 - Instead of 99,90 €, in the sale just 74,93 €]( [Update ChessBase Opening Encyclopedia 2018 from ChessBase Opening Encyclopedia 2017 - Instead of 59,90 €, in the sale just 44,93 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [NEW: Fritz Endgame Turbo 5]( Endgame Turbo 5 is the first ChessBase product ever to be supplied on a USB stick. The new Turbo offers perfect evaluations for all five-piece and all important six-piece endgames. This provides an enormous performance jump for your engines when it comes to endgames. The endgame databases are 128 GB (on one USB stick) - this corresponds to 27 DVDs! Get Endgame Turbo 5 and transform your chess program into an endgame genius! Simply connect the USB stick to your computer. No installation required. Super fast access to USB 3.0! [Instead of 179,90 €, in the sale just 134,93 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Fritz 16 – He just wants to play]( Tense games and even well-fought victories await you with the “Easy play” and “Assisted analysis” modes. Another fun feature in addition to the display of your Elo performance rating are the emoticons which show Fritz’s mood during the game. Fritz 16 is rounded off with a simplified and improved program interface that is linked with the ChessBase Online Apps, new calculation training for improving your variation vision, new realistic pool ratings on playchess.com and much, much more! [Instead of 69,90 €, in the sale just 52,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Mega Database 2018]( The "Mega" is the reference work for every ambitious chess player. The database contains the complete history of chess, with 7.1 million games from 1500 to 2017, edited to a very high standard and featuring a great deal of master analysis, all complete with a definitive classification. Use the Mega Database 2018 for perfect preparation and make the mother of all databases the key to your success! [Mega Database 2018 - Instead of 159,90 € only 119,93 €]( [Update Mega Database 2018 from Mega Database 2017 - Instead of 59,90 € only 44,93 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Premium membership for playchess.com and for the ChessBase accounts]( Enjoy the highlights of the year move by move! As a premium member follow the games live on the playchess.com server. What do the engines say about the current position? And what do master players think? As a premium member you also have access to all new ChessBase Web Apps: the video portal, the live database with more than 8 million games, the tactics server with more than 50,000 exercises, and much more! [Instead of 49,90 € only 37,43 €]( [order now]( // Our Fritztrainer recommendations [NEW! Daniel King: Powerplay 26 - essential knowledge !]( There are many ways to checkmate your opponent’s king However, certain patterns occur over and over again. You should know these patterns in your sleep if you want to round off your games with a successful mating attack! The DVD contains 100 exercises arranged in ten groups of ten according to difficulty. The exercises start with relatively simple positions for beginners and progress on to true masterpieces. Learn the art of checkmating interactively and step-by-step with the most popular chess trainer and presenter around! [Instead of 29,90 €, in the sale just 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [NEW! Rustam Kasimdzhanov: A lifetime repertoire: play the Nimzo Indian!]( The Nimzo-Indian Defence (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4) is one of the great classics you can play successfully throughout your life. In addition, the Nimzo is such a deep and lively opening that there is always something new and exciting to discover. That's exactly what you can expect on this DVD! In his repertoire, Kasimdzhanov recommends variations where the white-squared bishop is developed to b7. An extremely competent and eloquent author, Kasimdzhanov knows how to present the variations and plans of top players in such a way that they are also easily comprehensible for amateurs. [Instead of 29,90 €, in the sale just 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [NEW! Robert Ris: Calculation Training]( Nowadays, many players learn opening variations with engines and neglect the practical side of the game. This DVD shows you why it is so important to train your variation calculation skills - and how to do it the right way! Dutch IM Robert Ris has compiled training material for you to use when working with students with Elo ratings between 1400 to 2400. A wide range, but Ris is sure that this material is suitable for players of different skill levels. After all, any chess player can benefit from improving his or her calculation skills with structured training! [Instead of 29,90 €, in the sale just 