Unlock the Power of Position Setup

In our previous segment, we delved into the ‘Position Setup’ menu of ChessBase 18, where we lightly touched on a crucial feature located on the right side of the interface.

When you check the "Search automatically" box, the software presents you with a list of all games from the Mega Database 2025 that feature the selected pieces. Keep in mind, there may be additional pieces on the board in the matches listed, making it an invaluable tool for analysis.

Dive Into Pawn Structures

Imagine you stumble upon an intriguing pawn structure while scrolling through your news feed. You can easily investigate further! Simply click the download arrow in the analysis window and choose either "Download" or "Download & Copy - PGN". This action saves the game to your downloads folder and opens it automatically in ChessBase 18.

Once you have the game loaded, hit the 's' key, as mentioned in our last tutorial, to launch the 'Position Setup' menu with the current position displayed. The right-hand column will show you all the games from the Mega Database 2025 that feature this exact setup—though, in this case, it may be unique!

Understand the Board Dynamics

In pawn endgames, the structures often mirror one another, regardless of king positions. To narrow down your search, simply remove the kings from the setup, a technique we highlighted in Tutorial 15. This will reveal a clean pawn structure, showcasing 18 relevant games.

By clicking on a game, you can directly jump to the desired pawn arrangement. Utilize the “Undo” button to return to your initial setup.

Navigate Like a Pro

Double-clicking on any game opens it in a new window, while the 'Undo' and 'Redo' buttons allow effortless navigation between the games. Get ready to sharpen your analysis skills!

The Evolution of ChessBase 18

ChessBase has been fine-tuning its software for decades, culminating in the feature-rich 18th version. This guide is part of a series designed to unveil its myriad options bit by bit, enabling you to customize your experience and maximize your efficiency.

For further tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out our support and FAQ pages!