CHESSBASE 18 – Tips for beginners, part 6: Quick access symbols and variation hierarchies

We will start with the notation from the last episode, which also contains the movements from the first tutorial episodes. You can see it here and download it with the Floppy data fabric symbol:

In part 5 they learned how to comment on their own games. It was described how to make detailed comments with the menus. However, using the toolbar can be faster.

Fast access keys bars

The following diagrams show the most important functions that can be carried out via the fast command. You can also do everything about the menu, but this requires a few more clicks. If available, the link commands are also listed – a later episode shows you how to define these links yourself.

The two index fingers refer to the fast command strips

We will start with this view: The notation shows the move 6.ndb5, which is typical for the Sveshnikov variation of the Sicilian. It is part of the first sub -variation in the analysis file. Now click on the green arrow of the Quick command strip (or use the Alt+Up arrow link) to which the index finger shows at the bottom left, and the view changes significantly:

Moving 3.D4 has now replaced the move 3.BB5 as the main line. But where are the remaining movements up to 6.NDB5? You can find them by scrolling down at the end of the notation. But you can also use the links here. If you want to concentrate on the Sveshnikov variation, you can hide the Rossolimo-typical 3.BB5 with its texts and variations. To do this, use the fast command strip on the right: Click the second symbol from above (see Mausover: “Hide all variations in the notation”) to collapse all variations, and only leave the first move of the main variation, whereby the plus sign is available before the sign that there is a variation. At the same time, the remaining movements of the new main variation also appear.

If you now decide that you want to carry out a pure Sveshnikov analysis from this file, you can also use the eraser (second symbol from below in the vertical bar – “delete all variants and comments”). The result would then look like this:

This is again the starting position that you have when you start a new game if you have not yet inserted variations

Pro tips

You can try all of this and look at the results. Use the example game above or create a different exercise game so that you can simply try everything out without one of your valuable analysis unreasonable.

For example, to call up the deleted variations or to reverse other steps, simply use the link between Ctrl+Z – this turns the last changes step by step. You can achieve the same by clicking on one of the “cancellation” line in the upper left corner (see the following screenshot). With “Redo” you can repeat the operation:

Other symbols on the lower quick command bar at a glance

If you do not want to be as drastic as in the last example and only want to delete a variation, first go to one of the variations to be deleted and then click on the second “Delete variation” symbol in the lower bar. The entire variation at this level is deleted. Caution: Of course, all sub -variations that are directly bound to it also disappear.

If you use the square bracket “Delete remaining movements” right next to it, only the movements on the right of the selected train (and of course the variations that are subordinate to these movements are deleted.

You can use the black and red play buttons to open the windows for the pre- and post texts.

Click on the diagram and a diagram with exactly this position is inserted behind the selected move. Tip: You can display or hide the diagrams in the notation with the diagram symbol in the right column.

You can also use the following position evaluation symbols with which you are familiar from the last episode via the quick bar. They always appear after the move currently marked in the notation – ie in the current position on the analysis card.

Change the hierarchy of the variations

They had already exchanged the main variations for each other. At this point, the upgrading and downgrading of sub -variations is explained in more detail.

You often change the hierarchy of variations in your own files. This can be due to the fact that something has changed in the theoretical evaluation of a position and that you want to adapt it accordingly. However, it can also be simply because a certain variation does not correspond to your own preferences and that you would therefore prefer another.

We choose an example from illustrative purposes at the end of the notation, as there is less text that could confuse the explanation. A diagram was inserted after 35.FXG3. The main line 35 … RF7 follows, then line 35 … RD8 etc. and the end of the main line. We see the situation first when 35 … rd8 is marked:

Now we click on the green arrow on the left in the lower bar. The notation changes as follows:

Note: You may have to see all movements of the example and the diagram in the window.

If you continue to click on the upgrade arrow for the same selected move, each click becomes a level and finally end up in the main variation. If you want to downgrade a variation, you can do this by updating the variation below.

… and now again: I enjoy changing your exercise game – try it out, you can undo everything. Exercise makes perfect!

——–

Chessbase has developed over decades to become what it is now in its 18th version. The program has countless options that we will present here in small portions. Therefore, you can design your user interface for a pleasant daily use and continue to learn through new options and how to use them to get the best out of the chess box office 18 and save time.

We hope that this tip will help you to have more fun and to be more successful when using Chessbase 18. Further tips and hints on our support pages and FAQ pages can be found more tips and hints.

Left