Viswanathan Anand   My Career Vol. 1   The first DVD with videos from Anands chess career reflects the very beginning of that career and goes as far as 1999. It starts with his memories of how he first learned chess and shows his first great games (including those from the 1984 WCh for juniors). The high point of his early developmental phase was the winning of the 1987 WCh for juniors. After that, things continue in quick succession: the first victories over Kasparov, WCh candidate in both the FIDE and PCA cycles and the high point of the WCh match against Kasparov in 1995. 3:48 hours playing time.   Acclaimed as the Fastest Brain in the World, Viswanathan Anand is the world number one and World Champion. Experts rate him as one of the biggest natural talents in the history of the game. In March 2007 he reached the number one spot on the world ranking lists by winning the prestigious Linares tournament. In September 2007 Anand won the World Championship for the second time in his career when in Mexico he became the undisputed World Chess Champion, ending a schism in the chess world which had lasted for many years. If his talent as a rapid chess player is legendary, his records in classical chess have been superlative. In January 2006 he became the only player in the tournaments 70-year history to win the Corus Chess event five times (1989, 1998, 2003, 2004 and 2006). He has won the Linares Super Tournament twice (1998 and 2007), the Dortmund GM three times (1996, 2000 and 2004), and countless other important events like, Madrid Masters, Biel, etc.   System requirements: PC, Windows Vista or XP (SP2), DVD-ROM drive, sound card.

Viswanathan Anand   My Career Vol. 2   The second DVD begins in 2000, when Anand became FIDE World Champion, and it ends with his victory in the 2007 World Championship in Mexico. Anand not only analyses his best games, but casts a look back at the World Championshp in Delhi/Teheran in 2000 and the years before, he discusses the situation in the Bundesliga and Kasparovs retirement from tournament chess. 4:28 hours playing time. System requirements: PC, Windows Vista or XP (SP2), DVD-ROM drive, sound card.   Acclaimed as the Fastest Brain in the World, Viswanathan Anand is the world number one and World Champion. Experts rate him as one of the biggest natural talents in the history of the game. In March 2007 he reached the number one spot on the world ranking lists by winning the prestigious Linares tournament. In September 2007 Anand won the World Championship for the second time in his career when in Mexico he became the undisputed World Chess Champion, ending a schism in the chess world which had lasted for many years. If his talent as a rapid chess player is legendary, his records in classical chess have been superlative. In January 2006 he became the only player in the tournaments 70-year history to win the Corus Chess event five times (1989, 1998, 2003, 2004 and 2006). He has won the Linares Super Tournament twice (1998 and 2007), the Dortmund GM three times (1996, 2000 and 2004), and countless other important events like, Madrid Masters, Biel, etc.    

Ashley   The Secret to Chess   How Grandmasters Find Amazing Moves - Most chess fans believe that knowledge of the opening, middlegame and endgame is what separates Grandmasters from everyone else. While all of these are important, the truth is much more profound: Top players all have a deep insight into how to think about chess in ways that most players have never heard of.   On this DVD, Maurice Ashley reveals a simple idea that will forever change the way that you see chess. He shares the secret he discovered on his path to the Grandmaster title, a secret that every player must understand in order to reach the highest level. Introducing his new term “Drawback Chess“, he shows that chess is often not about looking for a winning move, but more about searching to find the flaws hidden deep inside your opponent‘s moves. With instructive examples and engaging practice positions, all explained with a clarity that anyone can understand, Maurice opens the door to a grandmaster‘s thinking process that will put you on the path to real chess improvement. Video running time: 4 hours   Maurice Ashley is an International Grandmaster well known for his dynamic brand of chess commentary and effective coaching style. He was a commentator for the Anand-Kasparov World Championship match as well as all of Kasparov‘s epic computer matches.   This Fritztrainer is also running under Pocket Fritz 3 and Pocket Fritz 4.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard.

