Top US CHESS Deals & Price Drops for December 2025

Transform your chess game with unexpected opening strategies from Secrets of Opening Surprises Volume 13. This collection delivers unconventional yet proven opening ideas that deviate from mainstream theory before move six, allowing you to surprise opponents without memorizing extensive theory. Perfect for club players and tournament competitors who want to save study time while gaining practical advantages. Inside you'll find innovative approaches like the North Sea Defence, Williams Anti-Grünfeld Variation, Budapest Gambit Delayed, and Carlsen-inspired Scotch Game variations. Each chapter provides complete analysis from renowned chess authors including Jeroen Bosch, Simon Williams, and Efstratios Grivas. These SOS variations help you control the game early while forcing opponents into unfamiliar territory. Whether you play Sicilian, French, Spanish, or Slav defenses, this volume offers fresh perspectives that work against common opening systems. Save hours of study time while adding powerful surprise weapons to your repertoire. Ideal for players rated 1400-2200 who want practical results without theoretical overload. Discover how to implement these surprising strategies in your next tournament or club game.

Discover fresh strategic insights for your chess repertoire with "New Ideas in Old Settings: Q-B3 against the Caro-Kann," now available at a special clearance price from US CHESS. This insightful guide revitalizes a classic opening, offering you a powerful and practical weapon against the solid Caro-Kann Defense. Move beyond standard theory and learn innovative queen-side maneuvers that can surprise your opponent and seize the initiative early in the game. At US CHESS, we provide players with the resources to evolve their understanding and stay ahead of modern trends. This book delves into pragmatic, game-tested ideas, proving that theoretical progress is key to practical success on the board. It’s perfect for the competitive player looking to inject creativity into established lines and gain a tangible edge. By exploring these nuanced strategies, you transform abstract concepts into winning positions. Visit uscfsales.com today to secure your copy and elevate your play. This clearance offer makes advanced strategic knowledge more accessible, ensuring you get exceptional value. Add this essential guide to your chess library and start turning theory into triumphant victories.

Master the French Defense with a world champion's guidance. US CHESS presents "Beating the French - Volume 1" by former FIDE World Chess Champion Grandmaster Rustam Kasimdzhanov. This clearance-priced DVD offers over 3.5 hours of elite instruction, providing a powerful and practical White repertoire built on the 3.Nc3 variation. Kasimdzhanov focuses on the critical position arising after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5. He expertly demonstrates how to leverage the powerful e5 pawn to secure a lasting space advantage in the center and queenside. You will learn to transform this positional edge into a decisive kingside attack or a favorable endgame. Through 13 detailed video lessons, the Grandmaster analyzes contemporary games from top-level play, distilling complex strategies into clear, actionable plans. Known for his deep understanding and engaging teaching style, Kasimdzhanov makes advanced concepts accessible, blending instructive content with a touch of humor. This DVD is perfect for players seeking to confidently combat the French Defense without memorizing dry, endless theory. Visit US CHESS at uscfsales.com to add this valuable resource to your training library and start beating the French with authority. System requirements: Pentium Processor 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP/Vista, DVD drive, mouse, and soundcard.

Unlock a new dimension of chess mastery with "The Shankland Method," an exclusive 16-hour course from Super GM Sam Shankland. Available now at US CHESS, this comprehensive training is designed for the ambitious player ready to elevate their game. GM Shankland, with a peak rating of 2674, distills his winning philosophy into 55 dynamic chapters, each centered on an instructive game. This course challenges a fundamental question: what if you play your intended strategic or tactical move, even when your opponent seems to block it? Sam reveals how this bold approach applies maximum pressure and unlocks creative possibilities you may have never considered. He meticulously selected games that are likely new to you, featuring legends like Carlsen, Anand, and Kasparov, alongside his own personal victories and instructive losses. Learn at the fast pace of a top grandmaster. Sam demands your interaction, ensuring you actively improve your calculation, attacking play, and dynamism. The training goes beyond theory with a special one-hour bonus of Sam playing online blitz, providing real-time analysis and insight into his thought process. A dedicated Q&A session offers his personal philosophy and best advice for serious improvement. For players seeking a transformative edge, this is the definitive resource. Visit US CHESS at uscfsales.com to secure your access to over 15 hours of elite content and start playing with the confidence and power of a master.

