The Zürich Interzonal of 1953 and the marvellous annotations of David Bronstein changed our understanding of the KID. From a second-class opening, it became one of the most aggressive and dangerous setups for the second player. Back in those days players tended to develop their queen’s knight to d7. Later a more central approach came into fashion and the knight found a good square on c6. Current practice though, has revealed that there is one more good square for that piece - the a6 one. From this new outpost the knight is heading for the centre without obstructing its own bishop. Bulgarian GM Dejan Bojkov is one of the true supporters of such a development. In this DVD you will find a repertoire based on flexible development whenever possible, and an explanation of some strategic nuances of the KID. The author shares with you a lot of novelties that he had prepared throughout his study of the lines. Video running time: 5 hours.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

After 4 years since my book on the Chebanenco Slav we can definitely say this opening is even more popular and everybody links the name of Chebanenco to the line with 4... a6 in the Slav. Of course in these four years were played thousands and thousands of games also on the highest level. So I was curious to make a new work on that opening again, but this time in DVD format. There was no big surprise for me that with the help of strong engines the Chebanenco became even better, which in the case of the line with 4...a6 is explained by more defensive possibilities for Black. I faced recently a situation when I had to play Vladimir Malakhov with White in a very important game in the European Championship 2012 and I simply could not find any trace of advantage against his Chebanenco Slav. So I played 1.e4. So the conclusion is simple as that play Chebanenco Slav with Black and force White to switch to 1.e4! Video running time: 4 hours 40 min.

The Rossolimo Variation 3.Bb5 is considered to be one of the strongest replies to 2…Nc6 in the Sicilian Defence. The fact that the move has been played by practically all the top players proves its popularity and strength. But the most interesting aspect of playing 3.Bb5 is that we force sharp, attacking players who love to have the initiative to forget about the Open Sicilian and to adjust themselves to a new world, one full of positional ideas, manoeuvres and nuances.    Bologan was introduced to 3.Bb5 by Vecheslav Chebanenco. The merits of the famous coach in this opening are that he worked out a complete scheme for how to play against the doubled pawns after taking on c6. Time has proved the correctness of his theory and nowadays the best answer to 3…g6 is considered to be 4.Bxc6; also after 3…e6 one of the best replies is again 4.Bxc6. We should not be afraid of conceding the bishop pair to our opponent. In exchange we get very good coordination of our pieces, usually by placing the pawns on squares of the opposite colour to that of our bishop. Video running time: 5 hours   Viktor Bologan is a pupil of the top Moldavan trainer Vecheslav Chebanenko. For many years Bologan has been the number 1 in Moldava and has represented his country in eight chess Olympiads. His greatest successes were in 2003, when he first of all won the Aeroflot Open and then the famous Dortmund Tournament, ahead of Kramnik and Anand. The Moldovan has extensive experience as a trainer and has also published his first books.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

Daniel King   Powerplay 3: Bauernsturm   Das Inszenieren eines erfolgreichen Angriffs ist eine anspruchsvolle Angelegenheit, die oft große Kreativität erfordert. Und wie die meisten Dinge im Schach lässt sich auch diese Fähigkeit schärfen und verfeinern. Auf dieser dritten DVD in der Power-Play-Reihe untersucht Großmeister Daniel King weitere teuflische Methoden, den rochierten König zu attackieren – diesmal mit Hilfe eines Bauernsturms. Doch welchen Bauern soll man nehmen? Und wann ist der richtige Moment, einen Bauern in Richtung gegnerischer König zu schleudern? Am Ende der DVD können Sie Ihre Angriffs- und Verteidigungsfertigkeiten mit einer Reihe speziell ausgewählter Teststellungen auf die Probe stellen. Die Power-Play-Reihe eignet sich für jeden, der sein Schach verbessern will, bietet aber auch fix und fertige Lektionen und Übungen für Trainer.   Der englische Großmeister Daniel King ist seit über 20 Jahren Profischachspieler und hat im Laufe seiner langen Karriere sein Heimatland in vielen Wettkämpfen vertreten, u.a. bei dem historischen Sieg gegen der englischen Nationalmannschaft gegen die Sowjetunion 1990 in Rejkjavik. Daniel King ist Autor von über 15 Schachbüchern und hat als Schachtrainer viele junge Spitzenspieler betreut. Er ist bekannt als Kommentator vieler großer Schachereignisse im Fernsehen, Radio und Internet.   Systemvoraussetzungen: Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Media Player 9.0, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte.