Mating patterns are the essence of attacking chess. By mastering the typical set-ups, a player can begin to sense when a mating idea is present and to finish off games beautifully and effectively. On this DVD, Grandmaster and worldrenowned commentator Maurice Ashley reviews some of the more interesting patterns with examples meant to educate and entertain. The patterns covered are a must for all aspiring chess players: mate with 2 rooks, bank-rank mate, mate with bishop and knight, bishop and rook mate as well as mating on diagonals. The course maximizes its learning effect by taking advantage of the latest ChessBase interactive format and comes with approximately 30 tricky positions, some with follow-up exercises, to test and solidify your newly acquired pattern recognition skills. With his usual dynamic flair, Ashley will take you on an interactive journey where he will instruct you on how to increase the odds of including these important patterns in your games and crushing your opponents in style.   • Video running time: 4 h 04 min (English) • 30 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.

Ashley: What Grandmaster don´t see Vol 1: Protected Squares   Many times when a top player blunders, it is routinely described by the esoteric term „chess blindness.“ In the series What Grandmasters Don‘t See, chess trainer and world-class commentator Maurice Ashley strips away the myth, and for the first time explains why the root of these mistakes is more often based on the psychology of human learning.In Volume 1 of the series, Ashley coins a new term Protected Squares, and shows how many errors occur on squares that seem invulnerable because they are clearly guarded by pawns. In example after example and in his trademark style, Ashley will teach you how to avoid this kind of mistake and how to look for moves that will shock and amaze your opponents. In the first 19 videos on the DVD Ashley demonstrates both well-known and little known games in which a move on to a protected square plays an important part. In the second half of the DVD you are tested on what you have learned about protected squares with a series of exercises of increasing difficulty. This material is also drawn both from classics and from recent games. Video running time: 4 hours 18 minutes   Systemvoraussetzungen   Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

Ashley: What Grandmaster don´t see Vol 2: Discovered Attack   Many times, when a top player blunders, it is routinely described by the esoteric term “chess blindness“. In this series What Grandmasters Don‘t See, chess trainer and worldclass commentator Maurice Ashley strips away the myth and for the first time explains why the root of these mistakes is more often based in the psychology of human learning. In this DVD, Volume 2 of the three part series, Ashley shows that no other standard tactical theme is more over-rated, overlooked and misunderstood than the Discovered Attack. In each example, Ashley illustrates how often players are confused by discovered attacks because the examples in the majority of chess books are poorly chosen to show how this important tactical idea really works in most practical games. In the first half of the DVD, Ashley uses interesting and entertaining positions to explain the points in his trademark effervescent style. The second half of the DVD is filled with examples to test what you have learned about discovered attacks, with a series of exercises of increasing difficulty. The material is drawn both from classic and from recent games. Video running time: 3 hours 36 minutes   System requirements   Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard. This Fritztrainer is also running under Pocket Fritz 4.

Ashley: What Grandmaster don´t see Vol 3: Summery and Test   Wenn Spitzenspieler einen schweren Fehler begehen, wird oft auf die Floskel „Schachblindheit“ zurückgegriffen. In der neuen Reihe „What Grandmasters Don‘t See“ nimmt GM Maurice Ashley diesen Mythos auseinander und erläutert, auf welche Weise diese Fehler in der Psychologie des menschlichen Lernprozesses verwurzelt sind. Auf der abschließenden dritten DVD der Serie entwickelt Ashley seine Idee der Geschützten Felder aus Band 1 weiter, dabei zeigt er, dass Felder, die scheinbar zuverlässig von Figuren geschützt sind, oftmals das Brutgebiet für verblüffende taktische Patzer sind. Außerdem vermischt der Autor die Themen aller drei DVDs, um ein genaues Bild der Schlüsselwege zu zeichnen, auf denen typische Fehler von Spielern aller Leistungsklassen ausgenutzt werden können. Für die erste Hälfte der DVD verwendet Ashley brillante Partien und Fragmente, um die Lektionen in seinem dynamischen Kommentarstil vorzutragen. Die zweite Hälfte der DVD besteht aus Testbeispielen aufsteigender Schwierigkeit. Das Material stammt sowohl aus klassischen wie aus aktuellen Partien. Videolaufzeit: 3 Std. 45 min.    Englische Sprachversion   System requirements   Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard. This Fritztrainer is also running under Pocket Fritz 4.