Unlock the timeless strategies of chess legends with the Mastering the Classics DVD from US CHESS. This advanced course, now available at a special clearance price, is your gateway to the foundational knowledge that shaped champions like Kasparov, Kramnik, and Carlsen. By studying the immortal games of World Champions Capablanca, Alekhine, and Petrosian, you gain access to a wealth of strategic gold that remains powerful in modern play. Grandmaster Damian Lemos expertly guides you through these classic masterpieces, transforming complex concepts into clear, actionable lessons. You will learn how to execute the most precise opening moves, convert a developmental advantage into a winning position, and dictate the entire flow of the game. This course teaches you to overwhelm opponents with insoluble problems and launch decisive attacks with a higher rate of success. Discover the art of the strategic sacrifice to dismantle king safety and master pawn play to create powerful passed pawns and dominate the center. Learn to skillfully maneuver in closed positions and recognize original, crushing tactical patterns that can turn any game in your favor. Presented with the highest production quality from US CHESS, this DVD features crystal-clear audio and video with a grandmaster webcam, ensuring an immersive learning experience without any distractions. Each module includes detailed PDF chapter summaries for easy review and study. Elevate your game by learning from the classics. Visit US CHESS at uscfsales.com to secure this invaluable resource and add proven master strategies to your chess arsenal today.

Master the French Tarrasch with this comprehensive video course from US CHESS. Designed for players seeking a reliable and flexible system against the French Defense, this volume features expert instruction from IM Robert Ris and GM Mihail Marin. The French Defense, beginning with 1.e4 e6, is a cornerstone of chess strategy, trusted by beginners and grandmasters alike for its solidity and rich complexity. This course focuses on the Tarrasch Variation, initiated by 3.Nd2. This flexible setup for White, named for Siegbert Tarrasch and famously employed by Anatoly Karpov, provides a powerful framework for challenging Black's position. You will learn the strategic ideas and precise moves that made this variation a dominant force in top-level play. Through detailed video analysis at USCFsales.com, our renowned coaches provide a complete repertoire. IM Robert Ris and GM Mihail Marin break down key positions, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical advice. You will gain a deep understanding of the plans and counterplans essential for success. This clearance-priced encyclopedia volume represents exceptional value. Transform your opening play with professional guidance, turning the French Defense into a source of confidence and winning chances. Elevate your game with this definitive guide to the French Tarrasch, available now at US CHESS.

Master the art of winning with the black pieces alongside one of the most creative grandmasters in chess history. In this exclusive clearance video course from US CHESS, Alexei Shirov personally guides you through the critical strategies and psychological decisions required to triumph as Black. Discover how to choose between aggressive, risk-taking play and patient, positional maneuvering to exploit White's mistakes. Shirov answers the essential questions every competitive player faces, drawing directly from his own legendary career and his deep run in the 2007 World Cup. Learn how his approach evolved over time and how you can apply these powerful lessons to your own games, especially in high-pressure situations like knockout tournaments where a win with Black is mandatory. This 6 hour and 45 minute DVD presentation is packed with original and amazing ideas that have delighted chess fans for decades. Shirov, often compared to the legendary Mikhail Tal for his dazzling style, shares the insights that propelled him to the world's elite at a young age. You will gain a profound understanding of opening preparation, strategic choice, and the winning mindset needed to secure victories from the more challenging side of the board. Visit USCHFSALES.com to add this invaluable resource to your training library at a special clearance price. Elevate your game with proven strategies from a world-class competitor and start turning your black pieces into a formidable weapon.

