Matthias Wuellenweber on all new functions for ChessBase 26

by ChessBase
11/11/2025 – Matthias Wuellenweber presents ChessBase 26’s major innovations, beginning with the Enhanced Opening Report, which automatically generates deep statistical and thematic analyses — including pioneer players, popularity graphs, and tactical training positions — all tailored by Elo level to show how openings perform from club players to grandmasters. He introduces new analytical tools, such as Monte Carlo Analysis (engine-vs-engine simulations revealing true practical chances), AI plan descriptions that explain positions in natural language, and piece-manoeuvre visualizations that display typical movement patterns on the board. Finally, he showcases improved usability and design updates, including faster ray-traced 3D boards, streamlined engine management, upgraded duplicate-game detection, and modernized database icons for a smoother, more visually appealing experience.
EXPAND YOUR CHESS HORIZONS
Data, plans, practice – the new Opening Report In ChessBase there are always attempts to show the typical plans of an opening variation. In the age of engines, chess is much more concrete than previously thought. But amateurs in particular love openings with clear plans, see the London System. In ChessBase ’26, three functions deal with the display of plans. The new opening report examines which piece moves or pawn advances are significant for each important variation. In the reference search you can now see on the board where the pieces usually go. If you start the new Monte Carlo analysis, the board also shows the most common figure paths.

Matthias Wuellenweber on all new functions for ChessBase 26

0:00 – Enhanced Opening Report Automatic generation of a full report with key continuations, pioneers, popularity graphs, performance by Elo level, tactical motifs, and instructive games.

7:08 – Reference Search Improvements Faster player preparation filters — filter by player, colour, time control (classical only), and exclude blitz/rapid games with one click.

9:39 – Piece Manoeuvre Visualization New hover feature showing typical piece routes and exchanges on the board, colour-coded by success (green = good, red = bad).

11:03 – Monte Carlo Analysis Simulated engine-vs-engine games providing realistic win/draw/loss probabilities and statistical insight beyond static evaluation.

14:30 – AI Plan Description AI-generated natural-language explanations of a position’s strategic ideas, including move annotations and plan summaries.

17:00 – Real-Time Ray Tracing Board Drastically faster 3D visualization with lighting, reflections, and camera control for high-quality screenshots and presentation images.

18:59 – Engine Management Overhaul New three-column dialogue to easily delete, organize, and set default engines, plus instant engine toggling with Alt + F2.

20:11 – Duplicate Game Detection Completely rebuilt “Find Double Games” tool — faster, more reliable, and easier to handle for large databases.

21:03 – Database Icons & Style Themes Customizable icons, new colourful and modern database symbol sets, and visual style options matching the ribbon interface.

EXPAND YOUR CHESS HORIZONS
Data, plans, practice – the new Opening Report In ChessBase there are always attempts to show the typical plans of an opening variation. In the age of engines, chess is much more concrete than previously thought. But amateurs in particular love openings with clear plans, see the London System. In ChessBase ’26, three functions deal with the display of plans. The new opening report examines which piece moves or pawn advances are significant for each important variation. In the reference search you can now see on the board where the pieces usually go. If you start the new Monte Carlo analysis, the board also shows the most common figure paths.

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