Just published: September 2025
Nico Zwirs: An attacking weapon versus the Najdorf
In “An Attacking Weapon versus the Najdorf”, IM Nico Zwirs uses his tried-and-tested system for quickly memorising openings to show how White can actively attack with 6.Bg5 in the Sicilian Najdorf.
In around 86 minutes, he explains typical ideas rather than pure theory: the structure with f4–f5, the exchange of the black-squared bishop and control over d5. Mainlines and sidelines are covered, ideal for advanced players who want to play boldly for a win.
:Free sample
Introduction
Polugaevsky Variation: 6…e6 7.f4 b5
After the Najdorf became popular, White players quickly uncovered two of the sharpest ways to fight back: the English Attack and the aggressive 6.Bg5 line. With 6.Bg5, Black is pushed into playing …e6 instead of …e5, giving White more space to develop – and unleash fireworks! It’s in this opening that the famous Nd5 sacrifices most often appear.
In this brand-new 60 Minutes course, Dutch IM Nico Zwirs shows you how to combine direct attacking play with the powerful light-square strategy. The idea: trade your dark-squared bishop for a knight, push f4–f5, force …e5, and then dominate the juicy d5-square.
This concept makes the lines more clear and easy to remember, giving you the confidence to return 6.Bg5 to your repertoire. With IM Zwirs as your guide, you’ll not only learn theory—you’ll understand the plans behind the moves.
Are you ready to take on the Najdorf with 6.Bg5? Dare to sacrifice, and make the fireworks your own!
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample video: Polugaevsky Variation: 6…e6 7.f4 b5
Andrew Martin: Outsmarting the London System
In “Outsmarting the London System”, IM Andrew Martin reveals a dynamic weapon against the ever-popular London System. Instead of reacting passively, Martin shows how Black can take the initiative early on with a fresh approach, forcing the London player out of their comfort zone.
In around 86 minutes, he explains strategic ideas, tactical motives and modern grandmaster concepts. Ideal for advanced players who want to actively and creatively play against the London System.
:Free sample
In recent years, The London System has exploded in popularity, and it’s easy to see why:
• A rock-solid central structure
• Safe king and stable positions
• Straightforward plans—some surprisingly aggressive
• Minimal theoretical preparation required
No wonder so many club players and even top grandmasters have added it to their repertoire. But this familiarity can be used against the London player.
In this 60-minute course, IM Andrew Martin presents an unorthodox and powerful antidote – an idea first championed by French GM Chabanon and now adopted by several strong grandmasters. Instead of playing passively or falling into well-trodden paths, Black takes the London head-on – aiming to seize the initiative early and steer the game into unfamiliar waters.
This is your chance to surprise London System players and take them out of their comfort zone – right from the opening moves.
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample video: Quick wins are possible
Victor Bologan: Opening Repertoires for the smart Player – 1.e4 & 1…d6 (also as a bundle)
In “1.e4 the lazy way – An Opening Repertoire for the smart Player” Victor Bologan offers a repertoire for White a repertoire that’s practical, flexible, and easy to remember – yet still powerful and rich in ideas.
In “1…d6 Universal – Minimal Prep, Maximum Understanding” he offers Black a flexible system against 1.e4 that is easy to learn, highly resilient, and surprisingly tricky for opponents unfamiliar with its subtleties.
Both courses complement each other perfectly and offer universal preparation with strategic depth for both White and Black.
:Free reading samples
Introduction 1.e4
Introduction 1…d6
Why memorising endless theory might not be the best path – and how an idea-based repertoire can change your game.
In today’s fast-paced chess world, especially online, where blitz and rapid games dominate, the traditional approach of grinding through lines of opening theory can feel overwhelming, and even unnecessary. The real challenge? Striking the right balance in your opening preparation. How deep should you go? Where do you stop? This course is built on the timeless wisdom of my legendary coach, Chebanenko, who designed opening repertoires for his “lazy” students – not lazy in attitude, but smart in approach. His philosophy? Don’t memorise. Understand.
Lubomir Ftacnik: Fundamentals of Positional Play and Strategy
In this course, the Slovakian grandmaster teaches the strategic fundamentals of chess: piece coordination, pawn structures, plans in the middle game and endgame technique.
Ftacnik emphasises clear thinking rather than mere memorisation and helps players make good decisions even in complex positions. The course offers valuable insights into positional play for players of all levels.
Struggling with chess improvement? Stuck memorising openings without real understanding? Whether you‘re a beginner looking for a clear roadmap or an advanced player ready to refine your strategic edge, this comprehensive course will transform the way you think about chess. Taught by Lubomir Ftacnik, Grandmaster and experienced coach, this video course covers the entire spectrum of chess strategy and positional play – from mastering piece coordination and pawn structures to building winning plans and dominating the endgame.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: Speed & Restriction
ChessBase Magazine Extra 227
The CBM Extra 227 offers 39 annotated games from current tournaments as well as an update service with over 50,000 new games for the database.
In the “Lucky Bag” Edouard, Berg, Krasenkow and others analyse current games. Opening videos by Marin and Mikhalchishin, as well as the “Brilliancy” provide plenty of chess entertainment.
A must for chess players who want to stay up to date with the latest developments.
New releases of the previous months:
