New releases: July 2026
Hyper-Accelerated Dragon Vol. 1 & 2
The two-volume course by IM Robert Ris presents a complete repertoire for Black after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 g6. It covers both the sharp lines of the Open Sicilian and the positional Maroczy setup.
One advantage of this move order is that Black avoids certain Rossolimo and Moscow systems and can quickly obtain counterplay with ...d5 in suitable positions. With a total running time of more than twelve hours, the course combines theoretical variations with practical ideas.
:Free reading samples
Maroczy-Set-Up 6...Qb6
Closed Sicilian with 6.f4
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The Hyper-Accelerated dragon is fast, from the very first moves, your bishop heads to g7, seizes the long diagonal, and turns into the most feared piece on the board.
It rewards players who love initiative and clear attacking plans.
This two-volume course presents a complete repertoire for Black after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 g6 - the Hyper-Accelerated Dragon. In recent years, this dynamic line has grown significantly in popularity, with several of the world’s top players adding it to their repertoires.
This variation has two main advantages for black, he does not have to face the Rossolimo or Moscower Variation after 3.Bb5 and in many lines he can play d5 in one go and save a tempo. This first volume covers the Open Sicilian with both the razor sharp lines from the dragon and the positional Maroczy Bind.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: 6.Be3 Qb6 Introduction
The Modern Benko Gambit
GM Sipke Ernst presents an up-to-date interpretation of the Benko Gambit. It is based on the early sacrifice of a pawn in return for long-term activity, open files and pressure on the queenside.
Ernst places particular emphasis on the modern main line with 5.bxa6 e6, which leads to different positional structures from the traditional systems with ...g6. The course also covers, for example, the critical 5.e3 setups and Anti-Benko move orders with 2.Nf3. The focus throughout is on plans and typical structures.
:Free reading samples
Introduction
Alternatives Move 3
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The Benko Gambit is back at the very highest level - and it's easy to see why. Black sacrifices a pawn to seize the initiative on the queenside, obtaining long-lasting pressure, active pieces and open files that make life difficult for White.
In modern chess, activity has become one of the most prized ressources of all. Engines have taught us again and again that active piece play, the initiative and dynamic pressure can more than compensate for small material or structural concessions. The Benko Gambit fits this philosophy perfectly. By giving up a pawn early, Black immediately gets exactly what the modern player is looking for: open lines, harmonious development and relentless, long-term pressure on White's queenside. It's a genuine fighting opening, ideal for players who don't want to drift into the quiet, slow-maneuvering waters that 1.d4 so often leads to, but instead prefer to seize the initiative and steer the game into sharp, dynamic and double-edged territory.
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample chapter: Alternatives Move 3
The Petroff Defence – Fight for More Than Equality
GM Fabien Libiszewski shows that the Petroff Defence has much more to offer than its reputation as a drawing weapon might suggest. The course presents a complete repertoire against White’s main systems, including modern solutions after 3.Nxe5 d6.
In addition to the main lines, dynamic alternatives and strategic plans in symmetrical structures are presented. The author shows how Black can seize the initiative and actively play for a win.
:Free reading samples
Introduction
3.Nxe5 d6 - 4th Move Alternatives
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Renowned for its solidity and strategic soundness, it has been a cornerstone of the repertoires of elite grandmasters including Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi, who relied on it successfully in the Candidates Tournament.
The Petroff Defence has long been one of the most trusted weapons against 1.e4. Renowned for its solidity and strategic soundness, it has been a cornerstone of the repertoires of elite grandmasters including Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi, who relied on it successfully in the Candidates Tournament.
Sample Video: Introduction
Sample Video: 3.Nxe5 d6 - 4th Move Alternatives
ChessBase Magazin #232 and #232 Extra
ChessBase Magazine #232 once again provides up-to-date and comprehensive training material. The highlights include an article by Peter Heine Nielsen on the 2026 TePe Sigeman tournament as well as a selection of annotated games by Sindarov. The digital edition is available in German and English and includes the magazine as a PDF and as a ChessBase Book. A print version is also available.
The magazine is perfectly complemented by Extra #232, which includes opening videos by Felix Blohberger on the Four Knights Game and Mihail Marin on the English Opening, as well as 37 annotated games and an extensive database update.
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“Mate is great!” – Tactical training with Oliver Reeh, “The 8th rank” – Andy Woodward analyses his game against Magnus Carlsen from TePe Sigeman 2026, “A modern Nimzo-Indian” – Andrei Volokitin introduces readers to "his" system and much more!
ChessBase Magazine offers top-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 trainers in tactics, strategy and endgames show you exactly the tricks and techniques you need to become a successful tournament player! Available as a download (including the magazine as a PDF file).
Included: CBM #232 as a “ChessBase Book” for iPad, tablet, Mac etc.! At books.chessbase.com
New releases of the previous months:
Links
Free January course by Robert Ris
Free December course by Robert Ris
Steinitz: Father of the Modern School
Review: 60 Minutes against Caro-Kann
Peter Balint succeeds thanks to Felix Blohberger's course on the Reti
Karsten Müller at ChessBase
Ivan Sokolov at ChessBase
Review: "Outsmarting the London System – 60 minutes" by IM Andrew Martin
Review: "The Art of Sacrificing" by Krishnan Sasikiran
Review: "The Colle System"
Review: "Reinventing the Ragozin" by Surya Ganguly
Review: David Navara – Your Calculation Compass: Know When to Calculate
Review: Endgame Encyclopaedia
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