The great Aaron Nimzowitsch wrote the key sentence: Neither attack nor defence is the essence of positional play, but prophylaxis! Prophylaxis consists of different measures taken against the opponent’s tactical threats and strategic plans. But don’t think that the prevention of your opponent’s plan is purely defensive. It is simply part of the preparation of our plan! This difficult, but extremely important subject is explained on the DVD with the help of many examples, including classics but also modern games. Video running time: 3 hrs 30 min.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

In chess we have certain aims - coordination and the activation of one’s own pieces. Sometimes we need a special little something to speed up one of these processes - a small material sacrifice, mainly a pawn or pawns. A dynamic pawn sacrifice is easy to see, as the idea is to get clear gains for the pawn. Positional pawn sacrifices are much more difficult, as their real purpose does not become clear immediately, but only during the development of the plan. There were famous masters of positional pawn sacrifices - Bronstein, Kasparov and Romanishin. Video running time: 4 hrs 15 min.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

Große Meister der Vergangenheit pflegten zu sagen – das Schwierigste im Schach ist, gewonnene Stellungen zu gewinnen! Jeder Spieler kennt solche Probleme – jene an der Spitze der Pyramide und (vor allem) Jugendliche. Die richtige Technik besteht in passenden Abtauschmethoden und der Fortsetzung eines korrekt gewählten Plans; es ist wichtig, nach einem kleinen Materialgewinn nicht die Strategie zu ändern. Die DVD zeigt und erklärt lehrreiche Fehler bei dem Versuch, einen Material- oder Positionsvorteil zur Geltung zu bringen, und demonstriert außerdem die richtigen Techniken, wie sie in klassischen Partien angewandt wurden. Videospielzeit: 4 Std. 37 min.    Englische Sprachversion!   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

IM Nisha Mohota: “On this DVD I show and explain elements of chess strategy and tactics every player should know. I offer guidelines to steer you through the opening, show basic endgames, help you to understand fundamental pawn structures, and explain principles and patterns of attack and defense. But to play successfully, theory is not enough. It also helps to know a bit about chess psychology because even the strongest players make mistakes. It is important to know how to deal with errors – errors of your opponent and errors you make. Throughout the DVD I try to highlight two of the most important elements of chess: the process of decision-making and how pawn structures shape the position and help you to find the right plans. Finally, I talk about ‘beauty’ in chess – after all, this is what attracts me to the game.” • Video running time: 6 h 05 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Including CB 12 Reader System requirements Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows Vista, XP (Service Pack 3), DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 12/Fritz 13 or included Reader and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

GM Nicholas Pert about his DVD: “After the success of my previous DVD Typical mistakes by 1600-1900 players I decided to produce a follow up DVD aimed at players of a slightly higher level. The examples all come from games played by players with a rating between 1800 and 2100. This DVD offers slightly more complex material than the previous DVD, and will hopefully provide an insight into what I believe are the main errors which stop players of this level to be more successful. I divided the material into categories such as “when to exchange pieces”, “how to convert an advantage”, “passive pieces”, “anticipating your opponents plan”, “openings and pawn structure”. Each section contains several examples which illustrate the theme and practical examples which allow the viewer to test his skills. This DVD provides a useful training tool for ambitious players and may highlight mistakes that the viewer should be aware of.” • Video running time: 3 hours 50 min. (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: 50 additional examples • Including CB 12 – Reader System requirements Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows Vista, XP (Service Pack 3), DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 12/Fritz 13 or included Reader and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

One of the most effective ways to improve your chess understanding is to know where your pieces belong and how to adapt when the board situation changes. When there's no forced tactics, one must formulate a plan for what to do. Instead of looking for a win or advantage, it's often easier to identify a piece that can improve its position and function. Even improving your worst piece is a simple concept that avoids assessment insecurity.   And who better to learn from, than one of the best trainers in the world? RB Ramesh has trained thousands of chess players including the top players in the world. He's the trainer of rising Indian prodigy Praggnanandhaa, and he helps many improving Indian Juniors attain the highest level. He has carefully selected examples that underline the importance of regrouping your pieces and giving you rules of thumb which are easy to remember.   • Video running time: More than 4 hours • Instructive examples • Extra: Database with exercises & Training with ChessBase apps – Play key positions against Fritz on various levels   Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key   RB Ramesh is an Indian Grandmaster from Chennai who is famous for his Chess Academy "Chess Gurukul". He has nurtured numerous talents and formed Grandmasters to the very World Elite. His most well-known student is Praggnanandhaa, who is the currently no.13 in the World, and will be competing in the Candidates tournament in 2024. You can share in his immense knowledge now in this Fritztrainer series.   System requirements: Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows 8.1 DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 10/11, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVDROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