Discover a powerful and strategic opening with the Levenfish Attack in the Dragon Defense, now available at a special clearance price exclusively from US Chess. This essential guide provides a deep dive into one of the most aggressive and effective lines against the Sicilian Dragon, offering you a reliable weapon to surprise your opponents and dominate the board from the very first moves. By mastering the Levenfish Attack, you can confidently steer the game into sharp, tactical positions where your preparation gives you a decisive edge. At US CHESS, we are committed to helping players of all levels improve their game with premium resources at unbeatable value. This clearance offer makes expert-level strategy accessible, allowing you to enhance your opening repertoire without stretching your budget. The detailed analysis and key variations included will save you countless hours of independent study, accelerating your learning curve and boosting your competitive performance. Visit our website at https://www.uscfsales.com to explore this and other curated chess resources designed for serious players. Secure your copy of this tactical manual today and transform your approach to the Sicilian Defense, turning a complex opening into a source of confident victories.

Master the art of the ambush with "Tricks and Traps: 1. d4 Openings, Volume 2" by Grandmaster Nigel Davies, available now at US CHESS. In competitive chess, the opening phase is fraught with hidden dangers and clever deceptions waiting to ensnare the unprepared player. This essential DVD transforms you from potential victim into a strategic hunter, arming you with the knowledge to both avoid pitfalls and launch your own devastating attacks. Grandmaster Davies meticulously catalogs a wide array of surprises that can emerge after 1. d4, from brilliant sacrificial ideas to cunning move-order tricks. He organizes these traps into clear categories, making the complex material accessible and immediately useful for players at every skill level. You'll not only learn classic opening snares but also discover rare and little-known ploys that can catch even experienced opponents off guard. Beyond mere memorization, Davies provides crucial psychological insights into the trapping mindset. He evaluates the practical likelihood of each trap's success in real tournament play, teaching you when to spring the perfect ambush. This deep understanding will sharpen your overall strategic vision and tactical alertness. With four hours of expert video instruction, you gain a powerful edge. Nigel Davies, an International Grandmaster since 1993 and a renowned coach, has a proven talent for explaining sophisticated ideas in a clear, engaging manner. Elevate your game and start turning the tables on your opponents. Visit US CHESS at uscfsales.com to add this invaluable resource to your training library and begin playing with more confidence and cunning today.

Master the Sicilian Defense with a flexible and surprising strategy from US Chess. The Chameleon Variation, available now at uscfsales.com, is your key to confronting one of chess's most complex openings on your own terms. This comprehensive guide, originally pioneered by Andy Soltis and masterfully updated by Carsten Hansen, provides a powerful weapon for players seeking an efficient repertoire. Tired of navigating the vast and exhausting jungle of Sicilian theory? The Chameleon system offers a brilliant solution. By employing the flexible move order of 1.e4, 2.Nc3, and 3.Nge2, you keep your options wide open. This approach is designed to lure Black into unfamiliar territory, potentially tricking them into lines they are not prepared to face. It’s the perfect strategic choice for the dedicated player with limited study time. One of the opening's greatest strengths is its relatively unexplored nature. This book provides a thorough analysis, compiling the most relevant master games for critical variations. For the creative player, this represents fertile ground. You are given a solid foundation with plenty of opportunity to explore and cultivate your own innovative ideas, potentially sprouting new branches of theory yourself. Take control of your chess games and save with this clearance opportunity from US Chess. Build a sharp, adaptable repertoire against the Sicilian Defense without requiring a massive time investment. Visit uscfsales.com to secure your copy of The Chameleon Variation and start playing with confidence and surprise.

Discover the ultimate chess resource with Chess Informant Issue 148 on CD, now available at a special clearance price from US CHESS. This 148th edition, titled "Following the Sun," compiles 350 pages of premier chess analysis and instruction from the world's leading grandmasters and theorists. Dive into in-depth reviews like Sokolov's coverage of the Candidates Tournament and Marin's innovative strategies in "Old Wine in New Bottles." Learn attacking principles with Foisor, explore theoretical surveys on openings like the Keres Attack and the Rossolimo Sicilian, and enjoy unique sections on combinations, endings, and correspondence chess. This CD is an essential tool for any serious player looking to improve. It's the same periodical trusted by professionals, packed with the best games, critical tournament reviews, and the most important theoretical novelties. For a limited time, secure your copy of this must-have publication at a significant discount. Visit US CHESS at uscfsales.com to add this invaluable chess adventure to your study collection and elevate your game today.

