ChessOpeningSmith
Import a PGN file to create a repertoire
If your variations already live in a PGN file, you do not need to type them again. ChessOpeningSmith reads the file, shows you what it contains, then creates a new repertoire that you can review, complete and train. This page explains the steps, what is kept and the limits to know about.
The steps, one at a time
Open the Import or export screen from your repertoires. In the PGN part, choose a file from your device or paste the PGN text into the field. If you paste text, then use the button that reads the text.
A summary appears: the number of games, moves, lines and comments found. Take a moment to check that these numbers match what you expected. Then give the repertoire a name, choose the colour you are preparing, White or Black, and add a description and tags if you wish. The Create a new repertoire button finishes the import.
What is kept
Variations and sub-variations stay in the repertoire tree. Comments, NAGs such as ! or ?!, evaluations, labels and coloured arrows and circles are kept as well. Your explanations stay next to the moves, not only the move order.
The file is read locally, in your browser. Import your repertoires as PGN files, including files exported from Chessable, Chess Tempo, Lichess or Chess.com. A standard, well-formed PGN file is the simplest case; if part of the file cannot be read, a message tells you before anything is created.
Limits to know about
A PGN import accepts up to 5 MiB of text and 20,000 unique moves. An import always creates a new repertoire: it never replaces an existing one. On the free Apprentice plan, an account holds at most 3 repertoires and 1,500 positions in total, so a large file can exceed that capacity.
You can also go the other way: each repertoire can be downloaded as PGN from the same screen. This is a simple way to keep a copy of your work on your device.
After the import
Open the new repertoire and walk through the main lines. Remove what you do not want to learn, and look at lines marked as incomplete, meaning lines that stop on an opponent move with no planned reply. Then start a first training session on a small part of the repertoire rather than on the whole file at once.
Questions before you start
Will my existing repertoire change?
No. A PGN import creates a new repertoire. Your existing repertoires stay as they are.
Are my comments kept?
Yes. Comments, NAGs, evaluations, labels, arrows and circles found in the PGN are kept.
What if the file is too large?
Split it into smaller files, by opening or by colour. The limit is 5 MiB and 20,000 unique moves per import.