The onus is typically on the player with the Isolated Queen’s Pawn to find dynamic resources that compensate their structural weakness. The aim of this DVD is to offer the viewer tactical exercises that also illustrate the attacking prospects within IQP positions, and as the ensuing positions can arise from so many different openings, the content of the DVD emphasizes the importance of understanding this type of pawn structure. To this end, well-known masterpieces like Steinitz-Von Bardeleben, Hastings 1895 and Kamsky-Short, Linares (Candidates) 1994 are covered in depth to better acquaint you with the typical plans of the a ttacking side, but of course less well-known games have been included as well. In an attempt to keep things as clear as possible, all the exercises are presented from White’s perspective, but that doesn’t mean that these types of positions can’t be obtained with reversed colours. The Quiz Questions are not grouped according to particular themes, leaving the viewer to make a conscious effort to choose between several plans: Should I play a rook lift to the 3rd rank to increase the pressure, play for the central thrust d4-d5 or deploy an immediate sacrifice within striking distance of the Black king?   • Video running time: 5 h 29 min (English) • 33 carefully selected tactical examples including video feedback • Including CB 12 Reader System requirements Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows Vista, XP (Service Pack 3), DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 12/Fritz 13 or included Reader and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 or Windows 8, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

Calling all ambitious players who are up for improving their calculation skills! In Calculation Training – Sharpen Your Game! a total of 73 examples have been selected, the vast majority containing multiple questions, and more than 160 questions of varying difficulty. The course kicks off with some relatively simple tactics (max. 1-2 moves) featuring well-known tactical motifs discussed on earlier video courses of the Calculation Training series. But then the difficulty level increases! Short forcing variations must be calculated very precisely, and opponent's errors need to be refuted. In ''Spot the Weakness'', it helps to first determine which specific point needs to be targeted before looking at concrete moves. In the sections ''Defend'' and ''Brainteasers'' you will need a bit more time coming to the right conclusion, as even some of the World's best players have failed to deliver! The material is based on recently played games, as well as unpublished games by the students of the author, so likely you will be as yet unfamiliar with most of the exercises. Thanks to the interactive format, the exercises are suitable for players of any level. Step by step, the viewer will be guided through all the examples, as advanced players are likely capable of visualising positions from afar, while newbies have the possibility to take a fresh look at every new question.   • Video running time: more than 5 hours (English) • With interactive training including video feedback.   Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key   Robert Ris: Born in 1988, Robert Ris is an International Master who has represented The Netherlands in various international youth events. Nowadays his main activities in the Amsterdam area consist of teaching in schools and chess clubs as well as coaching private clients. On top of that, he is also an active online trainer with a number of students from a host of different countries. Robert has made several appearances as a live commentator for prestigious events, such as the Dutch National Championships 2011-2013 and the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in 2013 and 2014.

The Calculation Training series continues with two volumes explaining the main tactical motifs of our game. Mastering these tactical motifs is essential to deepen your understanding of the game and become a better player. After all, you neither want to overlook the given chances by your opponent, nor blunder yourself! After a short intro discussing the various themes, it's your turn to apply your skills. The interactive video format offers 296 unique exercises in total; some of them involve multiple questions, with solutions, typical pitfalls, and hints as well. We are starting with basic tactical themes like a double-attack, pin, discovered attack, trapped pieces, interference, and mate on this first volume. Particularly recommended for players who are new to the game and want to learn basic tactical concepts, but also to those who want to brush up their tactical skills!   • Video running time: 6 hours 36 minutes • With interactive training including video feedback Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key Born in 1988, Robert Ris is an International Master who has represented The Netherlands in various international youth events. Nowadays his main activities in the Amsterdam area consist of teaching in schools and chess clubs as well as coaching private clients. On top of that, he is also an active online trainer with a number of students from a host of different countries. Robert has made several appearances as a live commentator for prestigious events, such as the Dutch National Championships 2011-2013 and the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in 2013 and 2014.   System requirements: Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows 8.1, DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 / 8 or 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVDROM drive and internet connection for program activation. Born in 1988, Robert Ris is an International Master who has represented The Netherlands in various international youth events. Nowadays his main activities in the Amsterdam area consist of teaching in schools and chess clubs as well as coaching private clients. On top of that, he is also an active online trainer with a number of students from a host of different countries. Robert has made several appearances as a live commentator for prestigious events, such as the Dutch National Championships 2011-2013 and the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in 2013 and 2014.  

The Calculation Training series continues with two volumes explaining the main tactical motifs of our game. Mastering these tactical motifs is essential to deepen your understanding of the game and become a better player. After all, you neither want to overlook the given chances by your opponent, nor blunder yourself! After a short intro discussing the various themes, it's your turn to apply your skills. The interactive video format offers 180 exercises in total; some of them involve multiple questions, with solutions, typical pitfalls, and hints as well. In Volume 2 the level of topics will be increased, with themes like eliminate the defender and intermediate moves, challenging you to find a way to set-up the specific tactical motif. In the mix section you will be totally on your own, and various themes are often interwoven and the lines may even be extended by a few moves! Particularly recommended for players who are new to the game and want to learn basic tactical concepts, but also to those who want to brush up their tactical skills!   Born in 1988, Robert Ris is an International Master who has represented The Netherlands in various international youth events. Nowadays his main activities in the Amsterdam area consist of teaching in schools and chess clubs as well as coaching private clients. On top of that, he is also an active online trainer with a number of students from a host of different countries. Robert has made several appearances as a live commentator for prestigious events, such as the Dutch National Championships 2011-2013 and the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in 2013 and 2014.   System requirements: Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows 8.1, DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 / 8 or 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVDROM drive and internet connection for program activation. • Video running time: 4 hours 21 minutes • With interactive training including video feedback (more than 200 excercises) Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc:can be unlocked with imprinted key

For those who haven't recently done any calculation training, there is the Calculation Training Booster. After all, every chess brain needs regular stimulation, as you don't want to become a lazy player - avoiding calculating critical variations or simply failing to calculate properly. In this video course, twenty-nine examples with multiple questions are presented in the interactive format, which is ideal for a range of playing strengths. Step by step you will be taken through the complex positions, in which you will have to get the most out of it for both sides. Calculation is not only about finding the right move, but also anticipating your opponent's ideas. Therefore, several times you will be challenged to find the best defensive resource, and also to refute your own wrong answers. The type of exercises are comparative to earlier video courses in the Calculation Training series, just with all the examples taken from more recent games. So, there's plenty of new training material to challenge yourself with!  • Video running time: more than 5 hours (English)  • With interactive training including video feedback Born in 1988, Robert Ris is an International Master who has represented The Netherlands in various international youth events. Nowadays his main activities in the Amsterdam area consist of teaching in schools and chess clubs as well as coaching private clients. On top of that, he is also an active online trainer with a number of students from a host of different countries. Robert has made several appearances as a live commentator for prestigious events, such as the Dutch National Championships 2011-2013 and the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in 2013 and 2014.

After the success of the first Volume on Calculation Training, Dutch IM Robert Ris continues Volume 2 of the series with a wide range of new aspects which have to be mastered to become a great calculator at the board! The topics discussed in Volume 1 (Candidates Moves, Method of Elimination & Imagination) are certainly useful when studying the content of this new DVD. Special attention will be paid to Intermediate Moves, Quiet Moves, Sacrifices on Empty Squares, Mating Patterns, Ignoring Opponents Threat, Calculation in Defence and Method of Comparison. On top of that more practical advices for training are recommended, for instance how to handle your time management and visualising the position in your mind during the calculation process.   After going through the 13 examples from the theoretical section, it’s time to switch the brain to active participation and your calculation skills will be tested seriously! The request for more puzzles has been granted, as none less than 50 games with multiple questions have been selected. After all, training your calculation abilities is an activity which never ends and always needs to be practised to stay sharp at the board! • Video running time: 9 h (English) • With interactive training incuding video feedback • Extra database with further examples • Including CB Reader

„My first DVD focused on various strategic middlegame themes and concepts, but in this second installment, the focus is on tactics – for after all, strategy and tactics go hand in hand, and playing strategically often leads to a resounding combinative finish. But for that to happen, you have to be able to build up positions through which tactics can flow – and this is exactly what I have illustrated on the DVD with a number of examples. The aim of this course is to help you understand how you to make tactical opportunities arise as well as to sharpen your tactical vision - these selected lectures will help to foster your overall tactical understanding. You can never spend too little time solving combinations and studies to improve your calculating abilities!“ • Video running time: 4 hours • With interactive training including video feedback • Database with more tactical examples • Including CB 12 Reader System requirements Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows Vista, XP (Service Pack 3), DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 12/Fritz 13 or included Reader and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 or Windows 8, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