Discover the timeless wisdom of a chess legend with the 21st Century Edition of *Common Sense in Chess* from US CHESS. Originally crafted from a series of 1895 lectures by World Champion Emanuel Lasker, this classic work has guided generations of club players and intermediates toward mastery. Now, respected author Bruce Alberston revitalizes Lasker's masterpiece for the modern player, preserving its brilliant, conversational tone while making it more accessible than ever. This updated edition features the complete text converted into clear, modern algebraic notation, ensuring effortless study. With over 330 instructional diagrams, complex strategies become easy to visualize and understand, accelerating your learning process. Alberston has also enriched the original material by adding seven deeply annotated games from the legendary 1895 Hastings Tournament, providing priceless insights directly from Lasker's analysis. *Common Sense in Chess* remains a unique cornerstone of chess literature, celebrated for its concise and powerful exposition of fundamental principles. It teaches the core ideas that form the bedrock of strong play, helping you develop a more intuitive and effective game. Whether you're looking to solidify your strategy or gain a historical perspective from a world champion, this book is an indispensable addition to your library. Visit US CHESS at uscfsales.com to secure your copy of this essential guide. Elevate your understanding, learn from the very best, and bring the common sense of a champion to your own chessboard.

Discover the remarkable journey of Nigel David Short, the pioneering Englishman who earned the right to challenge for the World Chess Championship. A true prodigy, he qualified for the British Championship at just 11 years old and became a Grandmaster by 19. Since 1987, he has consistently held the title of England's top player. This comprehensive collection is a must-have for any serious chess enthusiast from US CHESS. It features all 41 complete games from his historic Candidates matches, where he triumphed over formidable opponents like Jon Speelman, Boris Gelfand, Anatoly Karpov, and Jan Timman. Dive deep into eight of Short's recent games, each presented with extensive analysis to reveal the strategic brilliance behind his moves. Additional games are included with insightful light notes, providing valuable lessons for players looking to improve their own skills. Explore the tactical mastery that propelled a child prodigy to the world stage. This book is an essential addition to your chess library, offering a unique study of a legendary player's career-defining moments. Visit US CHESS at uscfsales.com to secure your copy of this clearance title and own a piece of chess history while enjoying exceptional savings. Enhance your understanding of high-level play and be inspired by one of England's greatest chess minds.

Discover the secrets of chess strategy with "Steve Davis Plays Chess," now available at a special clearance price from US CHESS. This insightful book features a unique collaboration between Grandmaster David Norwood and renowned amateur player Steve Davis, offering a rare glimpse into the thought processes of a chess master. Perfect for beginners and social players, this guide breaks down complex principles into easy-to-understand lessons that you can apply immediately in your games. Learn how to choose effective openings, develop winning plans, and recognize common tactical tricks that can turn the tide in your favor. The authors provide clear guidance on navigating endgames and avoiding costly blunders that often trip up amateur players. You'll feel as though you're eavesdropping on a private coaching session, gaining access to professional insights typically reserved for advanced competitors. At US CHESS, we're committed to helping players of all levels improve their game with quality resources. Visit uscfsales.com to explore our full selection of chess books and equipment. Take advantage of this clearance opportunity to add an invaluable educational tool to your collection at an exceptional value. Start thinking like a grandmaster and elevate your chess skills today with this engaging and practical guide.

