Exploring the Opening Encyclopaedia 2026: A video introduction

by ChessBase
3/27/2026 – An overview of the Opening Encyclopaedia 2026 highlights its role as a structured resource for studying modern opening theory. Combining articles, annotated games and video content, it offers both broad coverage and practical guidance. With contributions from authors such as Daniel King and Dorian Rogozenco, the material spans introductory tutorials and detailed analysis, alongside an extensive, searchable games' database.
Your personal chess trainer. Your toughest opponent. Your strongest ally.
FRITZ 20 is more than just a chess engine – it is a training revolution for ambitious players and professionals. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of serious chess training, or already playing at tournament level, FRITZ 20 will help you train more efficiently, intelligently and individually than ever before. 

An essential tool for ambitious players

The recently launched Opening Encyclopaedia 2026 is an indispensable, comprehensive reference for modern opening theory. It brings together articles, annotated games and video material in a single environment, which allows the ambitious player to approach opening study in a structured way. Whether building a repertoire from the ground up or refining existing lines, the emphasis remains on understanding plans and typical positions rather than memorising moves.

The material is organised by opening name and ECO code, which makes it a straightforward task to locate specific systems or explore unfamiliar territory. With more than 1,500 articles and an extensive database of related games, each topic is supported by illustrative examples and clear explanations. Introductory tutorials provide concise guidance across the main openings, while more detailed articles assess particular variations and their practical relevance.

A range of leading authors contribute to the content, including Daniel King and Dorian Rogozenco, whose videos focus on ideas, plans and current trends. Rogozenco's series on recent developments covers major openings from 2025 into early 2026. In addition, it is possible to access searchable game collections, annotated highlights and a web-based version, which allows for flexible study across different devices.

  • 0:00 – Overview: What is the Opening Encyclopaedia 2026?
  • 0:25 – Latest Opening Trends (GM Dorian Rogozenco)
  • 0:41 – Highlights from the Last 12 Months
  • 0:52 – Repertoire Section & Full Opening Articles
  • 1:20 – Authors, Games & Related Content
  • 1:48 – Opening Videos by Grandmasters
  • 2:35 – ECO Codes & Finding Openings Fast
  • 3:50 – Web, Tablet & Mobile Version (ChessBase Books)

YOUR EASY ACCESS TO OPENING THEORY: Whether you want to build up a reliable and powerful opening repertoire or find new opening ideas for your existing repertoire, the Opening Encyclopaedia covers the entire opening theory on one product.
YOUR EASY ACCESS TO OPENING THEORY
Be well prepared with the new Opening Encyclopaedia 2026! Whether you want to build up a reliable and powerful opening repertoire or find new opening ideas for your existing repertoire, the Opening Encyclopaedia covers the entire opening theory on one product and is the ideal start for your opening training. Many new articles enrich the current theory with new or revisited ideas. The Encyclopaedia can help you learn openings quickly and give you a head start on your next opponent. Each article contains explanations and annotated games illustrating typical plans to deepen your understanding.

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See also

NEW: Opening Encyclopaedia 2026

3/24/2026 – The new Opening Encyclopaedia 2026 offers comprehensive and easy access to modern opening theory, helping players build, expand, and refine their repertoire with clarity and confidence. With 1,586 in-depth articles, over 40,000 games, and 100 expert video lessons from leading grandmasters, it combines cutting-edge ideas with practical explanations and annotated examples. Designed for players of all levels, it is an essential all-in-one resource to stay up to date with the latest trends and gain a decisive edge in the opening.
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World Blitz Championships - Live!

12/30/2025 – Tuesday marks the final day of the World Blitz Championships in Doha. Both the open and the women's sections will be decided in four-player knockouts once the first stage (Swiss opens lasting 19 and 15 rounds respectively) come to an end. The time control throughout is 3+2. | Follow the action live with expert commentary starting at 12.00 CET (6.00 ET, 16.30 IST)
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Video

60m English Anti-Bayonet

King’s Indian fans who choose the Mar del Plata attack (7...Nc6) against White’s classical system (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Be2 e5 7.0-0) usually aim for a complex position with mutual attacks on open wings, requiring long-term strategic planning and tactical sharpness in critical moments. Computers often do not know how to handle the arising complex strategic positions, which suits players who like to think on their own instead of memorizing long variations. However, the fashionable Bayonet Attack (9.b4) interferes with Black’s ideas. After Black’s main move 9...Nh5 the positions opens, the lines get forced and computer analysis is important again. But this DVD offers an antidote against White’s Bayonet Attack, namely 9...a5! This move leads to sound positions with very few concrete lines, in which the focus is on strategy not on tactics. Objectively chances are equal but if Black knows what to do things might quickly become dangerous for White.