ChessBase Magazine has been published in the interactive ChessBase books format for several issues. The interactive possibilities are being utilised in more and more places. The advantages of the interplay between the ebook format and the videos as well as the switchable engine complement the uniquely bundled content from internationally experienced coaches. Whether in the opening, middle or endgame phase, the reader is always given the opportunity to put the knowledge learnt in the video to the test in one or more suitable exercises. In autumn, the conversion of the Fritztrainers to this effective training platform, which began in spring, will also be implemented.

But now to the content of the 221st issue of ChessBase Magazine, which is presented in this new way:

Chinese dominance

Ju Wenjun, who was born in Shanghai on 31 January 1991, won the title of women's world champion in the final match against Ekaterina Lagno in 2018, defended the title against Alexandra Goryachkina (both Russia) in 2020 and against her compatriot Lei Tingjie in 2023. Ju Wenjun is ranked second in the FIDE Women's World Ranking with an Elo rating of 2563. In 2017, she was the fifth woman to break the 2600 rating barrier.

Reason enough for the CBM experts to take a closer look at the reigning champion. In Chapter 2, Martin Breutigam, Ljubomir Ftacnik, Michal Krasenkow and many other masters reveal their personal favourites of the 33-year-old, who has so successfully continued the Chinese dominance in women's chess that has lasted since 1991 and has only rarely been interrupted.

In Chapter 5, Mihail Marin analyses Ju Wenjun's extraordinary style of play. ‘Such perseverance on the highest throne, even when facing opponents of the highest calibre and completely different styles, speaks for the solidity of her style,’ the grandmaster introduces the chapter. He categorises her as ‘primarily a positional player’. Accordingly, she has a fine sense of harmony that enables her to develop and regroup her pieces on the best squares. However, the coach and grandmaster also points out problems with her style: ‘This is her main strength, although it can sometimes turn into a weakness.’

In a 23-minute video, Marin provides deep insights into her style of play. He has selected two instructive examples in which the viewer can solve the problem themselves in interactive mode. In further analyses (without video), Marin takes a close look at strategy, initiative, space advantage, the two sides of a coin and hesitation in the games of Ju Wenjun.

Karsten Müller analyses the endgame skills of the Chinese player. In his 21-minute video, he looks at (almost) all possible piece constellations to demonstrate her extraordinary class in the endgame. As an encore, he gives a few tasks and invites you to find the solution for yourself.

In a game between Humpy Koneru and Ju Wenjun Black played 88...Bd4?, and now White missed a study-like draw. Can you find it? (Solution at the end of the text)

Other special topics of CBM #221: Openings

The opening videos contain a lot of action: Ivan Sokolov goes for 6.a4 in the Slav, while Nico Zwirs storms off on the other wing with h4 in the English - but Daniel King prefers action in the centre and shows his opinion on the Englund Gambit.

ChessBase 17 and Opening Encyclopaedia 2024

It is the program of choice for anyone who loves the game and wants to know more about it.

In the section on opening traps Rainer Knaak shows an example that many people might fall into and that can occur in many openings:

A trap that anyone can fall into in various openings.

Training from experts

Another highlight in the same chapter is the second instalment of the new ‘Fortresses’ section by former national coach Dorian Rogozenco. In his introduction, he shows an astonishing example:

This position is a draw, but Sam Shankland resigned here against Giri in Wijk aan Zee 2019. He did not realise that Black has a fortress if he brings his king to b8. White can win the knight on h3, but cannot make progress if Black's king is on b8.

The trainer goes on to look at other fortresses and also at interesting exceptions. Interactive videos help you to understand the finer points of this topic step by step.

Jan Markos' practical tip for tournament players deals with the principle of the bad piece. He shows how you can sometimes win with little effort. See for yourself:

Here is a free video. 

Short portrait of Erigaisi with test games

Martin Breutigam and Robert Ris shed light on Erigaisi's playing style in their test games. Remarkably, Gukesh and Pragg have mostly stepped into the limelight in recent months and in their shadow Erigaisi has played his way up to 4th place in the world rankings.

Conclusion

Numerous articles on the opening repertoire, Tactics Total by Oliver Reeh and further ‘endgame fine-tuning’ by Karsten Müller with a focus on knight endgames as well as the usual summaries of the exercises and games shown round off the training package, which covers all areas and is once again extremely instructive. CBM #221 is therefore not just something for Ju Wenjun fans, but in addition to the varied examples from world champion practice, it also shows a lot of other interactive content for training and simply for enjoyment.

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Solution Koneru,H - Ju, W:
89.Bg6? overlooked the study-like defence: 89.Rd8+ Ke5 (89...Kc5 90.Bf3 Nf1 91.Kxf1 Rxf3+ 92.Ke2=) 90.Bg6! and Black is dominated, e.g. ...Rc3 91.Rf8=.