Discover the secrets of the Berlin Defense with this exclusive guide from US CHESS, available now at uscfsales.com before any other retailer. Ever since Vladimir Kramnik used it to claim the world championship, the Berlin has been a cornerstone of elite chess strategy. Many club players avoid it, intimidated by the complex endgames known as the Berlin Wall. International Master Luis Bernal changes that, unraveling the opening's mysteries to make them accessible for amateur enthusiasts. This practical guide is your key to mastering modern chess. Bernal provides a fully updated analysis of typical formations and core strategies, offering new insights into classic Berlin Wall structures. He moves beyond the basics, systematically guiding you through the evolving landscape of modern Anti-Berlins and their latest theoretical ideas. You'll also learn a selection of tricky sidelines perfect for surprising an unprepared opponent. Designed for clarity and results, this state-of-the-art manual transforms a daunting opening into a powerful weapon for your repertoire. Benefit from clear explanations, concise summaries, and instructive exercises that reinforce your learning. Elevate your game with a trusted resource from US CHESS, your premier source for chess education. Add this essential guide to your collection and start playing the Berlin with confidence today.

Master one of chess history's most revered and enduring opening systems with Grandmaster Nigel Davies' in-depth DVD, "Queen's Gambit Declined Exchange Variation." This essential instructional guide, available now at US CHESS, explores the strategic battleground favored by legends like Kasparov, Botvinnik, Karpov, and Spassky. Characterized by an early resolution in the center, this opening leads to rich, asymmetrical pawn structures brimming with strategic possibilities for both White and Black. On this comprehensive four-hour DVD, GM Davies meticulously breaks down the core plans and ideas that have defined this champion's opening. You will gain a deep understanding of classic strategic weapons like the powerful minority attack, as well as sharper approaches involving central pawn advances and daring kingside storms. Davies presents these concepts through a series of highly instructive master games, providing you with a complete strategic roadmap. This training goes beyond a single opening. Davies expertly demonstrates how the strategic principles learned here apply to other critical systems like the Gruenfeld Defence and the Caro-Kann. This makes the DVD an invaluable resource for any player seeking to fundamentally improve their overall positional understanding and middlegame strategy. Whether you play the white or black pieces, this course equips you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the Exchange Variation with confidence. Add this cornerstone of chess strategy to your library and learn from an International Grandmaster with decades of top-level experience. Visit US CHESS at uscfsales.com to secure your copy and advance your game with the wisdom of champions.

Discover the secrets of chess strategy with "What Grandmasters Don't See, Volume 2: Discovered Attack" by renowned commentator Maurice Ashley, available at US CHESS. This essential DVD from USCFsales.com moves beyond the vague idea of "chess blindness" to provide a deep psychological understanding of why even top players miss critical tactical opportunities. Maurice Ashley expertly argues that the discovered attack is the most frequently overrated and misunderstood tactic in the game. Through his engaging and effervescent teaching style, Ashley clarifies this crucial concept using a selection of well-chosen, practical examples from both classic and recent games. He demonstrates why traditional chess books often fail to prepare players for how discovered attacks truly unfold in real competition. The first half of the DVD features insightful and entertaining instruction, breaking down the tactical themes with clarity. The second half is dedicated to reinforcing your learning with a progressive series of exercises, testing your growing understanding of discovered attacks. With over three and a half hours of video content, this training tool is designed to sharpen your tactical vision and prevent costly oversights. Please note that software and DVDs from US CHESS can only be returned or exchanged if the original shrinkwrap is unopened and the product is unused. Visit USCFsales.com to add this invaluable resource to your chess library and start seeing the board like a grandmaster.