Bojkov:  Attacking with the Pirc   The Slovenian GM Vasja Pirc was a five time Yugoslavian champion. This speaks volumes for his playing strength but there is a more important contribution which he has made to the chess world. The defence which he explored in detail after the moves: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 is named after him. There were ups and downs in the appearance of the Pirc in tournament practice. Many people considered it dubious. However, the Pirc survived and it is coming back into fashion nowadays again. The reasons for that are the flexible nature of the position and the variety of possibilities that both sides have. One should expect that the fewer options which White has the easier the defence would be. Indeed, there is logic in that, but, on the other hand, correct play by both sides should lead to a draw. Instead of this approach the Bulgarian grandmaster Dejan Bojkov offers an aggressive repertoire for the second player in this new DVD. Black risks more than usual but hopes for higher dividends in return for the risk. The original analyses on the DVD will help the reader control the risk involved. Video running time: 4 hours 29 min.   System requirements   Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

Bojkov: The true value of the pieces   when material is unbalanced   Queen against two rooks or three minor pieces, as well as a rook plus pawn vs two minor pieces - these are typical constellations where the material is unbalanced. In our first steps in chess we are taught about the nominal value of the pieces. The queen is equal to nine pawns; a rook to five, a minor piece is worth three pawns. This is a common sense solution aimed at teaching the beginner a system of values so that he or she does not trade a more valuable piece for a less good one. Later however, situations occur in games in which one side can trade two minor pieces (six pawns) for a rook and a pawn (also six pawns). Theoretically speaking, this should result in an equal position, but in reality one of the two sides will profit from the exchange. There are many cases of material imbalance in chess. In his new DVD GM Dejan Bojkov of Bulgaria makes an attempt to systematise the most important ones and gives valuable advice on how to handle the resulting positions. He also explains the hidden factors behind the imbalances, explanations which will guide you through the art of exchanging pieces.• Video running time: 4 hours 50 minutes (English) • With interactive training including videofeedback • Exclusive training database with selected 50 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.

Bojkov: Chess Highways   Fast alle Schachfiguren (außer den trickreichen Springern) haben die Fähigkeit, sich auf geraden Bahnen fortzubewegen, ob vertikal (Linien), horizontal (Reihen) oder auf den Diagonalen. Diese geraden Bahnen, welche die verschiedenen Abschnitte des Brettes verbinden und den Figuren die Chance geben, den Ausgang der Schlacht zu entscheiden, sind äußerst wichtig im Schach, und daher der Titel Highways - Zugstraßen. Die Fähigkeiten der Figuren zu verstehen, ist für jeden Spieler ein absolutes Muss, vom Anfänger bis hin zum Meister. In einer Schachpartie sind Sie der General, und die Figuren sind Ihre eigenen Soldaten - je besser Ihre Beziehung zu Ihren Soldaten, desto besser Ihre Ergebnisse.   In seiner dritten DVD für ChessBase gibt GM Dejan Bojkov aus Bulgarien Aufschluss über die Eigenschaften jener Figuren, die sich auf geraden Bahnen fortbewegen, und Tipps, wie man die offenen Diagonalen, Reihen und Linien am besten nutzen kann, um aus jeder einzelnen Figur das Maximum herauszuholen. In 30 Clips werden Sie erfahren, wie Sie Ihre Schwerfiguren besser verstehen und die offenen bzw. halboffenen Linien effektiver verwerten können; Sie werden erfahren, was deren Ängste sind, und wie Sie ihnen helfen können. Am Ende gibt es auf der DVD eine Trainingssession, um das Materialverständnis besser zu fördern. Ein unschätzbar wertvolles Handbuch für Spieler wie Trainer. Videospielzeit: 5 Std. 38 min (Englisch)   Systemvoraussetzungen   Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte

Bojkov: Try the Sicilian Kalashnikov!   Maybe you remember the famous game McDonnell-De Labourdonnais from their 1834 match in London, the one in which three connected black pawns reached the second rank and forced Whites resignation. What you probably do not know is that this game started with the moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5. Whites most common move then is 5.Nb5, which Black for many years preferred to meet with 5...a6, which is a strategically risky decision. But a completely new development of the whole system was initiated in 1987, when Evgeny Sveshnikov, the godfather of the Sveshnikov Sicilian (4...Nf6 5.Nc3 e5), changed to 4...e5 and followed this with 5...d6, which is positionally more sound. The latter move brings us to the subject of the current DVD - the Kalashnikov, or the Neo-Sveshnikov line. In 32 video clips Dejan Bojkov covers the main ideas behind Blacks setup, the positional ideas behind the opening, the dangers that the second player is facing and prepares a thorough and deep repertoire for those willing to play the line as Black. The DVD is separated into two parts - the first one provides the main ideas behind the opening, and the second gives the theoretical material. The main point behind Blacks idea is that he occupies the centre without any delay, with tempo. The main drawback - the weakening of the d5-square. Which factor should prevail? Watch the DVD to find out! Video running time: 6 hours.   Dejan Bojkov is a Bulgarian GM, rated 2544. He was Bulgarian national champion in 2009, and is a member of the Bulgarian national team. He is also the current trainer of former world women`s champion Antoaneta Stefanova.   Systemvoraussetzungen   Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte

