New releases: September 2026
Surprise Weapons Against 1.e4 – Volume 1
In the first part of his repertoire for Black after 1.e4 e5, Michael Kotyk focuses on the open games arising after 2.Nf3 Nc6. The main topics include the Scotch Game and the Scotch Gambit, the Centre Game, the Vienna Game and the Four Knights Game.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on established main lines, Kotyk favours dynamic variations and less familiar move orders that are well suited to practical tournament preparation. Examples such as the Scotch Gambit with 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.e5 d5 illustrate his active approach.
:Free reading samples
Introduction
Scotch Gambit 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.e5 d5 6.Bb5 Nd7
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Michael Kotyk presents a complete repertoire after 1.e4 e5, built around creative ideas, surprising move orders, and practical weapons designed to catch your opponents off guard.
Tired of heavily analysed main lines and perfectly prepared opponents? Then this course is exactly what you're looking for. Michael Kotyk presents a complete repertoire after 1.e4 e5, built around creative ideas, surprising move orders, and practical weapons designed to catch your opponents off guard. The goal is simple: don't be the one getting surprised - be the one doing the surprising.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: Scotch Gambit: 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.e5 d5 6.Bb5 Nd7
Surprise Weapons Against 1.e4 – Volume 2
In Volume 2, Michael Kotyk completes his repertoire. He covers the King's Gambit, the Centre Game, the Italian Game and the Ruy Lopez. Here, too, the emphasis is on active options and variations with practical surprise value.
In the King's Gambit, for example, Kotyk examines 2...Bc5, while in the Ruy Lopez he presents, among other things, unusual approaches against White's classical setups. Together with Volume 1, this provides a comprehensive repertoire for players who want to fight for the initiative with 1...e5.
:Free reading samples
Introduction
King's Gambit: 2...Bc5
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Michael Kotyk presents a complete repertoire after 1.e4 e5, built around creative ideas, surprising move orders, and practical weapons designed to catch your opponents off guard.
Tired of heavily analysed main lines and perfectly prepared opponents? Then this course is exactly what you're looking for. Michael Kotyk presents a complete repertoire after 1.e4 e5, built around creative ideas, surprising move orders, and practical weapons designed to catch your opponents off guard. The goal is simple: don't be the one getting surprised - be the one doing the surprising.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: King's Gambit: 2...Bc5
The Chigorin Defence: A Practical Weapon Against the Queen's Gambit
Fabien Libiszewski presents an active alternative to established systems against the Queen's Gambit. After 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6, Black focuses on development and immediate counterplay against White's centre, while accepting certain structural concessions.
The course explains the most important continuations, including 3.e3, 3.Nc3 and 3.Nf3, as well as setups such as the London System and the Catalan. Model games by players such as Morozevich and Rapport illustrate the possibilities.
:Free reading samples
Introduction
3.e3
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If you're looking for a dynamic alternative to the Slav, Queen's Gambit Declined, or other mainstream systems, the Chigorin Defence offers exactly what modern tournament players need.
Most Queen's Gambit players expect a familiar battle for the center. The Chigorin Defence shatters those expectations immediately. After 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6, Black ignores conventional wisdom and chooses activity over structure. Instead of protecting the d5-pawn, Black challenges White's center directly, accelerates development, and aims to seize the initiative before White can establish a comfortable position. The Chigorin is not an opening for players who want to defend patiently. It is a weapon for ambitious competitors who are prepared to fight for the initiative from the very beginning. Rapid piece development, central counterplay, tactical opportunities, and unbalanced positions are the hallmarks of this fascinating opening.
Free Video Sample: Introduction
Free Video Sample: 3.e3
ChessBase Magazine #233
ChessBase Magazine 233 offers up-to-date material for opening preparation, game analysis and training. Highlights include Sergey Grigoriants' examination of the Alekhine-Chatard Attack, as well as analyses of the Slav Marshall Gambit and the Barendregt Variation.
Le Quang Liem and Anish Giri each annotate one of their games. In "Grischuk's Stroke of Genius", Petra Papp examines a surprising idea in the Kan Variation. Oliver Reeh contributes tactical training exercises, while other features include opening videos, practical advice for tournament players and a guide to building a fortress in the endgame.
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“Attack with Qh5!!” – Tactical training with Oliver Reeh, “6…g5 – nothing ventured, nothing …” – Le Quang Liem comments on one of his victories in Biel, “Grischuk’s stroke of genius” – Petra Papp reveals a surprise in the Sicilian Kan Variation, and much
ChessBase Magazine offers first-class training material for club players and professionals! World-class players analyse their finest games and explain the ideas behind the moves. Opening specialists present the latest trends in opening theory and exciting ideas for your repertoire. Master coaches in tactics, strategy and endgames show you exactly the tricks and techniques you need to be a successful tournament player!
Included in the package: CBM #233 as a ‘ChessBase Book’ for iPad, tablet, Mac, etc.! Available at books.chessbase.com
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