We are excited to present Calculation in Attack and Defense, a new digital course by GM Davorin Kuljasevic, based on his February 2025 Tactical Thursday lectures. This course takes a deep dive into some of the most intense and instructive areas of calculation—how to attack, how to defend, and most importantly, how to calculate accurately under pressure.
This is the fourth course in GM Kuljasevic’s Tactical Thursday training series, following:
1️⃣ Typical Calculation Mistakes
2️⃣ Structured Calculation – Master the Ply Theory
3️⃣ Advanced Calculation Techniques
Each course builds on the previous one. If you’ve studied the earlier editions, this new course will elevate your calculation and practical decision-making to the next level.
🔍 Course Structure
This course is divided into two key sections, focused on sharpening your skills in both attack and defense.
1️⃣ Calculation in Attack
Attack is not only about initiative—it’s about knowing how to convert pressure into results. GM Kuljasevic explores:
♟ Focal Points – A concept introduced by Vladimir Vukovic in The Art of Attack, focal points are the vulnerable targets around the opponent’s king.
♟ Material Sacrifices – Learn when and how to give up material for the initiative, and how to evaluate resulting positions accurately.
♟ Invisible & Quiet Moves – The moves that go unnoticed often decide the game. This section teaches you to find the subtle killers.
♟ Overcoming Resistance – In sharp positions, you must learn to stay mentally tough, even when your attack seems to hit a wall.
♟ Recycling Ideas – Learn how to re-evaluate and reapply plans during calculation when the first plan doesn't work.
2️⃣ Calculation in Defense
Defense is not passive—it’s resourceful, flexible, and often brilliant. In this section, you will train:
🛡 Counterattacks & Zwischenzugs – The art of turning defense into offense with precise timing.
🛡 Evaluating King Safety – The primary factor in both attack and defense. Kuljasevic shows how to calculate around this crucial element.
🛡 Anticipating Attacker’s Ideas – A strong defender must think like the attacker and be two steps ahead.
🛡 Resilience Training – Holding worse positions and turning them around with clever calculation.
🧠 A Complete Training Experience
This is not just a tactics course—it’s a full mental workout, designed to develop elite-level calculation through focused training. You’ll learn how to:
✅ Navigate complex positions with both aggression and caution
✅ Build attacking skills through defensive understanding
✅ Calculate long variations using Ply Theory
✅ Sharpen your tactical vision and practical intuition
📦 What’s Inside?
🎥 6+ Hours of Video Lectures – Clear explanations from GM Kuljasevic
📁 Full PGN Database – All examples, exercises, and bonus material
♟ Test Positions – Solve challenging puzzles and compare your thought process to a GM
🧩 Concept Breakdown – Each thematic idea is explained and demonstrated with instructive examples
Whether you're calculating a bold sacrificial attack or defending against one, Calculation in Attack and Defense will help you stay sharp, resilient, and creative at the board.
🧠 Defense and Attack are Two Sides of the Same Coin.
Train both, master both—and you'll outplay anyone.
SAMPLE EXAMPLE