Even less-experienced chess players have learnt how to develop their pieces in the opening or even know certain opening variations by heart. But when the middlegame starts, they don’t know how to judge positions and develop their play – and their chess stagnates. On this DVD, well-known Indian WGM Tania Sachdev shows you how to evaluate certain positions and then find the right concepts and plans on the basis of her own games. Sachdev explains her own thoughts and recounts how she arrived at successful decisions and, as a result, played good moves. These illustrative and instructive examples explain a lot of the basic elements of middlegame play, such as pawn structures, piece play and making the right exchanges. The games cover a broad spectrum of themes and are aimed at those looking to generally improve their middlegame play. At the end you can test your progress and understanding with an interactive quiz.   • Video running time: 4 hours 50 min. (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Including CB 12 – Reader System requirements Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows Vista, XP (Service Pack 3), DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 12/Fritz 13 or included Reader and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 or Windows 8, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

Wise and successful players of the game have always told us to study the classics – games by the great masters of the past. But in this age of cutting-edge opening theory, preparation and engines, is studying the classics really that helpful? On this DVD, Sagar Shah does not merely preach. First, he shows you classical games of great legends such as Petrosian, Botvinnik, Fischer, Korchnoi and Kasparov, looking at typical patterns and ideas from the middlegame. The author then goes on to explain how you can use these ideas in your own battles – by showing you examples of applied classical knowledge from his own games! As well as looking at the middlegame, Sagar also focuses on the opening. The information explosion has ensured that opening theory continues to evolve at a rapid pace. The author shows that playing through the classics can help us establish a strong and stable feel for the initial phase of the game, and analyzes the opening duel between Botvinnik and Petrosian from their World Championship match in 1963. Going over these games will give you an excellent idea of how the classics can be used to prepare your own openings.   • Video running time: 4 hours 45 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Exclusive database with instructive and annotated games by Sagar Shah• Including CB 12 Reader   System requirements   Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows Vista, XP (Service Pack 3), DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 12/Fritz 13 or included Reader and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 or Windows 8, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

 There are few names which, like that of Alexei Shirov, can be associated with fantastically imaginative and tactically influenced play. Now the Latvian grandmaster is presenting a DVD on precisely that element of the game of chess. And one that is completely based on his own games. The first series of examples deals with simple tactics, in which mate often has its part to play. In the passing you will learn a lot of details about Shirov’s career and also his evaluation of other players. By the second series it is not only tactics which are being discussed, but also attacking play in its entirety. Yet here too the author continues to offer you the opportunity to find for yourself a move or a short combination. In chapters 5 and 6 he demonstrates complex attacks. That is to a great extent the key discipline: tactics embedded in positional play or seen from the opposite point of view, positional play which includes tactical elements. So this DVD goes far beyond pure tactics and is perfectly suited to advanced players who wish to develop their understanding of the game. Video running time: 4 hours 52 min.   System requirements:Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

When you add the Slav to your repertoire, you get an opening with a solid foundation. However, that doesn't mean you will get a boring game. On the contrary, this opening often leads to very dynamic play. Therefore, it shouldn't come as a surprise that many of the world class players of today, including Carlsen, Caruana and Firouzja have played it frequently, and used it to play for a win against their contemporaries. We get the Slav after the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. This video course will focus on 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 and now dxc4, but the white alternatives leading up to the mainline are also discussed in great detail. This video course will explain how to handle the closed positions that happen after 4.e3, but also how to deal with white's gambit play in the Tolush-Geller Gambit. Moreover, after watching this video course you will feel like an expert on IQP-positions • Video running time: 6 hours 28 minutes • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Model games database & Training with ChessBase apps - Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various levels