Daniel King   Power Play 8 - Springer und Läufer   Wenn wir mit Schach beginnen, wird uns gesagt, dass Springer und Läufer beide einen Wert von drei Punkten haben, allerdings ist ziemlich klar, dass in manchen Stellungen ein Läufer einem Springer eindeutig überlegen ist - und umgekehrt. Nach dem Anschauen dieser 8. Power-Play-DVD werden Sie eine bessere Vorstellung davon haben, wie man Stellungen mit Springern und Läufern spielt - worauf es zu achten gilt, was man vermeiden sollte, und wie die eigenen Bauern zu platzieren sind. Auf der ganzen DVD bieten Ihnen speziell ausgewählte Stellungen immer wieder Gelegenheit, Ihre Fachkenntnisse zum Thema zu testen. Die Power-Play-Serie eignet sich für jeden, der sein Schach verbessern möchte, bietet aber auch fix und fertige Lektionen und Übungen für Trainer. „Die Power-Play-DVD-Serie von GM Daniel King ist eines der erfolgreichsten Schachlehrwerkzeuge unserer Tage.“ (New In Chess)   Systemvoraussetzungen: Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte.

Collins: The Queen´s Gambit Accepted: A Repertoire for Black   In this DVD Sam Collins presents a repertoire for Black based on the Queen’s Gambit Accepted, 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4. Rather than get involved in the heavy theory of the Classical Main Line, the lynchpin of the repertoire is the active development of the queen’s bishop, after 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3, with 4…Bg4, a system used regularly by several GMs including Miles and Kogan. The resulting positions have close similarities to the Nimzo Indian and Slav Defences, and Collins explains the way for Black to approach the middlegame with confidence based on a blockade and light square strategy. The popular 3.e3 is met with 3…e5 followed by active development. The most ambitious main option at White’s disposal, 3.e4, is met by 3…Nc6, a long time favourite of GMs Baburin and Stevic and one which gives Black rich tactical possibilities of breaking down the white centre. Finally, gambit lines with Nc3 and the positional approach with an early Qa4+ are also covered. The resulting repertoire is solid, reliable, and suitable as either a main weapon or an occassional surprise choice. Video running time: 3 hours 30 min   System requirements   Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

Im dritten Teil der Endspielserie geht es um Damenendspiele, Endspiele mit Turm gegen Leichtfiguren, Dame gegen Turm und Dame gegen 2 Türme. Damenendspiele sind gar nicht so mysteriös, wie sie auf den ersten Blick scheinen. Die Kenntnis einiger Faustregeln und Prinzipien wird Ihnen die Sache gewaltig erleichtern. Bei Turm gegen Läufer bzw. Springer sollten Sie nicht nur die bauernlosen Endspiele remis halten können, sondern auch wissen, wann eine Festung errichtet werden kann und wann nicht. Für Dame gegen Turm gilt im Prinzip ähnliches, nur dass die Dame gegen den Turm ohne Bauern natürlich gewinnt. Im Duell gegen zwei Türme kommen weitere Aspekte wie die Koordination der Türme ins Spiel. Wem das Studium des Endspiels aus Schachlehrbüchern immer zu trocken und zu mühselig gewesen ist, der wird an dieser DVD seine Freude haben. Und mit Sicherheit werden Sie Ihre Freude an diesem komfortablen Trainingssystem haben, – zunächst beim Training und später beim Ernstfall am Brett. Videospielzeit: ca. 7 Stunden. Autor: Der Hamburger Großmeister Dr. Karsten Müller spielt seit 1988 für den Hamburger Schachklub in der 1. Bundesliga und wurde 1996 und 1997 Dritter der Deutschen Meisterschaft. Als international annerkannter Endspielexperte schreibt er die Endspielkolumne des ChessBase Magazins und die Endgame Corner auf ChessCafe.com. Sein 2003 mit Coautor Frank Lamprecht bei GAMBIT erschienes Werk „Grundlagen der Schachendspiele“ gilt bereits als moderner Klassiker.   Systemvoraussetzungen: Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Media Player 9.0, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte.