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [NEW! Viktor Bologan: The Popular Italian]( The Italian game is played up and down boards at all the top tournaments today. And indeed: it seems to be much more difficult for Black to handle than, for example, the Marshall Gambit or the Berlin Defense in the Ruy Lopez. But the focus of the battle has shifted from the opening to the middlegame, meaning that a completely different type of opening preparation is required. And this is exactly what Victor Bologan offers you on his DVD! Let the grandmaster from Moldova explain the multi-layered positional ideas to you – look forward to many a rich game with Italian! [Instead of 29,90 €, in the sale just 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Andrew Martin - The surprising Sicilian - Shock your opponent with an early ...Qb6]( In the modern game, a player has to be ready to play almost any opening variation at short notice. The plan is to interrupt the preparation of the opponent at every turn. A knowledge of dynamic and slightly unusual lines could well score many,many points for the resourceful player. The Kveinys Variation : 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 e6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 Qb6! is surprisingly little-played, yet gives Black excellent chances and on this new ChessBase DVD, Andrew Martin explains how the system works. [Instead of 29,90 €, in the sale just 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Wesley So: My Black Secrets in the Modern Italian]( Let a world-class player to present the secrets of the Italian game to you! In an interview with IM Oliver Reeh, Wesley So reveals his personal preferences when playing Black and answers a number of fundamental strategic questions, e.g. “Should Black...play a6 to enable ...Ba7, or ...a5", "How to should I counter the White plan with Bg5", "When does an early ...Ng4 together with ...f5 work and when doesn’t it" and much more! Plans, tricks and finesses in the Italian game, explained by one of the best players in the world – get world-class training on your computer! [Instead of 34,90 €, in the sale just 26,18 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Wesley So: My Secret Weapon: 1.b3]( Let Wesley So show you how to score points with 1.b3! Here, move order changes often result in openings such as the Queen’s or Nimzo Indian with a move to spare, meaning White has a valuable extra tempo. In addition to the diverse repertoire suggestions, the DVD offers insights into the very personal evaluation criteria of a top grandmaster. For example, you learn that the bishop pair is his favorite piece duo, as well as doubled pawns for his opponent (e.g. after Bb2 x Nf6!). Expand your horizons with GM Wesley So and 1.b3! [Instead of 34,90 €, in the sale just 26,18 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Adrian Mikhalchishin: Pieces, Pawns and Squares]( Mastering chess technique is, to a great extent, shown in how you use your pieces, that is to say, knowing when they can be used to the maximum possible extent to implement the right plans and goals. However, correct piece handling is known to be even more demanding than pawn play - and of course, sometimes pieces depend on pawns, such as when it comes to taking control of a particular square. But what do you do when you have gained control of just such a square? How do you take advantage of this new outpost or stronghold? On his new DVD, top trainer Adrian Mikhalchishin will teach you this and much more! [Instead of 29,90 €, in the sale just 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // The top-selling Fritztrainer DVDs [Simon Williams: The London System with 2.Bf4]( Do you like clear-cut attacking chess? Then you should look forward to this new DVD by Simon Williams. The Grandmaster from England will show you all the important ideas and tricks you need to get promising positions with White after 1.d4! "I'm going to show you some fascinating possibilities where you can get a great attack in a very lazy way." [Instead of 29,90 €, in the sale just 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Daniel King: Attack package]( Attack and win! These are probably the most enjoyable parts of chess. Learn everything you need to know about the art of attack from Daniel King: mating patterns, attacking the enemy king, pawn storms, the art of attacking tactics and much more! You’ll be well prepared for any adventure with this package, which includes Powerplay DVDs 1, 2, 3, 13, 14 und 20! [Instead of 139,90 €, in the sale just 104,93 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Karsten Müller: Endgames – The complete series, Volumes 1-14]( Karsten Müller’s DVD series is a classic of modern endgame theory. Here you find everything, from the