Bojkov: A modern Way to play the King´s Indian   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

Bologan: Beating the Sicilian Vol 1: A Grandmaster´s Repertoire   Out of the dozens and dozens of openings played nowadays the Sicilian Defence remains the most fascinating, entertaining and complex opening. Here White understands that Black will not be a patient lamb but will try to get at him at the very first opportunity. For those who are ready to take on the challenge and plunge into the wonderful world of combinations, attacks and counter-attacks, for those who really love chess... this DVD is designed for you. In the first volume of the Open Sicilian for White we present all black reactions to 2...Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4. This includes the Sveshnikov/Cheliabinsk Variation, the Rauzer Attack, the Maroczy Bind and a few other minor side lines. The approach is typical for Bologan’s DVDs, as he tries to describe in a compact format plans and reactions from White’s point of view. With the help of this DVD one can forget about fears concerning the tons of theory in the Open Sicilian and can get straight into the real fight! Video running time: 6 hours   Englische Sprachversion.   Systemvorraussetzungen   Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte. 

Bologan: Beating the Sicilian Vol 2: A Grandmaster´s Repertoire   The second volume of the Open Sicilian is dedicated to two very important areas: the most interesting opening of all time the Najdorf Variation, and also to the most romantic line in the Sicilian - the Dragon Variation. It’s actually enough to point out that both openings were played successfully by Garry Kasparov with Black. The author’s task was to give White some clear lines which will survive all kind of possible improvements from the black side and still be able to give White hope for an advantage. In both cases Bologan recommends a setup with f3, Be3, Qd2, the so-called English Attack. The similarity of ideas makes the job of memorising lines somewhat easier, and at the same time the traditional line by line approach allows the avoidance of any unpleasant surprises. Many mysteries under the surface of the Sicilian can be found by hard work and experience and the author really hopes that this DVD will help you in that! Video running time: 5 hours 40 minutes.   Englische Sprachversion.   Systemvorraussetzungen   Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte. 

Bologan: Beating the Sicilian Vol 3: A Grandmaster´s Repertoire   In the third volume of the Open Sicilian we will deal with Black’s second move 2....e6 which he usually adopts when striving for a complex game full of subtleties in order to outplay White, especially when his opponent is lower rated. But the reverse of the medal is that Black assumes quite high risks, and with strict reactions White can pose him serious problems. Of course the DVD is mainly dedicated to all kinds of Paulsen lines with 4… a6 and 4… Nc6, where against most of the main variations I advise the same setup we use against Najdorf and Dragon with Be3, f3 and Qd2, usually followed by long castle. Despite the many games being played every day, Black is still far from safe equality here. Apart from some side lines like 5…Bb4, quite important is to learn how to play the classical Keres Attack. After 6.g4, my recommendation, only the variation with 6…e5 still poses White unpleasant questions - to which of course I have tried to come up with some answers... With the final word on the Sicilian trilogy, I would encourage the viewer to play the Open Sicilian and to have the DVDs as partners, consultants and if lucky a friend in both critical and good situations. Video running time: 5 hours.   Englische Sprachversion.   Systemvorraussetzungen   Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte. 