In this DVD we deal with different dynamic decisions involving pawns. The aim of this DVD is to arm club/tournament players with fresh ideas which they can use in their own practice. I hope my selected material will inspire the viewer to take similar decisions in his/her own games. I have structured this DVD into 4 chapters: 1. Minor Sacrifices 2. Rolling Pawns 3. Allowing pawn islands 4. Dynamic ideas with g- and h-pawns Every chapter consists of model games displaying different aspects of the theme. The variety of games should give you enough insights to spot these strategies in your own practice. Introduction Minor sacrifices Game 1: Jussupow-Ivanchuk Game 2: Carlsen-Giri Game 3: Torre-Karpov Game 4: Anand-Nikolic Game 5: Caruana-Carlsen Game 6: Piket-Kasparov Pawn rollers Game 1: Kasparov-Timman Game 2: Gelfand-Morozevich Game 3: Gelfand-Dreev Game 4: Duda-Eljanov Voluntary creation of a pawn island So-Topalov g & h-pawns – dynamic ideas Game 1: Korchnoi-Polugaevsky Game 2: Gelfand-Jussupow Game 3: Korchnoi-Suetin Game 4: Nepomniachtchi-Bacrot Game 5: Svidler-Mamedyarov Exercises Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5 Windows 7 oder neuer Mindestens: Dual Core, 2 GB RAM, DirectX11, Grafikkarte mit 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM-Laufwerk, Windows Media Player 9, Chessbase14/Fritz 16 oder mitgelieferter Reader und Internetverbindung zur Programmaktivierung. Empfohlen: PC Intel i5 oder AMD Ryzen 3 (Quadcore), 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX11, Grafikkarte mit 512 MB RAM oder mehr, 100% DirectX10-kompatible Soundkarte, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM Laufwerk und Internetzugang Internetverbindung zur Programmaktivierung.

In this DVD, I have selected the material aiming to improve the viewer’s middlegame decision making process and broaden his/her middlegame understanding in general. I have structured this DVD into 4 chapters: 1. What to trade, what to keep 2. The king on f8 defends himself 3. Open file 4. Creating crises Every chapter consists of model games displaying different aspects of the theme. The variety of games should give you enough insights to spot these strategies in your own practice. Introduction What to trade what to keep Game 1: Botvinnik-Donner Game 2: Kasparov-Karpov Game 3: Volokitin-Mamedyarov Game 4: Ganguly-Nguyen Game 5: Kasparov-Timman Game 6: Carlsen-So Game 7: Carlsen-Dreev King on f8 defends itself Game 1: Fischer-Hook Game 2: Caruana-Naroditsky Game 3: Van Foreest-Van der Lende Game 4: Kasparov-Timman Open file Game 1: Kasimdzhanov-Li Chao Game 2: Korchnoi-Bronstein Game 3: Karjakin-Gelfand Creating crises Game 1: Galkin-Kramnik Game 2: Korchnoi-Timman Game 3: Swinkels-Sokolov Game 4: Gurevich-Sokolov Exercises Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5 Exercise 6 Exercise 7 Windows 7 oder neuer Mindestens: Dual Core, 2 GB RAM, DirectX11, Grafikkarte mit 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM-Laufwerk, Windows Media Player 9, Chessbase14/Fritz 16 oder mitgelieferter Reader und Internetverbindung zur Programmaktivierung. Empfohlen: PC Intel i5 oder AMD Ryzen 3 (Quadcore), 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX11, Grafikkarte mit 512 MB RAM oder mehr, 100% DirectX10-kompatible Soundkarte, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM Laufwerk und Internetzugang Internetverbindung zur Programmaktivierung.

In this DVD we deal with different dynamic decisions involving pawns. The aim of this DVD is to arm club/tournament players with fresh ideas which they can use in their own practice. I hope my selected material will inspire the viewer to take similar decisions in his/her own games. I have structured this DVD into 4 chapters: 1. Minor Sacrifices 2. Rolling Pawns 3. Allowing pawn islands 4. Dynamic ideas with g- and h-pawns Every chapter consists of model games displaying different aspects of the theme. The variety of games should give you enough insights to spot these strategies in your own practice. Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol.2  Practical Play In this DVD, I have selected the material aiming to improve the viewer’s middlegame decision making process and broaden his/her middlegame understanding in general. I have structured this DVD into 4 chapters: 1. What to trade, what to keep 2. The king on f8 defends himself 3. Open file 4. Creating crises Every chapter consists of model games displaying different aspects of the theme. The variety of games should give you enough insights to spot these strategies in your own practice. DVD1 Introduction Minor sacrifices Game 1: Jussupow-Ivanchuk Game 2: Carlsen-Giri Game 3: Torre-Karpov Game 4: Anand-Nikolic Game 5: Caruana-Carlsen Game 6: Piket-Kasparov Pawn rollers Game 1: Kasparov-Timman Game 2: Gelfand-Morozevich Game 3: Gelfand-Dreev Game 4: Duda-Eljanov Voluntary creation of a pawn island So-Topalov g & h-pawns – dynamic ideas Game 1: Korchnoi-Polugaevsky Game 2: Gelfand-Jussupow Game 3: Korchnoi-Suetin Game 4: Nepomniachtchi-Bacrot Game 5: Svidler-Mamedyarov Exercises Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5 DVD2 Introduction What to trade what to keep Game 1: Botvinnik-Donner Game 2: Kasparov-Karpov Game 3: Volokitin-Mamedyarov Game 4: Ganguly-Nguyen Game 5: Kasparov-Timman Game 6: Carlsen-So Game 7: Carlsen-Dreev King on f8 defends itself Game 1: Fischer-Hook Game 2: Caruana-Naroditsky Game 3: Van Foreest-Van der Lende Game 4: Kasparov-Timman Open file Game 1: Kasimdzhanov-Li Chao Game 2: Korchnoi-Bronstein Game 3: Karjakin-Gelfand Creating crises Game 1: Galkin-Kramnik Game 2: Korchnoi-Timman Game 3: Swinkels-Sokolov Game 4: Gurevich-Sokolov Exercises Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5 Exercise 6 Exercise 7 Windows 7 oder neuer Mindestens: Dual Core, 2 GB RAM, DirectX11, Grafikkarte mit 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM-Laufwerk, Windows Media Player 9, Chessbase14/Fritz 16 oder mitgelieferter Reader und Internetverbindung zur Programmaktivierung. Empfohlen: PC Intel i5 oder AMD Ryzen 3 (Quadcore), 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX11, Grafikkarte mit 512 MB RAM oder mehr, 100% DirectX10-kompatible Soundkarte, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM Laufwerk und Internetzugang Internetverbindung zur Programmaktivierung.      