Die ersten 4 DVDs der Endspielserie von Großmeister Karsten Müller beleuchten die theoretischen Endspiele systematisch anhand der Materialverteilung, beginnend mit den Bauernendspielen bis zu Themen wie Läuferpaar und Doppelturmendspiele. Im vorliegenden 5. Band geht es um die Endspielprinzipien Aktivität, Initiative, Matt und den richtigen Abtausch. Aktivität ist vor allem bei der Rolle des Königs wichtig, denn im Endspiel verlassen sie ihren schützenden Bauernschild und werden aktiv. Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt ist Aktivität des Turmes, für die selbst im Endspiel nicht selten ein Bauer gegeben wird. Im Kapitel Initiative werden u.a. Endspiele Turm+Springer gegen Turm+Springer vorgestellt, weil beide Figuren keine passive Rolle mögen und selbst eine leichte Initiative schon zum Sieg ausreichen kann. Matt sollte man auch im Endspiel stets auf der Rechnung haben. Behandelt werden u.a. Stammas Matt, Mattangriffe im Turmendspiel und die 4. Partiephase. Der richtige Abtausch spielt natürlich immer eine wichtige Rolle, aber im Endspiel steigt in der Regel der Preis jedes falschen Zuges. Außerdem sind die allgemeinen Faustregeln, wie z.B. die materiell überlegene Seite tauscht Figuren, die unterlegenen Bauern, mit sehr großer Vorsicht zu genießen. Worauf Sie achten sollten, wird auf der DVD genau erklärt. Videospielzeit: 4 Std. 28 min. Autor: Der Hamburger Großmeister Dr. Karsten Müller spielt seit 1988 für den Hamburger Schachklub in der 1. Bundesliga und wurde 1996 und 1997 Dritter der Deutschen Meisterschaft. Als international annerkannter Endspielexperte schreibt er die Endspielkolumne des ChessBase Magazins und die Endgame Corner auf ChessCafe.com.   Systemvoraussetzungen: Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte.

In this DVD Sam Collins explains the games from which he has learned the most, arising out of 1.e4 e5. Topics covered include: exchanges, attacking strategy, gambits and sacrificial play, opening selection, play with opposite coloured bishops, restriction of the opponent’s pieces, play in queenless middlegames and endgame technique. The themes are of critical importance for an understanding of how to play the middlegame. However, Collins also gives a full explanation of the themes from the opening and early middlegame, making this an invaluable collection for players who play the open games with either colour, or who simply want to learn more about this central touchstone of chess development. Video running time: 4 hours   System requirements   Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