Die Informationsexplosion hat zu einem massiven Anstieg der Eröffnungstheorie geführt. Aber wie oft gewinnt man ein Spiel mit einer vorbereiteten Linie? Was starken Spielern den Vorteil gegenüber ihren Gegnern verschafft, ist keine Blockbuster-Neuheit, sondern ein tiefes Verständnis der Bauernstrukturen, zu denen ihre Eröffnungen führen – ein Verständnis, das bis ins Mittel- und Endspiel reicht und zwischen verschiedenen Eröffnungen mit ähnlichen Strukturen übertragbar ist. Alle DVDs sind in englischer Sprache. Know the Terrain Vol 1: The CarlsbadIn dieser DVD untersucht Sam Collins eine der wichtigsten Strukturen im Schach, das Carlsbad. Ob mit Karpovs klassischem Ansatz von Sf3 oder Botvinniks und Kasparovs unglaublichen Ergebnissen mit Sge2 und f3, lange Zeit der Tummelplatz der Weltmeister, hat Karlsbad ein enormes strategisches Potenzial für Weiß (exemplifiziert durch den legendären „Minderheitsangriff“), dem Schwarz mit seiner trügerisch einfachen Methode entgegenwirkt Gegenspiel am Königsflügel. Videolaufzeit: 7 Stunden Know the Terrain Vol 2: The Cablanca StructureSam Collins führt auf dieser zweiten DVD seine Analysen der wichtigsten Bauernstrukturen mit einer ausführlichen Untersuchung der “Capablanca-Struktur” fort, bei der die weißen Bauern auf c4 und d4 den schwarzen Bauern auf c6 und e6 gegenüberstehen. Das Grundszenario dieser Struktur lässt sich wie folgt umreißen: Weiß verfügt über einen markanten Raumvorteil, muss aber zeigen, dass er etwas gegen die solide schwarze Struktur ausrichten kann, bevor sein Gegner die Stellung vereinfacht. Die “Capablanca-Struktur” entsteht in einer Vielzahl von Eröffnungen, die zu den Schwergewichten der Eröffnungstheorie gehören, darunter das Abgelehnte Damengambit, Halbslawisch, die Rubinsteinvariante in der Französischen Verteidigung und die Caro-Kann-Eröffnung. Ein gutes Verständnis der “Capablanca-Struktur” wird Ihnen das Spielen auch dieser Eröffnungen wesentlich erleichtern. Videolaufzeit: 4 Stunden 30 Minuten. Know the Terrain Vol 3: Central MajorityAuf dieser DVD betrachtet Sam Collins die Zentrumsmehrheit (weiße Bauern auf a2, d4 und e4 gegen schwarze Bauern auf a7, b7 und e7), wie sie sowohl für die Grünfeld- als auch die Semi-Tarrasch- Verteidigungen charakteristisch ist. Der Raumvorteil des Weißen gibt diesem gute Chancen auf Entfaltung einer Mittelspielinitiative und einem Angriff am Königsflügel, während Schwarz hofft, ein Endspiel zu erreichen, wo sein entfernter Freibauer als den Ausschlag geben könnte. Außerdem untersucht Collins die eng verwandte Struktur mit dem freien d-Bauern, welche entsteht, nachdem die e-Bauern getauscht sind - hier hat Weiß einen höchst gefährlichen Freibauern in der d-Linie, und der Schlüsselkampf dreht sich darum, ob dieser Bauer eine Stärke darstellt oder, wenn angegriffen bzw. solide blockiert, eine Schwäche. Die Chancen des Weißen wurden wiederholt von Kramnik und Carlsen demonstriert, während die Sache von Schwarz von Svidler, Ivanchuk, Van Wely und Gymesi vertreten wurde, wobei Kasparov Ideen für beide Farben hervorbrachte. Englische Sprachversion Videolaufzeit: 4 Std. 39 Min.Know the Terrain Vol 4: The Advance French StructureAuf dieser DVD untersucht Sam Collins die Struktur der Französischen Vorstoßvariante (weiße Bauern auf d4 und e5, schwarze Bauern auf d5 und e6, die c-Linie ist offen). Es ist die typische Struktur der Französischen Verteidigung, kommt aber auch in einigen anderen Eröffnungen vor, z.B. in der Caro-Kann Vorstoßvariante, im Dameninder, im Katalanen, im Slawen und in einer Reihe von Anti-Sizilianern. Das blockierte Zentrum führt zu einer Verlagerung des Spiels auf die Flügel. Der Bauer e5 sichert Weiß Raumvorteil und darauf gestützt operiert Weiß in der Regel am Königsflügel, entweder mit Figuren oder mit Hilfe der typischen Bauernvorstöße h4-h5 und f4-f5. Schwarz spielt am Damenflügel, strebt nach Vereinfachungen oder will im geeigneten Moment mit …f6 kontern, was zu einem Kampf im Zentrum führt. Die relativ geschlossene Natur der Stellung führt zu strategischem Spiel, bei dem die Kenntnis der typischen Pläne für beide Seiten von entscheidender Bedeutung ist. Videospielzeit: 3 Std. 36 min Know the Terrain Vol 5: The Philidor StructureAuf dieser DVD erklärt der irische IM Sam Collins die Philidor-Struktur (weiße Bauern auf e4 und d4, schwarze Bauern auf d6 und e5, mit Ausnahme königsindischer und altindischer Stellungen, in denen der weiße c-Bauern bereits das Feld c4 eingenommen hat). In erster Linie geht diese Struktur natürlich aus der Philidor-Verteidigung (1.e4 e5 2.Sf3 d6 3.d4) direkt hervor, aber auch in vielen anderen Offenen Spielen hat sie prägenden Charakter, z.B. für Italienisch oder für die Geschlossene Spanische Eröffnung. Dass es bislang kaum Versuche gibt, die Spielpläne für diese Struktur herauszuarbeiten, mag an ihrer besonderen Flexibilität liegen. Denn je nachdem, ob Weiß auf e5 oder Schwarz auf d4 schlägt oder die Zentrumsspannung aufrecht erhalten wird, entstehen völlig unterschiedlich Stellungstypen. Bei allen Turnieren der Weltklasse kommt die Philidor-Struktur regelmäßig in einer ihrer Erscheinungsformen aufs Brett, und das macht sich auch in der Partieauswahl auf dieser DVD bemerkbar. Collins präsentiert u.a. aktuelle Meisterpartien von Carlsen und Caruana, die einige ihrer jüngsten Turniererfolge glanzvollen Siegen in der Philidor-Struktur verdanken. Videospielzeit: 3 Std. 31 min