basics in volume 1, to rook, major piece and asymmetrical endgames up to the "Golden Endgame Rules" in volume 14. [Instead of 299 € only 224,25 €]( [order now]( // [Daniel King: Strategy package]( Make your pieces more effective, and learn what pawn play is really all about. The course also includes practical examples of when a knight is stronger than a bishop and vice versa. The strategy package, consisting of Powerplay DVDs 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 will help you to understand more about chess than you ever have before! [Instead of 139,90 €, in the sale just 104,93 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // Further FritzTrainer selection [Daniel King: Powerplay Volume 23 + 24]( Are you looking for a repertoire against 1.d4 that is solid and yet ambitious? Have a look at Daniel King’s two-volume repertoire based on the "Queen’s Gambit Declined" and the "Catalan". Let the master trainer from London show you how Black first holds the center and later seizes the initiative. Get to know all important patterns and ideas, interactively, move by more! [Instead of 54,90 € only 41,18 €]( [order now]( // [Simon Williams: The Black Lion - an aggressive version of the Philidor Defense]( This might be an opening for you! Attacking player GM Simon Williams shows you a complete repertoire against 1.e4, which requires not much theory but offers lots of chess. The "Black Lion" is an aggressive, exciting but also flexible opening against 1.e4. After 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.0–0 c6 the lion wants to roar – and Black has the plan to attack White’s kingside with an early ...g5 followed by Rg8 und g5-g4. [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [order now]( // [Erwin L’Ami: A Gambit Guide through the Open Games Vol.1 and 2]( Join Erwin l’Ami on his discovery tour through the world of gambits! The gambit expert from the Netherlands shows you all gambits that are worth knowing after 1.e4 e5. From the Frankenstein-Dracula gambit to the Marshall-Gambit. Order both DVDs for the reduced package price! [Instead of 54,90 € only 41,18 €]( [order now]( // [Peter Heine Nielsen: The Semi-Slav]( Whole generations of top-players have been fascinated by the Semi-Slav (1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 c6). Use the chance and let Peter Heine Nielsen, the second of Magnus Carlsen, show you why this opening is exciting and fascinating! Nielsen: „I want to improve your understanding of this position and your general chess knowledge – because it is rewarding to play the opening of champions!“ [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [order now]( // [Yannick Pelletier: The Hedgehog – a universal system against 1.c4 and 1.Nf3]( The hedgehog is a system characterized by a very specific pawn structure. Black’s setup may appear passive at first glance, but looks can be deceiving! This is because the Hedgehog is always waiting for a chance to pounce on an overstretched opponent with a counterattack. Black positions his pieces harmoniously behind a wall of pawns and waits until just the right moment for a breakthrough. The Swiss grandmaster Yannick Pelletier explains many theoretical variations and thematic games in great detail. Of course, the middlegame is also of great practical importance. To excel here you, have to practice – interactively! Video running time: 5 hrs 52 mins [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Simon Williams: The Tactical Chigorin]( Show your opponent that you’re looking for a fight right from the start! Immediately put White’s position under pressure with the Chigorin Defence (1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6). This opening is perfect for players who enjoy unconventional and sharp positions. Simon Williams will show you everything you need to know to play the Chigorin Defence and have great fun while you’re at it. This course is centered around understanding the opening ideas. This means that even if you forget a specific move when at the board, you’ll be able to make the right decision. [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Erwin l’Ami: The Beasty Botvinnik Variation in the Semi-Slav]( Is there a Tal or a Shirov in you? Then this is your chance! Join Erwin l' Ami on a journey to discover the hottest opening system known to man: the Botvinnik variation (1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 dxc4). Since its birth in the late 1930s, this variation has fascinated generations of dynamic players. The opening is still alive today and is considered to be the sharpest and most substantial response to 5.Bg5 in the Semi-Slav. [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Christian Bauer: Scandinavian – Strike first with the Scandinavian]( The Scandinavian opening (1.e4 d5) gets opponents onto unfamiliar terrain compared to when trotting out the Sicilian, French or 1.e4 e5 systems. Theory has only developed very slowly here and a lot remains undiscovered - so what you learn will be valid for a long time! Christian Bauer, who has won the French national championship several times, is convinced that the Scandinavian is a sensible and often underestimated opening! What is more, Black can choose between wild and more positional games. Make the Scandinavian your weapon of choice against 1. e4! [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Vidit Gujrathi: The Fashionable Caro-Kann Vol.1 and 2]( Over the last few years, opening theory in Caro has developed at a rapid pace thanks to deep computer analysis. The Indian super GM Vidit Gujrathi not only presents you the latest trends, but also takes great pride in presenting you with his own new insights! “I have analyzed the new trends carefully and found some new ideas for Black. The dynamic play based on a strong strategic foundation has always fascinated me, and on these DVDs I have suggested the lines which I personally prefer and employ in practice.” [Instead of 54,90 € only 41,18 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Erwin L’Ami: The Stonewall Dutch - A Fighting Repertoire against 1.d4]( In the Dutch Stonewall variation, Black fights for the initiative from the very first move. World Champions such as Mikhail Botvinnik, and most recently Magnus Carlsen, have shown just how dangerous it is. World Champions such as Mikhail Botvinnik, and most recently Magnus Carlsen, have shown just how dangerous it can be. Take a fascinating journey with Grandmaster Erwin l'Ami and let him demonstrate the depth and charm of this attractive opening. At the end of this five-hour training course, your reward will be a new combative repertoire against 1.d4! [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Viktor Bologan: The Modern Pirc]( Viktor Bologan has played the Pirc all his life - and has scored quite a few points with it! It is an extremely flexible opening and offers a range of options. “The Modern Pirc is actually a mixture of the Caro-Kann and the Pirc. In many lines, Black combines the ideas of the Classical Pirc, where the fianchettoed bishop is important, with the Caro-Kann idea of fighting for the center with c6-d5.” Equip yourself with a complete opening repertoire against 1.e4! [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Sergei Tiviakov: Realizing an Advantage]( You are probably also familiar with this problem - you’ve finally reached an advantageous position. But what now? How do you convert your game into a full point in the tournament crosstable? Sergei Tiviakov approaches this topic from two sides, firstly from the psychological aspect of exploiting advantages, and secondly the technical aspect of actually grinding out the win. The topics of planning, the role of the centre and the importance of space advantages, dominance, the principle of two weaknesses, the transformation of advantages from one type to another, and king activity in the endgame and middlegame are all covered and explained in detail. Recommended for chess players of all classes and all ages! [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Daniel King: Powerplay 25 - Popular Queen’s Pawn Openings – A Repertoire For Black]( Openings like the London System and Trompowsky are on the advance! The idea is primarily for White to avoid complex theory and start the game from a solid footing. Let Daniel King show you how best you can best counter and use healthy development, an intact pawn structure and a secure king position to get a dynamic position from the opening! This DVD is the perfect addition to the Black repertoire given by Daniel King on Power Play DVDs 23 and 24! [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [jetzt vorbestellen]( // [Viktor Bologan: King’s Indian]( Some players are content to reach an equal and quiet position with Black against 1.d4. But some players want more. The King’s Indian is guarantee for getting asymmetrical and tense positions. On this DVD Viktor Bologan introduces you to the subtleties of a modern repertoire and predicts more wins and more fun with Black! [Instead of 29,90 € only 22,43 €]( [order now]( // You're a subscriber to the ChessBase newsletter. If you no longer want to receive the chessbase newsletter, [click here.]( © 2018 ChessBase Schachprogramme Schachdatenbank Verlagsgesellschaft mbH Registered: Osterbekstr. 90a, 22083 Hamburg Telephone: 040-63 90 60 0 - Fax: 040 630 12 82 Directors: Matthias Wüllenweber and Rainer Woisin HR Amtsgericht Hamburg HRB 40336 Value added tax identification number DE 118644875 Local tax office tax number 49/711/00031ChessBase, All rights reserved