The Inaugural Modern Chess Premium Course
Introducing Modern Chess Premium: Where Elite Theory Meets Tournament Practice
We're proud to present the first course in our new Premium line—a revolutionary approach to chess education that bridges the gap between theoretical study and practical mastery. French Defense - Play the Rubinstein Variation by GM Alexey Dreev and GM Pier Luigi Basso doesn't just teach you moves; it transforms knowledge into tournament-ready skill through unprecedented interactive features.
Every Modern Chess Premium course is fully multilingual, with complete content available in English, French, German, and Spanish. Whether you study in your native language or want to expand your chess vocabulary internationally, Premium delivers elite instruction in the language that works best for you.
The Rubinstein Renaissance: A Complete System for the Modern French Player
When Simplicity Meets Depth
The French Defense has always stood at the crossroads of strategic complexity and tactical sharpness. But what if there was a way to embrace the French's positional richness while sidestepping the theoretical labyrinths of the Winawer and Tarrasch? This is precisely what GM Alexey Dreev and GM Pier Luigi Basso explore in their comprehensive Premium course—a system where understanding trumps memorization, and classical principles meet modern practice.
The Rubinstein Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7) represents chess at its most refined. As Dreev emphasizes in his introduction, this is "timeless positional chess—simple in form, yet rich in depth." The authors build their case around a compelling premise: by mastering a single, universal system that works against both 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2, Black gains a reliable weapon requiring minimal memorization but offering maximum strategic flexibility.
What Makes Modern Chess Premium Revolutionary
Computer Practice: Train Against the Engine
The crown jewel of our Premium line. Five meticulously selected critical positions—chosen by Dreev and Basso themselves—where you play interactively against the computer directly on the platform. This isn't random practice; these are the positions where understanding the Rubinstein's strategic nuances makes the difference between equality and advantage. Master these positions, and you master the variation's practical essence.
Tournament-Ready Memory Booster
Built on our enhanced To-Go Version, the Premium Memory Booster represents a quantum leap in retention technology. Instead of passive review, you engage with streamlined, tournament-focused content designed for rapid recall. The system adapts to how strong players actually prepare—focusing on critical moments, key ideas, and practical decision points. This is active learning engineered for the 2000+ player who needs to remember what matters.
The Complete Learning Ecosystem
15 Comprehensive Chapters covering every relevant line and strategic theme
50 Interactive Test Positions reinforcing pattern recognition and tactical awareness
To-Go Version of every chapter for efficient pre-game preparation
4 hours and 41 minutes of GM-level video instruction
5 Computer Practice Positions for hands-on practical experience
Basso's 15-minute Synthesis distilling the repertoire's core concepts
Multilingual PGN files (English, German, French, Spanish)
Complete Variations Map providing visual navigation through the system
Course Structure: Comprehensive Coverage
Part I: White's Alternative Seventh Moves
Chapter 1: 7.Ne5 - Nepomniachtchi's Concrete Approach
Chapter 2: 7.c3 - Kramnik's Solid System
Chapter 3: 7.g3 - MVL's Catalan-Inspired Setup
Chapter 4: 7.Be3 - Featuring Mamedyarov's 2023 Bd7 Novelty
Chapter 5: 7.Bf4 and Rare Alternatives
Chapter 6: 7.Bd3 c5 8.O-O - Classic Treatment
Part II: The Main Line Arena
Chapter 7: 7.Bd3 c5 8.dxc5 Bxc5 9.Qe2 - The Critical Modern Try
Chapter 8: 7.Bd3 c5 8.O-O cxd4 9.Nxd4 Bc5 - Classical Approach
Chapter 9: 7.Bd3 and 8.Be3 - Korobov's Strategic System
Chapter 10: 6.Bd3 Independent Options
Part III: Early Deviations
Chapter 11-13: 6.Bg5 h6 - Complete Coverage (Bh4, Bxf6, Nxf6+)
Chapter 14: 6.Ng3 - The Neglected Alternative
Chapter 15: Rare Fifth Move Options
The Authors: World-Class Expertise
GM Alexey Dreev brings decades of elite experience as a former world championship candidate and one of Russia's most accomplished trainers. His profound positional understanding and systematic approach to opening preparation have influenced generations of strong players.
GM Pier Luigi Basso complements this with his reputation for creating practical, high-level repertoires. His clear instructional style and attention to the needs of improving players makes complex theory accessible without sacrificing depth.
Why the Rubinstein Now?
In an era where opening theory threatens to overwhelm practical play, the Rubinstein offers liberation. As Dreev and Basso emphasize: "This variation can be learned in a short time and confidently used at any level." The Premium features transform this already-practical repertoire into a tournament weapon you can deploy with confidence.
The system's modern credentials are impeccable:
- GM Georg Meier has championed it at the elite level for years
- 2023 novelties demonstrate its continued theoretical relevance
- Universal application against both 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2
- Minimal memorization required compared to sharper French systems
- Rich strategic content that improves your overall understanding
Who This Course Is For
This Premium course is designed for:
- Club players (1800-2200) seeking a reliable, practical French repertoire
- Masters (2200+) looking to add a solid weapon against 1.e4
- French Defense enthusiasts wanting to update their theoretical knowledge
- Players who value understanding over memorization
- Serious improvers ready to invest in tournament-quality preparation
The Modern Chess Premium Difference
Premium courses represent our commitment to creating the most complete learning experience available. Every Premium course delivers:
✓ Minimum 15 theoretical chapters with comprehensive coverage
✓ Minimum 30 interactive test positions for active learning
✓ To-Go Version for efficient pre-game review
✓ Advanced Memory Booster for tournament-ready retention
✓ Computer Practice with author-selected critical positions
✓ GM-level video instruction explaining strategic concepts
✓ Complete PGN databases in English, French, German, and Spanish
This isn't just a course—it's a complete training system. And with full multilingual support, you can study in the language that best suits your learning style.
Your Next Move
French Defense - Play the Rubinstein Variation delivers a complete, practical solution for Black against 1.e4. The combination of Dreev's encyclopedic knowledge, Basso's systematic presentation, and our Premium interactive features creates a learning experience unlike anything else available.
Whether you're building your first serious French repertoire or upgrading from the Winawer or Tarrasch, the Rubinstein offers a path to mastery that respects your time while deepening your understanding.
Experience the Premium difference. Master the Rubinstein.