Viktor Bologan:   The Catalan: a complete repertoire for White!   The Catalan is one of the most solid openings for White. It forms part of the large and strong fianchetto family in which White builds his strategy mainly around the bishop on g2. The current DVD covers all of Black’s replies to the Catalan, some of which can even transpose to other openings such as the Tarrasch System and the Queen’s Indian. The author’s idea is, as it was in previous DVDs he has published in this area, to help White against all classical setups for Black. Though the DVD is aimed at players of the white pieces, it still might be useful for those who have Black so that they will better understand the coming threats. It would make little sense to mention all the strong players who include the Catalan in their repertoire. Suffice it to say that the Catalan rules!   Video running time: 5 hours 29 minutes.       Viktor Bologan is a pupil of the top Moldovan trainer Vecheslav Chebanenko. For many years Bologan has been the number 1 in Moldova and has represented his country in nine 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 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

Viktor Bologan   The King’s Indian   The King’s Indian is one of the most interesting and aggressive defences Black can choose. The World Champions Robert James Fischer and Garry Kasparov used to play this opening often and with great success, and also today’s word-class players are employing it frequently, like for instance Boris Gelfand, Alexei Shirov and Teimour Radjabov. On this DVD, Viktor Bologan (Elo 2690) presents a complete King’s Indian repertoire for Black. In 21 chapters the Grandmaster deals with all possible white reactions, showing the subtleties in main and side variations.   The DVD is suitable for both the beginning and the advanced King’s Indian adherent. Bologan’s explanations are based on his own experience and analyses. Yet the top player knows only too well to who he owes his successes: Grandmaster Zigurds Lanka, who once taught young Viktor the King’s Indian and thus helped him to become a Grandmaster - since according to Bologan, the necessary norms were achieved... of course with the King’s Indian!. Video running time: 5 hours 10 min.   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, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

Bologan: Fit for the French   My complete White Repertoire   On this DVD Viktor Bologan presents his repertoire against the French Defence. The only way to combat this opening is to choose an aggressive plan and according to Bologan the best such plan starts with 3.Nc3. The Moldavian grandmaster has had this continuation in his armoury for 20 years, since he was initiated into the secrets of this move by the top trainer Zigurds Lanka, and he has been extremely successful with it.   And he goes on to recommend only the main lines and once again his choice falls on the most aggressive ones, such as, for example, Qg4 in the Winawer lines. Video running time: 5hrs 20 min. Viktor Bologan is a pupil of the top Moldovan trainer Vecheslav Chebanenko. For many years Bologan has been the number 1 in Moldova and has represented his country in nine 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

Bologan: The Chebanenco - still improved   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.