Throughout my playing career I have found the Hedgehog (with both colours) one of the most difficult type of positions to master. With White (the side with more space) there is always a danger to overextend oneself (or miss your opponent's pawn break). While playing Black (the side with less space) there is always a danger to mistime your pawn break, or simply to not get counterplay and be overrun. The complexity of those positions is best illustrated in a Kasparov-Kramnik game – with both players allowing seemingly "obvious" mistakes. Charbonneau-Anand is another good example – a player of Anand's stature landing in a terrible position, then missing his good attacking prospects. The game result was one of the biggest upsets of 2006 Chess Olympiad. There are different types of Hedgehog positions - many of them coming from the English opening where the White bishop is fianchettoed. In this video course I consider the "basic Hedgehog" pawn structure; like the one coming from the Kan Sicilian for example. Choosing the right plan at the right time is the key here - the ensuing positions are full of dynamic possibilities. I endeavour to show the most common (and a few less common!) plans for both sides and try to pinpoint typical mistakes and motifs. The basic aim of this video is to improve understanding of these complex positions and to help tournament players score better! For those who haven't recently done any calculation training, there is the Calculation Training Booster. After all, every chess brain needs regular stimulation, as you don't want to become a lazy player - avoiding calculating critical variations or simply failing to calculate properly. In this video course, twenty-nine examples with multiple questions are presented in the interactive format, which is ideal for a range of playing strengths. Step by step you will be taken through the complex positions, in which you will have to get the most out of it for both sides. Calculation is not only about finding the right move, but also anticipating your opponent's ideas. Therefore, several times you will be challenged to find the best defensive resource, and also to refute your own wrong answers. The type of exercises are comparative to earlier video courses in the Calculation Training series, just with all the examples taken from more recent games. So, there's plenty of new training material to challenge yourself with! • Video running time: more than 5 hours (English) • With interactive training including video feedback

Isolated pawn structures can obviously come from many different openings. In this video course I have picked up isolated pawn structures coming from the classical Tarrasch defence D34; for which a considerable part was inspired by the games of Garry Kasparov. I believe studying the classical Tarrasch isolated pawn structures (and related pawn structures) to be an excellent way to improve understanding of those types of positions. Choosing my games selection, I wanted to show typical plans for both sides based on high level instructive games. Hanging pawns in the centre can come from different (though usually 1.d4 systems) openings. "Hanging pawns in the centre" structures are difficult to master because a good feeling for the "transformation timing" is needed! Sometimes those "transformations" are pawn-break related, unleashing dynamic power; while sometimes they are related to taking space and not being bothered about surrendering central squares. I have tried to show typical plans aiming to improve the viewer's knowledge, and also practical play level. Sicilian Rauzer double f-pawn structures are fashionable nowadays and are seen at all levels. Dynamic timing is everything! Most of the time, temporary pawn sacrifices are an essential part of this "dynamic timing". While it is difficult to give exact set of rules here, typical ideas do repeat themselves and I have tried to show these in this video course. Studying this video course should greatly improve the viewer's handling of these dynamic positions! As with all my other video courses   material here is predominantly aimed at improving players and tournament players.     • Video running time: 5 hours 30 minutes (English) • Extra: Training with ChessBase apps - Play key pawn structures against Fritz on various levels  

Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol. 3 - The Hedgehog Throughout my playing career I have found the Hedgehog (with both colours) one of the most difficult type of positions to master. With White (the side with more space) there is always a danger to overextend oneself (or miss your opponent's pawn break). While playing Black (the side with less space) there is always a danger to mistime your pawn break, or simply to not get counterplay and be overrun. The complexity of those positions is best illustrated in a Kasparov-Kramnik game – with both players allowing seemingly "obvious" mistakes. Charbonneau-Anand is another good example – a player of Anand's stature landing in a terrible position, then missing his good attacking prospects. The game result was one of the biggest upsets of 2006 Chess Olympiad. There are different types of Hedgehog positions - many of them coming from the English opening where the White bishop is fianchettoed. In this video course I consider the "basic Hedgehog" pawn structure; like the one coming from the Kan Sicilian for example. Choosing the right plan at the right time is the key here - the ensuing positions are full of dynamic possibilities. I endeavour to show the most common (and a few less common!) plans for both sides and try to pinpoint typical mistakes and motifs. The basic aim of this video is to improve understanding of these complex positions and to help tournament players score better! For those who haven't recently done any calculation training, there is the Calculation Training Booster. After all, every chess brain needs regular stimulation, as you don't want to become a lazy player - avoiding calculating critical variations or simply failing to calculate properly. In this video course, twenty-nine examples with multiple questions are presented in the interactive format, which is ideal for a range of playing strengths. Step by step you will be taken through the complex positions, in which you will have to get the most out of it for both sides. Calculation is not only about finding the right move, but also anticipating your opponent's ideas. Therefore, several times you will be challenged to find the best defensive resource, and also to refute your own wrong answers. The type of exercises are comparative to earlier video courses in the Calculation Training series, just with all the examples taken from more recent games. So, there's plenty of new training material to challenge yourself with! • Video running time: more than 5 hours (English) • With interactive training including video feedback Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol. 4 - Dynamic pawn structures – Part 1 Isolated pawn structures can obviously come from many different openings. In this video course I have picked up isolated pawn structures coming from the classical Tarrasch defence D34; for which a considerable part was inspired by the games of Garry Kasparov. I believe studying the classical Tarrasch isolated pawn structures (and related pawn structures) to be an excellent way to improve understanding of those types of positions. Choosing my games selection, I wanted to show typical plans for both sides based on high level instructive games. Hanging pawns in the centre can come from different (though usually 1.d4 systems) openings. "Hanging pawns in the centre" structures are difficult to master because a good feeling for the "transformation timing" is needed! Sometimes those "transformations" are pawn-break related, unleashing dynamic power; while sometimes they are related to taking space and not being bothered about surrendering central squares. I have tried to show typical plans aiming to improve the viewer's knowledge, and also practical play level. Sicilian Rauzer double f-pawn structures are fashionable nowadays and are seen at all levels. Dynamic timing is everything! Most of the time, temporary pawn sacrifices are an essential part of this "dynamic timing". While it is difficult to give exact set of rules here, typical ideas do repeat themselves and I have tried to show these in this video course. Studying this video course should greatly improve the viewer's handling of these dynamic positions! As with all my other video courses material here is predominantly aimed at improving players and tournament players. • Video running time: 5 hours 30 minutes (English) • Extra: Training with ChessBase apps - Play key pawn structures against Fritz on various levels   Windows 7 oder neuer Mindestens: Dual Core, 2 GB RAM, DirectX11, Grafikkarte mit 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM-Laufwerk, Windows Media Player 9, Chessbase14/Fritz 16 oder mitgelieferter Reader und Internetverbindung zur Programmaktivierung. Empfohlen: PC Intel i5 oder AMD Ryzen 3 (Quadcore), 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX11, Grafikkarte mit 512 MB RAM oder mehr, 100% DirectX10-kompatible Soundkarte, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM Laufwerk und Internetzugang Internetverbindung zur Programmaktivierung.      

Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol. 1 - Dynamic Pawns In this DVD we deal with different dynamic decisions involving pawns. The aim of this DVD is to arm club/tournament players with fresh ideas which they can use in their own practice. I hope my selected material will inspire the viewer to take similar decisions in his/her own games. I have structured this DVD into 4 chapters: 1. Minor Sacrifices 2. Rolling Pawns 3. Allowing pawn islands 4. Dynamic ideas with g- and h-pawns Every chapter consists of model games displaying different aspects of the theme. The variety of games should give you enough insights to spot these strategies in your own practice. Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol. 2 - Practical Play In this DVD, I have selected the material aiming to improve the viewer’s middlegame decision making process and broaden his/her middlegame understanding in general. I have structured this DVD into 4 chapters: 1. What to trade, what to keep 2. The king on f8 defends himself 3. Open file 4. Creating crises Every chapter consists of model games displaying different aspects of the theme. The variety of games should give you enough insights to spot these strategies in your own practice. Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol. 3 - The Hedgehog Throughout my playing career I have found the Hedgehog (with both colours) one of the most difficult type of positions to master. With White (the side with more space) there is always a danger to overextend oneself (or miss your opponent's pawn break). While playing Black (the side with less space) there is always a danger to mistime your pawn break, or simply to not get counterplay and be overrun. The complexity of those positions is best illustrated in a Kasparov-Kramnik game – with both players allowing seemingly "obvious" mistakes. Charbonneau-Anand is another good example – a player of Anand's stature landing in a terrible position, then missing his good attacking prospects. The game result was one of the biggest upsets of 2006 Chess Olympiad. There are different types of Hedgehog positions - many of them coming from the English opening where the White bishop is fianchettoed. In this video course I consider the "basic Hedgehog" pawn structure; like the one coming from the Kan Sicilian for example. Choosing the right plan at the right time is the key here - the ensuing positions are full of dynamic possibilities. I endeavour to show the most common (and a few less common!) plans for both sides and try to pinpoint typical mistakes and motifs. The basic aim of this video is to improve understanding of these complex positions and to help tournament players score better! For those who haven't recently done any calculation training, there is the Calculation Training Booster. After all, every chess brain needs regular stimulation, as you don't want to become a lazy player - avoiding calculating critical variations or simply failing to calculate properly. In this video course, twenty-nine examples with multiple questions are presented in the interactive format, which is ideal for a range of playing strengths. Step by step you will be taken through the complex positions, in which you will have to get the most out of it for both sides. Calculation is not only about finding the right move, but also anticipating your opponent's ideas. Therefore, several times you will be challenged to find the best defensive resource, and also to refute your own wrong answers. The type of exercises are comparative to earlier video courses in the Calculation Training series, just with all the examples taken from more recent games. So, there's plenty of new training material to challenge yourself with! • Video running time: more than 5 hours (English) • With interactive training including video feedback Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol. 4 - Dynamic pawn structures – Part 1 Isolated pawn structures can obviously come from many different openings. In this video course I have picked up isolated pawn structures coming from the classical Tarrasch defence D34; for which a considerable part was inspired by the games of Garry Kasparov. I believe studying the classical Tarrasch isolated pawn structures (and related pawn structures) to be an excellent way to improve understanding of those types of positions. Choosing my games selection, I wanted to show typical plans for both sides based on high level instructive games. Hanging pawns in the centre can come from different (though usually 1.d4 systems) openings. "Hanging pawns in the centre" structures are difficult to master because a good feeling for the "transformation timing" is needed! Sometimes those "transformations" are pawn-break related, unleashing dynamic power; while sometimes they are related to taking space and not being bothered about surrendering central squares. I have tried to show typical plans aiming to improve the viewer's knowledge, and also practical play level. Sicilian Rauzer double f-pawn structures are fashionable nowadays and are seen at all levels. Dynamic timing is everything! Most of the time, temporary pawn sacrifices are an essential part of this "dynamic timing". While it is difficult to give exact set of rules here, typical ideas do repeat themselves and I have tried to show these in this video course. Studying this video course should greatly improve the viewer's handling of these dynamic positions! As with all my other video courses material here is predominantly aimed at improving players and tournament players. • Video running time: 5 hours 30 minutes (English) • Extra: Training with ChessBase apps - Play key pawn structures against Fritz on various levels   Windows 7 oder neuer Mindestens: Dual Core, 2 GB RAM, DirectX11, Grafikkarte mit 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM-Laufwerk, Windows Media Player 9, Chessbase14/Fritz 16 oder mitgelieferter Reader und Internetverbindung zur Programmaktivierung. Empfohlen: PC Intel i5 oder AMD Ryzen 3 (Quadcore), 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX11, Grafikkarte mit 512 MB RAM oder mehr, 100% DirectX10-kompatible Soundkarte, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM Laufwerk und Internetzugang Internetverbindung zur Programmaktivierung.