Summer often presents a unique opportunity for reflection, relaxation, or perhaps, for the dedicated chess enthusiast, a concentrated period of study and improvement. While others are perhaps mastering the art of the perfect barbecue or the nuances of beach volleyball, ChessBase is offering a chance to refine your chess skills with two significant, time-limited specials.
Available only for one week, from June 23rd to June 29th, these offers target two fundamental areas of chess mastery: developing a dynamic opening repertoire for Black and grounding your understanding in the rich history and strategic lessons of the game`s greatest players.
Sharpen Your Arsenal: Mastering the Pirc Defence
For players seeking an active and strategic response to White`s 1.e4, the Pirc Defence (typically 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6) stands out. It`s an opening that doesn`t shy away from complexity, deliberately allowing White to establish a broad central pawn structure initially, only to challenge it dynamically later. This approach often leads to unbalanced positions rife with counterplay possibilities for Black.
This week`s special highlights the comprehensive video course, “Master the Pirc Defence!” by Fabien Libiszewski. Clocking in at over eight hours, this course delves deep into the Pirc`s intricacies. It’s designed not just to provide theoretical lines, but to instill a fundamental understanding of the opening`s core ideas, strategic themes, and tactical resources through key games and repertoire analysis. It teaches players how to navigate the inherent risks of the Pirc, demonstrating that they are manageable with proper knowledge, turning potential danger into winning chances in rich, unpredictable middlegames.
This extensive interactive video course offers the tools to add a potent, surprising weapon to your Black repertoire, complete with interactive exercises and integration with ChessBase training tools.
Currently featured at a special price for the duration of this summer special.
Learn from the Legends: The Masterclass Vol. 1-18 Bundle
Beyond specific openings, true chess mastery requires an appreciation for the game`s evolution and the timeless wisdom of its champions. The ChessBase Masterclass series provides exactly this, offering deep dives into the careers and most instructive games of legendary players.
This week, ChessBase presents a remarkable bundle: the complete collection of Masterclass volumes 1 through 18. This expansive library covers over 150 years of chess history, from pioneering figures like Morphy and Steinitz through the classical world champions like Capablanca, Alekhine, and Botvinnik, up to modern titans like Kasparov and Carlsen. Each volume meticulously dissects the strategies, tactics, endgames, and psychological approaches that defined these players` dominance.
Acquiring this 18-volume bundle is like gaining access to a historical archive of chess brilliance. It`s an opportunity to learn foundational strategic principles, understand different stylistic approaches, and draw inspiration directly from the source – the games themselves.
Available as a bundled special at an exceptional discount, offering unparalleled value for exploring the lineage of chess greatness.
Seize the Summer Opportunity
These two special offers, while distinct, complement each other perfectly. One sharpens a specific tactical and strategic weapon for modern play, while the other builds a robust foundation of historical knowledge and universal chess principles. Whether you`re looking to surprise opponents with a dynamic Black opening or deepen your positional and strategic understanding by studying the greats, these limited-time specials offer a compelling opportunity.
Remember, these special prices conclude on June 29th. It’s an opportune moment for dedicated players to invest in their chess education and emerge from the summer with enhanced skills and a richer appreciation for the game.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely