How to annotate your games with ChessBase

by Steve Abrahams
5/15/2018 – This article will help you learn how to annotate your games using ChessBase 14. There are many features that can be used with this wonderful software. You'll find further details on the different tools and resources you can use to get the most out of studying your games or for preparation against your next opponents, including a helpful video from International Master and FIDE Trainer MICHAEL RAHAL.
Follow the World Champion and your chess friend next door. Start your success story with ChessBase 14 and enjoy your chess even more! In addition to the Chessbase 14 Program the Starter Package contains:
• Access to the Live-Database (8 million games)*
• Big Database 2018
• CBMagazine subscription for half a year (3 issues)
• Database-Update-Service through end of 2018
• Six months Premium membership for playchess and for the ChessBase Accounts

Features at your fingertips

There are many cool features which you can use to analyse your games using ChessBase 14. Below you will find some guidance on the many different resources available, to help you get started. There are many toolbars and menus to choose from, however, with some practice, you will know how to use all of them in no time at all.

Below IM Michael Rahal shows you all the basics in a brief video, or if you prefer written tips, you can also find them below. Click or tap any image to expand.

FIDE Trainer and IM Michael Rahal takes you through the essential feature of ChessBase

Basic Game Analysis

For readers you prefer to learn with illustrated descriptions, here's a primer on how to get started annotating your games with ChessBase in seven simple steps.

1. Choose a location

Choose which database you would like to use to save and analyse your game.  

Simply right-click and choose "new database" or you may choose "open database"

 

2. Open a "Board"

game input

Once the chosen database is open choose "board" from the "home" menu. This will open up the window from which you will do the remainder of your work.

3. Input moves (or choose previously saved game)

Input your moves into the board, making sure all the moves are inputted correctly from your scoresheet

4.  Save the game info

edit game data

Once the moves are input it is advisable to save the game and input the player's names and any other information that you wish to include (rating, tournament, date etc.)

5.  Enjoy the functions

Now to use the functions

Use can use the arrows of your keyboard to toggle to different moves to add things such as exclamation marks, symbols, and question marks.  You can use the toolbar below the moves or simply press the key you wish on the keyboard.

For more detailed annotations options you can choose to use the "annotations tab" which will add an entire new symbols menu for usage.

symbols

Symbols

6.  Input variations

Also, you can choose to input a different variation by moving the pieces to those different squares

7.  Add Text & Diagrams

Use the menu on the top to choose the "insert" option.  This allows you to add text before or after the move.  You can also choose to insert a diagram.

There are many other commentary options in this menu as well.

Soon your game annotation begins to take shape. Whether you're keeping notes for yourself, or preparing a game to show to others, you'll find all the tools and features refined over decades of development.

menu options

A game annotation in progress

Learn from your games

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to branch out to the slightly more advanced features that will truly make the most out of your ChessBase experience.

Find similar games

It is extremely beneficial to add similar game types and variations to help look at the game later. To do this:

  • Click on the reference tab on the right side of the window
  • Then right-click on a game and choose "copy to notation"

Reference tab

The reference tab

Other Toolbar Options

Use the "Analysis tab" for all kinds of analysis of your games.

menu

Use the "Report Tab" to show the most recent games and also show novelties for the variation.

report menu

Also under the report tab, you can find previously played games by clicking on the "same players" icon — useful for preparation

Same players

Easily display a list of games from the same opponent

Opening Classification

Use the opening classification to see the different theoretical lines that have been played in this opening, in a hierarchical tree according to the ECO (Encyclopedia of Chess Openings) code.

Opening classification

Reference Statistics

You can use the "reference tab" to see all the different statistics related to the moves that had been played .

See how various moves have performed historically

Similar Structures

Another cool feature under report is similar structures. Choose a position and it will show how many games have been played similarly to the structure on the board. By studying these games we can see the different ways strong players have handled similar positions.

Similar structures leverages the power of your reference database

Analysis Engines

If you need to check with the engine you can go home and "add kibitzer" which will utilize the engine of your choice for the entirety of the game. There is also access to "live" analysis on the right side of the screen.

Modern chess practice requires the ability to analyse with an engine

We hope that you found these resources useful. There are many different tools that can be used to make your games better using ChessBase. Each tool offers users, from beginner to grandmaster, ways to gain insight into their games and quickly improve.  

Follow the World Champion and your chess friend next door. Start your success story with ChessBase 14 and enjoy your chess even more! In addition to the ChessBase 14 Program, the Mega Package contains:
• Access to the Live-Database (8 million games)*
• Mega Database 2017
• CBMagazine subscription for a full year (6 issues)
• Database-Update-Service through end of 2017
• Full year Premium membership for playchess and for the ChessBase Accounts

Links

Steve is originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, but played and coached chess all across the United States. Steve has attained the titles of National Expert and FIDE Trainer during his career playing and coaching chess.
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