Courses (261)

The Benko Gambit has long occupied a complex position in chess theory. For decades, players recognized its exciting nature, yet many questioned its objective soundness at the highest level. This perception has fundamentally changed with the advent of modern engine analysis, revealing that Black possesses far more resources than previously understood.
GM Baadur Jobava and GM Pier Luigi Basso present a comprehensive examination of this legendary opening in their latest course, focusing particularly on an underexplored but highly effective approach that challenges conventional wisdom.

The Cambridge Springs Variation stands as one of chess's most enduring defensive systems, offering Black a principled approach against the Queen's Gambit that has withstood over a century of theoretical scrutiny. Modern Chess presents the second installment in the acclaimed Deep Preparation series: Cambridge Springs for Black, authored by GM Alexey Dreev and GM Pier Luigi Ba

When we think about chess brilliance, our minds instinctively go to sacrifices, tactical storms, or forcing attacks. Yet some of the most profound moments in chess history are born not from noise, but from silence. The quiet move – a move that looks almost invisible at first glance – can completely reshape a position, dismantle counterplay, or reveal hidden harmony.

The Semi-Slav Defense presents one of Black's most solid and theoretically demanding responses to 1.d4. This course tackles it head-on with the Catalan-style approach using 5.g3, offering White concrete advantages in positions where Black traditionally finds comfortable play.
Van Foreest's method is characteristically direct: "We play the toughest lines — the ones Black hates to face, system after system." The g3 setup against the Semi-Slav creates practical problems for Black while maintaining White's opening initiative.

The Dutch Defense represents more than an opening choice—it's a commitment to fight for victory from the very first move. Modern Chess is proud to present Dutch Defense for Black - Beat the Deviations from the Leningrad Variation, a comprehensive course by GM Vitaliy Bernadskiy and GM Pier Luigi Basso that completes the ambitious repertoire framework established in Play the Leningrad Dutch.

The French Defense remains one of the most solid and strategically rich responses to 1.e4, offering Black excellent practical chances in complex middlegame positions. Our new course, developed by GM Luca Moroni and GM Pier Luigi Basso, presents a comprehensive repertoire based on the Classical Steinitz Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6).

Modern Chess presents GM Alexey Dreev's comprehensive approach to the Queen's Gambit Declined for Black, developed in collaboration with GM Pier Luigi Basso. This course serves as the logical continuation of their acclaimed Semi-Tarrasch Defense for Black course, completing a robust repertoire system for Black after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6.

Modern Chess announces the release of Play the Leningrad Dutch, a comprehensive opening course designed for players seeking active winning chances with the black pieces against 1.d4. This first installment focuses specifically on the Leningrad System, with authors GM Vitaly Bernadskiy and GM Pier Luigi Basso providing practical guidance based on tournament experience.

Modern Chess proudly announces the latest addition to our acclaimed 1.d4 According to Lucas Van Foreest series: Beat the Classical Queen's Gambit Declined. This comprehensive course delivers a complete White repertoire based on the strategically rich 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 system—a line that combines classical principles with modern precision.

The Semi-Tarrasch Defense represents a sophisticated approach to meeting 1.d4, offering Black both positional soundness and practical winning chances. Modern Chess proudly presents this complete repertoire course, authored by two distinguished grandmasters who bring decades of high-level experience to this strategic opening system.