11/7/2026 – For a long time, the Petroff Defence had a reputation for being a purely drawish opening – reliable but dry. Those days are over, however. In a ChessBase video course, Grandmaster Fabien Libiszewski demonstrates how modern players can turn this old reputation to their psychological advantage. Christian Höthe took a close look at the course. | Photos: ChessBase

10/17/2026 – In his latest ChessBase course, Grandmaster Sipke Ernst thoroughly dispels the Benko Gambit's poor reputation. His modern approach, featuring an early 5...e6!, revolutionises the gambit, breathes new life into it and elegantly sidesteps White's traditional attempts at refutation. A new chapter in the history of the Benko Gambit has been written – and Christian Höthe takes a close look!

8/15/2026 – Since its first issue in 1988, ChessBase Magazine has been published every two months without interruption. Reports on current tournaments, in-depth analyses and a wide range of training features blend seamlessly to create a complete package aimed at both ambitious club players and experienced tournament players. Christian Höthe takes a closer look at what issue #232 has to offer.

6/13/2026 – ChessBase Magazine looks back on an almost unparalleled success story: since its first issue in 1988, it has been published every two months without interruption. Featuring in-depth opening surveys, profound grandmaster analyses, and demanding tactics and endgame training, it caters equally to ambitious club players and professionals. This undoubtedly places it among the world's leading chess publications. Christian Höthe takes a close look at issue 231.

8/30/2025 – “The training sessions with GM Ganguly are fun!” concludes the reviewer. Christian Hoethe explains why this Ragozin course is not only instructive but also engaging for Nimzo-Indian players, and highlights what makes the author so effective in conveying the subtleties and specific lines of the opening.

12/20/2024 – The Caro-Kann Defence was once considered a quiet, safe and somewhat drawish opening. But this view has changed fundamentally. With many different variations and structures, the Caro-Kann actually offers exciting positions and winning chances for both sides. Àlvar Alonso Rosell presents the opening on two new Fritz trainers. Christian Hoethe has taken a look at the course - and liked it!

10/27/2024 – The 'Kalashnikov' variation in the Sicilian Defence is an improved version of the Sveshnikov. Black sets up the system quickly and then gets many different possibilities. Fabien Libiszevsky presents the system in his recently released course. Christian Hoethe had a look at the Fritztrainer and sent us a review.

9/10/2024 – The Sicilian Taimanov is very popular with the top pros because of its great flexibility. For a while it was Karpov's main weapon against 1.e4 and Kasparov followed in his predecessor's footsteps. In two courses Robert Ris now presents a complete repertoire for Black based on the Taimanov. In the first volume he shows why the Taimanov is such a popular variation, in the second volume he shows what Black can do against the Anti-Sicilians. Christian Höthe took a look at both courses.

5/25/2024 – If you want to improve your chess, you need a repertoire, but developing a repertoire on your own can be tedious. This is where recommendations from GMs can help. In a new ChessBase course, Dutch GM and FIDE Trainer Sipke Ernst has developed a repertoire for anyone who plays or intends to play 1.d4. Christian Hoethe went over the course and came to the conclusion that White can easily “make his/her opponent sweat” with this repertoire.

3/19/2024 – The Philidor Defence is an old but very solid defence against 1.e4. However, Black can also play very actively in various positions. French grandmaster Christian Bauer is an expert on this opening and presents here a repertoire that is easy to master. Christian Hoethe has reviewed the course.

12/13/2023 – The Sicilian Najdorf is one of the most aggressive answers to 1.e4, and its theory develops dynamically - the young German grandmaster Luis Engel brings all aficionados up to date with his two-volume Fritztrainer course. Christian Höthe had a look at the course and is enthusiastic.

12/5/2023 – The Caro Kann Defence is a much-played opening today, with which Black often makes life difficult for White after 1.e4. In his ChessBase course "Weapons against the Caro-Kann, 1 and 2", English GM Daniel Fernandez shows how White can successfully combat this defence. Christian Höthe took a look at the course.

10/13/2023 – After White's first move, it is usually Black, who determines the character of the game. The Keymer System 1.Nf3 and 2.e3 is an attempt from White to steer the game into lines and structures White likes. On his first Fritztrainer the young Indian Grandmaster Leon Mendonca shows the potential and the advantages of the Keymer System. Christian Höthe took a look at the course.

2/7/2023 – Attacking is what is most fun in chess. Ideally, you mate! But how do you make your attack successful? On his latest Fritztrainer, Grandmaster Karsten Müller has put together some rules of thumb for a successful attack. Christian Höthe has taken a look at the course.

1/9/2023 – Viktor Kortschnoi was one of the greats in chess. He played twice for the World Championship and only narrowly failed to win the title. His fighting spirit and his passion for chess is legendary. On the new Masterclass Fritztrainer "Viktor Kortschnoi" you can follow his long career game by game and in the remastered Fritztrainer "Kortschnoi: My Life for Chess" you can watch how the master presents his best games himself. Christian Höthe has taken a look at the two Fritztrainers.

5/27/2022 – Rustam Kasimdzhanov is considered one of the world’s leading opening experts; he has worked as a second for Vishy Anand, Fabiano Caruana and the German national team. In his new Fritztrainer on the French Defence, he passes on his knowledge. Christian Höthe has taken a look at the course and concludes, “The French is a wonderful opening, especially after studying this Fritztrainer!”

1/24/2022 – Can players be classified into certain types? On their new ChessBase course Karsten Müller and Luis Engel follow a model of Danish Grandmaster Lars Bo Hansen and distinguish between four types of players and illustrate their different playing styles with typical games. This model helps to understand your own strengths and weaknesses and the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents better. Christian Höthe took a look at the course.

7/31/2017 – In the McCutcheon Variation of the French Defense (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Bb4) Black sharpens the play very early and indicates his wish to win. Opening expert Rustam Kasimdzhanov shows how best to do so. Our reviewer Christian Höthe was impressed.