New releases: November 2025
Karsten Müller: The Endgame Academy Vol. 2 – Theoretical Rook Endgames
Karsten Müller conveys the central ideas of classic rook endgames and uses concise examples to show which key theoretical positions are practically indispensable. The endgame expert explains typical manoeuvres and basic structural rules with great clarity.
The systematic presentation makes it easier to understand fundamental mechanisms and strengthens confidence in one’s own decisions. The work is suitable for players of all levels who want to develop a solid foundation in rook endgames and improve their technique.
:Free reading samples
Picture this: you’ve outplayed your opponent move by move, you’re clearly better – and then the endgame slips into a draw, simply because you lacked the crucial theoretical knowledge. That is exactly where this course comes in. Without solid endgame skills, there’s no way forward. Rook endgames are most essential: they occur more often than any other type of endgame, and often make the difference between victory and half a point. If you master them, you’ll confidently convert your advantages into wins!
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: Bodycheck
Ivan Sokolov: Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol. 12 – Reversed Colour Systems: King’s Indian / Pirc Defence
Sokolov examines colour-reversed structures in the King’s Indian and Pirc Defences and explains typical plans using selected model games. The author combines strategic guiding principles with precise examples that highlight characteristic motifs and long-term ideas.
The material conveys a deep understanding of structural subtleties and shows how certain piece constellations enable dynamic advantages. The clear presentation facilitates transfer to one’s own practice and supports players in systematically mastering complex middlegame structures.
:Free reading samples
Master your middlegame with the complete strategy series – now available as a bundle at a reduced price. Take your chance to save and improve!
Master your middlegame with the complete strategy series – now available as a bundle at a reduced price. Take your chance to save and improve!
ChessBase Magazine 228
ChessBase Magazine 228 combines up-to-date tournament analyses of top international players with in-depth opening surveys and practical training articles. The mix of annotated games, strategic topics and tactical exercises offers a multifaceted approach to the modern chess scene and enables structured work.
The clearly presented content makes it easy to follow the latest developments and provides orientation in the dynamic world of tournaments. The magazine is a suitable source of regular inspiration and supports sustainable, professional training.
FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 with analyses by Giri, Blübaum and many others. Opening videos by Kasimdzhanov, Sokolov and Blohberger. Training columns including ‘The Fortress’, ‘The Trap’, ‘Fundamental Endgame Knowledge’ and much more
ChessBase Magazine offers first-class training material for club players and professionals! World-class players analyse their brilliant 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 the tricks and techniques you need to be a successful tournament player! Available as a direct download (incl. booklet as pdf file) or booklet with download key by post.
Included in delivery: ChessBase Magazine #228 as “ChessBase Book” for iPad, tablet, Mac etc.! -> books.chessbase.com
ChessBase Magazine Extra 228
ChessBase Magazine Extra 228 presents a concise update on current trends, clearly bringing together the most important theoretical ideas. The annotated model games and video contributions offer a precise overview of relevant developments and facilitate rapid practical implementation.
The compact structure creates an efficient format for regular training that can be directly transferred into concrete preparation without any detours. The Extra is ideal for continuously updating your own repertoire and for strategic orientation at a high level.
ChessBase’26
ChessBase’26 combines analysis tools, research options, training options and large databases into a fully integrated working environment. The package allows for efficient preparation, thorough analysis and flexible repertoire work at every level of performance.
The combination of modern search functions, powerful engines and multimedia training content creates a professional workflow that brings structure and depth to daily training. The close integration of all components makes the Premium Package a versatile tool for ambitious, goal-oriented chess study.
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.
Mega Database 2026
This huge database offers a comprehensive collection of historical and current games, supplemented by numerous annotated encounters between top international players. It enables thorough research, the targeted pursuit of theoretical developments and the study of specific strategic structures.
The careful preparation creates a solid foundation for opening work, middlegame studies and long-term training planning. The annotated games serve as clear points of reference, showing how modern top players apply decisive motifs and implement strategic concepts.
Big Database 2026
The Big Database 2026 contains an extensive collection of high-quality games without commentary. It serves as a neutral basis for independent analysis work. Its clear structure enables targeted research in all opening and middle game areas. It also opens up a wide field for long-term study.
The material helps players to develop their own conclusions and evaluate variations independently. The database forms a stable, versatile foundation for systematic training and analytical work at every level of performance.
Corr Database 2026
The new Corr Database 2026 brings together highly accurate correspondence chess games whose analytical depth provides an exceptionally reliable basis for theoretical work. The games illustrate numerous avant-garde ideas that often only gain significance in over-the-board chess years later.
The collection is particularly suitable for critical variations in which a deep understanding of position and long-term planning are crucial. The structured presentation helps players develop stable repertoires and make strategic decisions on a clear, well-founded basis.
Fritz Powerbook 2026
The Fritz Powerbook 2026 condenses an enormous amount of games into statistically reliable opening overviews that show precisely which variations have proven themselves in practice. The clearly structured tables show critical variations and help you build up a reliable repertoire.
The systematic presentation creates transparent decision-making paths that promote in-depth understanding and strategic confidence. The Fritz Powerbook is suitable for ambitious preparation as well as for professional detailed analysis, as it efficiently reveals trends and patterns.
New releases of the previous months:
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.