Discover the extraordinary journey of a chess legend with "Profession: Chessplayer - Grandmaster at Work" from US CHESS. This compelling autobiography by Vladimir Tukmakov offers a rare, personal look into the life of a Soviet-era grandmaster. From his early recognition of a unique talent to competing in the world's most formidable championships, Tukmakov's story is one of dedication, skill, and profound passion. Available now at a special clearance price on uscfsales.com, this book is more than a memoir; it's an insider's view of chess as a true profession. Tukmakov details his rise from a gifted child to a powerful international grandmaster, providing a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of the Soviet School of Chess. His narrative captures the intense trials and triumphs required to reach the elite levels of the game. Readers will gain invaluable insights from over forty deeply annotated games against some of the strongest players in history. These analyses are perfect for players looking to improve their strategy and understand grandmaster thinking. Dozens of personal photographs further enrich this autobiographical journey, bringing the era and its personalities to life. Whether you are a competitive player, a student of chess history, or simply inspired by stories of individual genius, this book is an essential addition to your collection. Visit US CHESS today to secure your copy and explore the dedication behind a grandmaster's work. Join Tukmakov on this remarkable journey from talented junior to Olympic team leader, and experience the passion that defined a career.

Discover a treasure trove of Sicilian Defense brilliance with "Sicilian Defense in the Last Decade" from US CHESS. This essential volume, curated by renowned opening theoretician Dr. Nikolay Minev, compiles 250 groundbreaking novelties from elite tournament play between 1986 and 1995. Elevate your game by studying these sharp, tactically rich miniatures, each selected for its instructional value and theoretical impact. This book is more than a collection of games; it's a masterclass in building a dynamic and successful opening repertoire. Dr. Minev guides you through the critical process of original analysis, empowering you to understand the evolving landscape of the Sicilian. You will sharpen your tactical vision and enhance your analytical skills, gaining a significant edge in your own tournament preparation. Perfect for players who thrive on complex, attacking chess, this manual serves as a vital resource for mastering typical Sicilian tactics. The clear algebraic notation makes every brilliant move and strategic insight accessible. Now available on clearance at US CHESS, this is your opportunity to own a piece of chess publishing history at an exceptional value. Visit uscfsales.com to secure your copy and inject powerful new ideas into your repertoire today.

Master the strategic complexities of the French Defense with "Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol. 8: The Winawer Variation" from US CHESS. This comprehensive Fritz Trainer video course, now available at a special clearance price, is your key to navigating one of Black's most proactive and challenging systems. GM Ivan Sokolov expertly guides you through the critical plans and ideas that arise after 3...Bb4, where Black immediately targets White's pawn structure. You will learn how to handle the dynamic tension of this popular line. Black gains pressure against the weak d4 square, while White often seeks counterplay with a kingside attack and spatial advantage. Sokolov's curated game selection demystifies whether the position becomes closed after ...c4 or opens up with dxc5, giving you the strategic understanding to make the right decisions. This package includes nearly four hours of high-quality video instruction where GM Sokolov explains the most important plans. Reinforce your learning with interactive training featuring video feedback and a dedicated database of 30 practical exercises. As an exclusive bonus, you can train directly against Fritz using the included ChessBase app, allowing you to practice authentic Winawer positions at various difficulty levels. Visit US CHESS at uscfsales.com to add this powerful training tool to your library. Elevate your middlegame understanding, learn from a world-class grandmaster, and gain confidence in handling the French Defense's rich strategic battles. This clearance offer makes expert-level instruction more accessible than ever for the serious player.

CHESS INFORMANT’S 140th ADVENTURE GENERATIONS Navara – The Czech Championship Artemiev – Champion’s Report from Skopje Berkes – European Chess Championship Guijarro – El Nino’s Chess Spring Ivanisevic – Moscow Grand Prix Milanovic – Carlsen’s Domination in Shamkir Delchev – Caro Kann Explorations Firat – The Zaitsev Ruy Lopez Leitao – The Power of Imagination Prusikin – Not All Draws Are Made Equal Marin – A Rare but Thrilling Endgame Perunovic – The Scheveningen Variation – The Heart of the Sicilian Chess Studies Section – The Famous Chess Study and its lesser-known Twins Traditional sections: games, combinations, endings, correspondence chess, endgame blunders, tournament reviews, the best game from the preceding volume and the most important theoretical novelty from the preceding volume. The periodical that pros use with pleasure is at the same time a must have publication for all chess students! We bring the very best in chess to you for more than 50 years!