Berlin Defence – Top-Level Repertoire for Black Modern Chess by GM Pier Luigi Basso MP4 + PGN (25th September, 2024)

This course is the first of three designed to provide a complete 1.e4 e5 repertoire for Black.

Welcome to the Berlin Defense Course!

The Berlin Defense is one of the most fascinating and historically rich openings in chess. Renowned for its solidity and the challenges White faces in finding new ideas, the Berlin Defense has become so effective that it has even caused many players to reconsider the traditional Ruy Lopez. In this course, Pier Luigi Basso aims to equip you with a reliable and rock-solid repertoire, but not one that simply settles for a draw—this course will show you how to play for a win!

For nearly a decade, the Berlin Defense has been the cornerstone of Basso’s repertoire with Black, helping him succeed at the highest levels. Now, he shares his insights and strategies, guiding you through both classical lines and modern innovations. With this course, you’ll be ready to transform this solid opening into a dynamic weapon in your own games.

In this first part, Basso examines the Berlin Defense in depth, giving you all the tools you need to build a full and robust defense against the Ruy Lopez. The course includes 15 theoretical chapters, 5 extensively annotated model games, 20 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a comprehensive video version with over 4 hours of content. Additionally, it starts with Basso’s signature 15-minute repertoire video, where he highlights the most important ideas for quick application, backed by a corresponding PGN file for easy reference.