Endspiele mit Turm und Leichtfigur gegen Turm und Leichtfigur kommen in der Praxis sehr oft vor, sogar viel häufiger als Turmendspiele. Dennoch werden sie in der Literatur weitgehend vernachlässigt. Die neue Endspiel-DVD schließt diese Lücke. Die vier verschiedenen Materialkonstellationen Turm und Springer gegen Turm und Springer, Türme mit ungleichfarbigen und gleichfarbigen Läufern und Turm und Läufer gegen Turm und Springer werden nacheinander unter die Lupe genommen. Das letzte Thema hat Karsten Müller noch einmal in zwei Kapitel aufgeteilt, denn in Endspielen, in denen die Läuferpartei im Vorteil ist, kommen ganz andere Motive zum Tragen, als in Endspielen, in denen die Springerpartei am Drücker ist. Zudem untersucht der Hamburger Endspielexperte ausgesuchte Endspiele mit vier Türmen und Leichtfigur und erläutert die wichtige Technik des richtigen Abtauschs. Angesichts der diversen Materialverteilungen macht Sie Karsten Müller auf der DVD mit einer Reihe wegweisender Faustregeln vertraut, z.B. „Im Duell der Springer wiegt eine leichte Initiative schwer“, „Ungleichfarbige Läufer bevorzugen den Angreifer“, „Raumvorteil und ein guter Läufer sind bei gleichfarbigen Läufern wichtig“, „Im Kampf gegen den Springer bevorzugt der Läufer offene Stellungen sowie eine flüssige Bauernstruktur, die Springerpartei will die volle Kontrolle“. Aber auch Ihr Gespür für die Ausnahmen von den Regeln will der Autor mit diesem Trainingskurs schulen. Denn darin besteht die wahre Kunst des königlichen Spiels. Videospielzeit: 7 Std. 24 min.   Systemvoraussetzungen Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte.

The Accelerated Dragon is much more than just a dynamic yet solid means of countering 1.e4. By knowing how to counter the Maroczy Bind Black can counter both the English and Reti Openings and even develop the basis of a defence against 1.d4.  Whilst having been used extensively by superstars such as Bent Larsen and Tigran Petrosian, Davies argues that the Accelerated Dragon is an even more effective proposition for club players. As he explains on this DVD, many White players are under the mistaken impression that the positions are like a regular Sicilian Dragon. And if this is the case they can fi nd himself being demolished right out of the opening. Video runnig time: 4 hours. Nigel Davies has been a Grandmaster since 1993 and is a former British Open Quickplay and U21 Champion. He is an acknowledged expert on the lines presented here, having used them extensively in tournament practice.   Systemvoraussetzungen: Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Media Player 9.0, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte.

The f4 Sicilian is a perennial favorite with club players. It was popularised by Bent Larsen in the 1960s and then later on by British GMs such as Mark Hebden, James Plaskett and William Watson. White’s strategy is simple, the advance of his e- and f-pawns gains space on the kingside and might later be used as a battering ram behind which White’s pieces are ready to spring into the attack. Although this plan may sound primitive it can be highly effective. Indeed the Israeli GM Emil Sutovsky has used it to wreak havoc against some of the World’s top players. On this DVD Davies makes a cogent argument for White playing 2.Nc3 rather than 2.f4 because of the gambit line with 2...d5! 3.exd5 Nf6. He goes on to show that this is not only a playable approach for White but can have devastating consequences against anything but the most accurate play by Black. Accordingly Davies’s presentation is offered for both players wishing to play this opening with White and for those who need to know how to meet it with Black. A special warning is offered to Najdorf players because 2.Nc3 d6 makes 3.f4 very dangerous. Video running time: 4 hours.   Nigel Davies has been an International Grandmaster since 1993 and is a former British Open Quickplay and U21 Champion. He has played the f4 Sicilian with both colours and was involved in developing the theory of the 2.f4 d5 gambit variation.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

The Scotch Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4) is a lively alternative to the Ruy Lopez which has found favour amongst many leading Grandmasters. The top experts in the Scotch include former World Champion Garry Kasparov as well as Alexander Morozevich, Sergei Rublevsky and others. The space White takes early in the game can easily translate into a powerful attack against Black’s king. In addition to this White can often usually some damage on Black’s pawn structure by capturing Black’s knight on c6. These dual aims have certainly been giving Black plenty to think about.   On this DVD Nigel Davies introduces the viewer to the Scotch and first shows an easy way to get on board this opening via the Scotch Four Knights (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4). He then goes on to show how this can be built into a World class Scotch repertoire in which Black has more options but also comes under more pressure. Whilst the presentation is focussed mainly on those who wish to play White, Davies also suggests lines for Black. This makes it essential viewing for players wishing to play either colour. Video running time: 5 hours.   Nigel Davies has been an International Grandmaster since 1993 and is a former British Open Quickplay and U21 Champion. He has had considerable experience in both the Scotch and in teaching club level players.   The DVD also contains the whole training course in audio-format for Pocket Fritz 3.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