Bologan: 1.e4 How to tame the Alekhine, Scandinavian and Pirc   While almost everybody is spending 95% of his opening preparation time on major lines, there are some tricky players including strong GMs (I am not an exception) who prepare for their opponents some side lines, which contain many an underwater reef. I decided to collect those secondary openings in one single DVD. From now on openings such as the Pirc, the Scandinavian and the Alekhine Defences will not appear to you in your nightmares any more. The 1.e4 player should be actually thank Black for choosing these openings, since he is providing White with a better centre, a stable advantage and generally speaking pleasant play. The only thing White needs to do is to spend some time studying the lines. I will not bother you with encyclopaedic approach. There is a more practical way. Against each opening I recommend one repertoire: For the Pirc I have prepared for you the Austrian Attack   Major lines against the Scandinavian   And for the Alekhine I decided to go for the positional lines with Nf3. Enjoy the videos and be critical please: I don’t claim to give you the ultimate truth, I just want to help you to enrich your chess vocabulary! Video running time: 4 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

Bologan: The complex Najdorf - A complete Repertoire for Black   When choosing an opening repertoire, it is common to consider two types of variations. One is usually a solid opening, like 1...e5 against 1.e4, with plenty of strategical ideas and quiet paths of play. However, there are of course days when you want to play for a win with Black, when you want to bear down on your opponent’s position with a potentially crushing attack. The Najdorf is perfect for just such occasions – and it’s no coincidence that Garry Kasparov played it the most out of all the variations in the Sicilian – the opening served him well throughout his brilliant career. I myself have played it with both colours, but even I discover more to its endless depths every day! Strategy, combinations, attack and defence, sacrifices and marvellous manoeuvres – exciting chess is all about the Najdorf!   • Video running time: 6 hours 31 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: 50 Model games and full analysis of variations by GM Victor Bologan • 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.

Bologan: The Berlin Wall   The Berlin Wall, also known as the Berlin Defense, is one of the most solid and frequently played openings of the 21st century, and compared to the real Berlin Wall, there’s almost no chance of it falling. Introduced into serious practice during the WCC match between Kasparov and Kramnik in London in 2000, it heralded a change in chess from the dynamic and romantic style of the 20th century towards a more pragmatic, solid, resourceful and forwardlooking approach. Kramnik won the match and the Berlin Defense became extremely popular. The DVD is divided into two parts. In the first section, we look at what happens when White avoids the endgame in the “Anti-Berlin” systems, while the second section deals with the Berlin ending. Lately, White has been playing Anti-Berlin setups much more frequently - as they cannot find anything in the main Berlin. In a way, this alone is testament to its power! The endgame should be treated as serious, complex setting with lots of possibilities, including many tactical tricks. It goes without saying that studying the Berlin Defense will improve your understanding of the endgame dramatically. The course also includes a number of exercises aimed at improving your practical skills in the Berlin. The DVD caters for a wide range of audiences that ranges from beginners right through to highly skilled players. Add the Berlin Wall into your repertoire and pass the headache of “what to play against it?” to your opponent!   • Video running time: 4 hours 07 min(English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Exclusive database with over 50 essential games plus analysis of variations by Bologan • 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.

Bologan: Never too late for the Nimzo-Indian   Bologans way to the Nimzo-Indian was very long and difficult. Which he now regrets a lot: “I would better start it when I was young. First I played only the King’s Indian against 1.d4, later I learned Black’s Knights Tango, which already had some elements of the Nimzo-Indian and only in the new millenium I included the Nimzo Indian into my repertoire.” This period coincided with the period of winning the Dortmund 2003 tournament, when he managed to hold with Black against Vladimir Kramnik in the decisive last round in a Nimzo with 4.Qc2. The Moldavian grandmaster recommends the Nimzo-Indian to players of all levels, because it’s complex and simple at the same time. It teaches one very important thing in chess - how to play with the knight against a bishop. The Nimzo- Indian therefore has the same importance as the Ruy Lopez after 1.e4. This DVD is aimed to give Black a clear idea what to do against 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 which is considered the strongest move order by White. Video running time: 4 hours 14 min.   System requirements   Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard