Courses (357)

The Tarrasch Defense has long been considered a double-edged choice for ambitious Black players seeking counterplay against 1.d4. Now, GM Michael Roiz presents a comprehensive blueprint that transforms this classical opening into a reliable equalizing weapon, with special emphasis on the cutting-edge Dubov Variation.

For years, one name struck fear into the hearts of 1.d4 players worldwide: GM Baadur Jobava. His secret weapon? A revolutionary approach to the Classical Slav Defense featuring the audacious 5...a5 that left even the world's elite scrambling for answers. Today, Modern Chess proudly presents Slav Defense According to Jobava, where the Georgian genius himself reveals the preparation that shaped his legendary career.

In The Practical King's Indian Defense - Part 1, Krishnater delivers a complete, objectively sound repertoire that sidesteps mainstream theory without sacrificing competitive edge. This isn't another rehash of well-known variations—it's a masterclass in finding practical solutions to complex positional challenges.
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 0-0, White's arsenal seems endless. The Petrosian System, the Gligoric Variation, the Exchange System—each demanding deep preparation and perfect recall. Krishnater's approach cuts through this theoretical maze with surgical precision.

When GM Veselin Topalov unleashed 3.h4 against GM Anish Giri at the 2016 Candidates Tournament, the chess world laughed. Critics dismissed it as desperation, a novelty without substance. They were spectacularly wrong.
Fast-forward to 2025, and this "crazy" move has become a weapon of choice for the world's elite: Magnus Carlsen, Ding Liren, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Alexander Grischuk have all embraced what chess insiders now call the 1.d4 Squeeze Repertoire. The system officially entered top-level preparation between 2019-2020, transforming from curiosity to cutting-edge theory.
Modern Chess is proud to present "1.d4 According to Lucas van Foreest - 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.h4", the latest installment in our acclaimed repertoire series, authored by GM Pier Luigi Basso and GM Lucas van Foreest.
Strategic Philosophy: Maximum Discomfort for Your Op

In the ever-evolving landscape of chess theory, finding fresh approaches to well-established openings has become increasingly valuable. GM S.P. Sethuraman's latest course for Modern Chess introduces players to a sophisticated repertoire built around the seemingly modest move 3...h6 in the Queen's Indian setup.

GM Luis Supi doesn't mince words: "In my opinion, Part 3 is as important as Parts 2 and 1." Coming from a grandmaster who's spent years perfecting his King's Indian repertoire – including deploying it against elite players like Anish Giri at the 2024 Olympiad – that's a statement worth taking seriously.

GM Baadur Jobava, GM Luca Moroni, and IM Dragos Ceres are back to complete their groundbreaking Grünfeld Defense repertoire. After the success of Grünfeld for Black – Part 1, which focused on the sharp main line with 4.cxd5 and 5.e4, this second course gives you everything else you need to confidently play the Grünfeld against 1.d4.

The Nimzo-Indian Defense has long been considered one of Black's most solid and reliable responses to 1.d4. For decades, strong players have relied on its positional foundations and strategic complexity to achieve comfortable positions against White's opening ambitions. However, GM Lucas van Foreest and GM Pier Luigi Basso have developed a devastating counter-weapon that turns the tables completely.

Their latest course, "1.d4 According to Lucas Van Foreest - Fight the Nimzo-Indian," presents the aggressive 4.f3 system—arguably the most annoying and uncomfortable line that Nimzo-Indian players face in modern chess.

Following the remarkable success of Bogo-Indian Defense According to Jospem, we proudly present the natural continuation: Nimzo-Indian Defense According to Jospem by GM José Martinez Alcantara (Jospem) and GM Pier Luigi Basso. This comprehensive course delivers a complete, tournament-ready Nimzo-Indian repertoire for Black, emphasizing practical understanding over rote memorization.

Part 2 of this extraordinary series tackles the most critical and modern variations that every King's Indian player must master. GM Supi and FM Silvio Oliveira present innovative approaches that transform complex theoretical battlegrounds into practical, understandable structures.
"What is coming in this part 2 and 3, together with the first one, concludes what I consider the most interesting and complete course on the King's Indian until this moment." - GM Luis Supi