For players who lack either the time or inclination to study reams of opening theory the Closed Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 followed by 3.g3) is an excellent choice. The two great exponents of this method of play were World Champions Vassily Smyslov and Boris Spassky. These days it’s the top English Grandmasters Michael Adams and Nigel Short who are its leading exponents. During the early stages White quietly builds strong central fortifications and gains space on the kingside. Despite the quiet appearance of this plan, in the middle game this can lead to a ferocious onslaught against Black’s king. On this DVD Nigel Davies introduces the viewer to the different strategies and variations through a series of instructive games. His presentation caters mainly for players who wish to play White, but he also points out the best methods of defence for Black. This makes it essential viewing for players wishing to play either colour. Video running time: 4,5 hours   Davies has been an International Grandmaster since 1993 and is a former British Open Quickplay and U21 Champion. He has extensive experience with Closed Sicilian type positions having played them for most of his chess career.   The DVD also contains the whole training course in audio-format for Pocket Fritz 3.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard    

Chess is turning into a young man’s game. Time limits are faster, sessions last longer and computer databases and playing engines seem to dominate opening preparation. Add the fact that older players often have jobs and families that take most of their time and it’s no surprise they suffer painful defeats at the hands of spotty youths. Nigel Davies is no stranger to this situation; a more mature Grandmaster who refuses to grow old with dignity he is still slugging it out with young players in tournaments and matches. On this DVD he argues that an older player with very little time can nonetheless remain competitive, but only if he uses guile and common sense rather than bluster and machismo. There are several aspects to Davies’ plan, for example using ‘low maintenance openings’, seeking out particular types of position, making the endgame your hunting ground and looking after your health. He goes on to show how several great players have used such techniques to make outstanding results in their 60s and even 70s. Video runnig time: 3 hours.   Nigel Davies has been an International Grandmaster since 1993 and is a former British Open Quickplay and U21 Champion. He finished 3rd in the 2008 British Championships at 48 years of age.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

After the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 dxc4 7.e4 g5 8.Bg3 b5 (D43) the Anti-Moscow Gambit arises on the board which currently is one of the most hotly contested openings in grandmaster practice. Ex-FIDE World Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov gives an introduction into the youngest development of this variation, starting with the game Radjabov - Anand played in August 2006. His chronological presentation of the events is as exiting as a thriller, the ‘scenes of crime’ being the top tournaments of the last two years and the actors the players of the absolute world elite. At the tournament in Wijk aan Zee 2008 Topalov opened a completely new chapter of the variation by beating his archrival Kramnik in the style of the masters of the 19th century, sacrifi cing a knight with 12.Nxf7 early on. Don’t miss this chess thriller (3.5 hours of video) Rustam Kasimdzhanov. Born in 1979, the grandmaster from Uzbekistan has for many years been known as a very strong and imaginative player. However in 2004 Rustam Kasimdzhanov shocked the chess world by winning the FIDE world chess championship title, beating a string of world-class players like Ivanchuk, Grischuk, Topalov and Adams in the process.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard fritztrainer

Modern tournament practice has virtually surpassed the so-called „opening theory“. Thanks to a wealth of tournament games some openings and lines develop so rapidly that even the ambitious amateur has difficulties to keep his own repertoire updated. But experts help. Ex- FIDE World Champion Rustam Kasimzhanov is considered to be one of the leading experts in the field of opening preparation. In three World Championship matches he was second of Viswanathan Anand and helped him to successfully defend the title. And with Kasimdzhanov’s help and excellent opening preparation the German team surprisingly became European Team Champion 2011. On this DVD Kasimdzhanov presents highly topical openings and shows their current state of „theory“. From the perspective of a top player he explains why certain openings are played while others more or less vanished from tournament practice. This DVD helps you to remain up-to-date in a number of important and popular openings and provides you with many ideas for your own repertoire. With tips and analyses for the Tajmanov Sicilian 7.Qf3 Ne5 8.Qg3 („Giri’s Variation“), the Russian Variation in the Grünfeld („Anand’s Db3“), Najdorf with 6.h3 („Caruana’s h3-Najdorf“), the Leningrad Dutch (7…Qe8) , the Modern Bogo-Indian (2…Bb4), the Classical King’s Indian with 6.h3. 18 videos and ten interactive video-tests. Plus database with analyses about the systems presented.• Video running time: 3 h 53 min• With interactive training including video feedback • Training database with over 50 essential games and analysis• 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.

