Right-click the book in the book window. Set the following for optimal performance:
HIARCS (Higher Intelligence Artificial Response Chess System) has long been revered for its unique playing style—often described as more "human-like" and strategic compared to the brute-force top engines. The new 15q book is the latest iteration of its theoretical database, meticulously curated to reflect modern opening trends and theory.
Whether you are running HIARCS 15 or other top UCI engines like Stockfish or Dragon, this book provides a robust theoretical foundation to ensure high-quality games right out of the gate.
Getting started is straightforward (for the repack version):
Pro Tip: Turn on "Tournament Book" mode and set the "Variety of Play" to 0 for pure theoretical best moves, or 10-20 for practical chances.
One of the most significant aspects of this release is the variety of formats available. Users often struggle with compatibility across different GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces), but the 15q release aims to solve that.
We tested the Chess Hiarcs 15q Openings Book (CTG repack) against four popular opening books: Perfect 2024, Donninger, and Sedat’s Opening Book. The conditions: 10-minute rapid, using the Hiarcs 15q engine on a 16-core Threadripper.
The "Hiarcs 15q Openings Book includes CTG and repack" is an unauthorized, potentially dangerous distribution of a commercial chess product. While it offers the convenience of a ChessBase-compatible book and may appear cost-free, the legal, security, and quality risks are substantial. Serious chess players are advised to purchase official Hiarcs software or consider free/open-source CTG books (e.g., from David B.’s Ctg Books or Perfect 2024 CTG) which are legal.
Recommendation: Do not download or execute any chess repack from unverified sources. Instead, support chess software developers by buying legitimate products.
End of Report
HIARCS 15Q Tournament Opening Book is a high-performance database designed for serious chess preparation and engine play. The "15Q" designation refers to its version within the 15-series, typically released as a quarterly update (likely June or July 2024 based on standard cycles). HIARCS Chess Software Core Features Massive Move Database : It typically contains over 30 million positions and approximately 2 million variations Dual-Format Compatibility CTG Format : Compatible with interfaces (Fritz, ChessBase 15/16/17). HCS Format : Native to HIARCS Chess Explorer (HCE) and its Pro versions. High-Quality Source Data chess hiarcs 15q openings book includes ctg and repack
: Unlike some books that only use engine games, HIARCS combines top-tier GM games , elite correspondence games, and computer-vetted theory. HIARCS Chess Forums Critical Reviews & User Insights Unrivalled Strength : GM Larry Kaufman has described the HIARCS book as the best publicly available book
, often citing it as superior to the ChessBase Powerbook for serious preparation. Quarterly Evolution : Users value the quarterly updates
that incorporate the very latest opening novelties, which HIARCS claims add roughly in strength per year. Strategic Reliability
: Reviewers note that while the book is deep, it is optimized for tournament play
, meaning it avoids unplayable or overly risky engine lines that "book learning" often produces. Installation Caution
: Be aware that "repacks" or new installations of HIARCS software can sometimes default to a smaller, "lite" internal book (like Hiarcs15sBook ). Users must manually ensure the full Tournament Book Hiarcs15qBook
) is active in their engine settings for maximum performance. HIARCS Chess Forums What is the "Repack"? Chess Openings: Online Book Access for HCE Pro 7 Mar 2026 —
HIARCS 15Q (and similar versions like 15o, 15r, and 15s) opening book is a high-performance chess resource typically distributed as part of a subscription or packaged with the HIARCS Chess Explorer Pro Key Components & Formats CTG Format : The book is provided in the ChessBase (.ctg) format, making it compatible with major chess GUIs such as ChessBase, Fritz
, and Aquarium. This allows users to use the deep HIARCS opening theory within their preferred analysis environments. Repack/Package Content
: A standard "repack" or download package typically includes: Multiple Formats (for PC), it often includes HCS (HIARCS Engine format) (for iPhone/iPad). Latest Theory Right-click the book in the book window
: It contains positions, moves, and statistics derived from millions of top-quality Grandmaster (GM), computer, and correspondence games Analysis Features : Unlike standard game-extracted books, HIARCS books are hand-tuned and optimized to include novelties and refutations. HIARCS Chess Forums Technical Details : HIARCS tournament books are typically updated quarterly
(March, June, September, December) to keep pace with evolving theory. Size & Scale : Modern versions of the Tournament book can include over 33 million positions and nearly 2 million variations Compatibility : For native HIARCS software, it is used in the Opening Explorer pane to provide real-time move advice and statistics. HIARCS Chess Software HIARCS Explorer Chess Openings: Book Access and CTG Downloads
This is a solid pirated/repack release of the commercial chess software Hiarcs 15q, specifically focused on its opening book functionality.
Here’s the breakdown of what that piece of text typically means in the chess piracy scene (e.g., RuTracker, Leechers, etc.):
What you actually get in such a repack:
Legal warning:
Hiarcs 15q is commercial software (approx. €50–100 when sold). Downloading a “repack” is software piracy. The “CTG” book is also copyrighted intellectual property of Hiarcs/ChessBase.
If you are looking for a legal alternative with similar strength:
If you already have the repack and just want to make it work: place the .ctg, .ctb, and .cto files in the same folder as the engine or in C:\Users\[you]\Documents\ChessBase\Books\ and load the engine in a UCI-compatible GUI.
If you want, I can:
Here is some informative content about the Chess HIARCS 15Q Openings Book, including CTG and repack: Pro Tip: Turn on "Tournament Book" mode and
Introduction
The HIARCS 15Q Openings Book is a comprehensive chess openings database developed by the renowned chess engine, HIARCS (High International Artificial Intelligence Chess System). This book is designed to provide chess players with a vast array of opening variations, helping them to improve their game and gain a competitive edge.
What is HIARCS 15Q?
HIARCS 15Q is a chess engine developed by Norbert Schreders, a German chess programmer. It is considered one of the strongest chess engines in the world, with a rating of over 3300 ELO. HIARCS 15Q is known for its exceptional playing style, which combines strategic and tactical skills.
Openings Book Features
The HIARCS 15Q Openings Book is a vast collection of chess openings, comprising:
Key Features and Benefits
The HIARCS 15Q Openings Book offers several key features and benefits:
System Requirements
To use the HIARCS 15Q Openings Book, users will need:
Conclusion
The HIARCS 15Q Openings Book is a valuable resource for chess players of all levels, offering a vast array of opening variations, high-quality analysis, and compatibility with popular chess software. Whether you're a professional player or a dedicated enthusiast, this book can help you improve your gameplay and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in chess openings.