Modern tournament practice has virtually surpassed the so-called „opening theory“. Thanks to a wealth of tournament games some openings and lines develop so rapidly that even the ambitious amateur has difficulties to keep his own repertoire updated. But experts help. Ex- FIDE-World Champion Rustam Kasimzhanov is considered to be one of the leading experts in the field of opening preparation. In three World Championship matches he was second of Viswanathan Anand and helped him to successfully defend the title. And with Kasimdzhanov’s help and excellent opening preparation the German team surprisingly became European Team Champion 2011. On this DVD Kasimdzhanov presents highly topical openings and shows their current state of „theory“. From the perspective of a top player he explains why certain openings are played while others more or less vanished from tournament practice. This DVD helps you to remain up-to-date in a number of important and popular openings and provides you with many ideas for your own repertoire. With tips for the Najdorf Variation, Caro-Kann, the Berlin Defense, Ruy Lopez Main Line with 6.d3, Ruy Lopez with 3…g6, Scotch Opening, Petroff, Queen’s Gambit Declined with 4…Nbd7, Main Line Slav, Ragosin Variation and Black Double Fianchetto against 1.d4. More than 20 videos with about four hours running time and interactive test at the end.   • Video running time: 4 hourss• With interactive training including video feedback • Database with analysis and 50 selected GM games• 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.

Rustam Kasimdzhanov explains tactics in the most amazingly simple way. In his opinion there are only three elements which are really important and which therefore decide most games: “pins”, “double attacks” and “back rank weaknesses”.  The 2004 FIDE World Champion explains these three elements by starting from simple model positions and going on to examine progressively more complicated examples. One important factor in his explanations is always how to spot the underlying patterns in practical play and then bring them into existence. This is because it is rare to be able to execute tactical blows immediately - the correct preparatory moves have to be played first. The motifs he is dealing with occur so often in practice that Kasimdzhanov had absolutely no problem in finding sufficient up-to-date material. Video running time: 4 hours 20 min. System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM,Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

  Rustam Kasimdzhanov, the FIDE World Champion in 2004, is pre-destined to deal with the subject of the Nimzo-Indian with 4.Qc2, since he has been extremely successful with this opening both with White and with Black. The Usbek grandmaster has also gathered valuable experience on the subject when working as a second to world champion Anand. Right from his introduction, Kasimdzhanov emphasises that the Nimzo-Indian has a lot of advantages and that White is often left with a ruined pawn structure; that is precisely what the queen move avoids. Of course in his investigations the author offers much deeper insights into the opening. In over 4 hours of video Rustam Kasimdzhanov explains all the important ideas, strategies and tricks helped by sample games in which the white side is represented, e.g., by Kasparov, Anand, Kramnik and Ivanchuk as well as the author himself. Video running time: 3 hours 28 min.

“Wie geht eigentlich Damengambit?” fragt sich Fritz & Fertig-Autor Björn Lengwenus und lässt es sich vom Internationalen Meister Frank Lamprecht zeigen. Die neue Chessbase- Eröffnungsreihe “Wie geht eigentlich...?” widmet sich in dieser ersten Folge der immer aktuellen Eröffnung “Damengambit” auf ganz besondere Weise: Schritt für Schritt lernt Björn, wann man den Gambit-Bauern nehmen darf und wann lieber nicht, welches die entscheidenden Felder dieser Eröffnung sind, warum der Springer am Rande nicht immer “Kummer und Schande” bringt u.v.m. Natürlich versteht er nicht alles auf Anhieb, aber Frank hat auf seine vielen Fragen (fast) immer die richtige Antwort parat. Ganz langsam wird so der Weg durch den Variantendschungel vom angenommenen Damengambit bis zur Tschigorin-Verteidigung ergründet und vor allem “der Geist des Damengambits“ vermittelt. Das funktioniert nicht durch stumpfes Lernen von Varianten, sondern durch Ausprobieren, Irren und Verstehen. Eine DVD für alle, die sich schon immer mal gefragt haben: “Wie geht eigentlich Damengambit?” Videospielzeit: 6 Std. 38 min Inhalt: Damengambit nach 1.d4 d5 2.c4 ohne Slawisch und Halbslawisch: Angenommenes Damengambit, Abtauschvariante, Damengambit klassische Hauptvariante, Cambridge- Springs-Variante, Tartakower-Variante und Lasker-Verteidigung, Tarrasch-Verteidigung, Alatortsev-Variante, Ragozin- und Wiener-Variante, Damengambit mit 2...Lf5, Albins- Gegengambit, Chigorin-Verteidigung. Extras: Partien-Datenbank mit Analysen diverser Varianten und “Making of”-Bonustrack. Systemvoraussetzungen Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte        

Flexible plans for Black and strong weapons against the majority of White’s deviations from the main line are presented in an easy-to-understand manner. Most of the key ideas are illustrated with great examples from notable games between famous chess titans including Kasparov, Anand, Petrosian, Smyslov, and Kharlov. In this DVD, FM Lilov will teach you a plan for Black with a6, b5, Bb7, Nbd7 and c5, which is one of the best ways to meet White’s Queen’s Gambit. For those of you who like to experiment more in the opening, the FIDE Master has prepared a creative plan with Bg4. Video running time: 4 h 23 min.   FM Valeri Lilov also known as Tiger Lilov is probably the one who once taught you chess and you still remember those little things that come to your mind when you most need them. Today, he is one of the most famous and quality online chess coaches that you will see on virtually all major chess websites on the internet. His balanced style of play and constant striving for improvement have both shaped his deep knowledge of chess theory, which he is about to demonstrate to you in his first high quality DVD for ChessBase.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

Do you like positional chess? Have you ever dreamed of playing the most stable openings that leave your tactical opponent with nothing but a cramped position? In this DVD, FM Valeri Lilov will present you with a complete opening repertoire for both White and Black, consisting of various solid opening systems leading to stable and flexible positions and providing many opportunities for intricate manoeuvring and creative planning! Some of these great openings include certain lines in the English Opening and the Queen’s Gambit, as well as whole opening systems like the Torre Attack for White. On the other hand, the Classical Variation and the Bronstein-Larsen Variation in the Caro-Kann are two of the many great lines FM Lilov has selected for Black. Let one of the best coaches on the internet guide you through the maze of positional chess where none of your tactical opponents’ tricks will work! Learn how to take advantage of your positional style of play with the help of the Tiger. Video running time: 4 h 00 min       System requirements   Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard    

The flank attack is one of those sneaky ways of surrounding your opponent’s forces and getting to your target fast! So, do we really need to master flank attacks to use them or protect ourselves rom them effectively? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” In this DVD, FM Valeri Lilov dwells on the importance of understanding flank attacks by presenting a number of concepts and typical scenarios with which a master of the flank attack should be familiar. The role of the centre during a flank attack and the typical patterns you should recognise before correctly initiating a flank attack are some of the themes the author explains and illustrates with good examples taken from the best games of renowned chess masters such as Alekhine and Capablanca. On the other hand, the FIDE master also teaches how to thwart your opponent’s flank attacks in different positions and the golden rule to know when you are on the defensive. This DVD gives the answers to all these questions and more! Video running time: 4 hours   System requirements   Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard