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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

The Queen’s Indian Defense is one of the most solid and rich openings against 1.d4. Together with the Nimzo-Indian and the Catalan it forms the so called “Classical Setup”, which any player should know. The Queen’s Indian is a favorite of both top players and amateurs. Top players like the solid structure of Black’s set-up that offers a lot of scope for interesting play and new ideas, amateurs like that the variation is easy to learn and understanding the position is more important than memorizing lines. Victor Bologan has enjoyed the advantages of the Queen’s Indian defense for many years in open and in top tournament. He says: “The soul of the opening, the most important piece, is course the bishop on b7. Please remember this and keep it active.” Every chess enthusiast, from beginner to high level player, can profit from this DVD. Enrich your chess vocabulary, be open to new ideas: play the Queen’s Indian!   • Video running time: 5 h 10 min• With interactive training including video feedback • EExclusive training database with 150 essential games, full analysis of the 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.

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.

Author Victor Bologan about his DVD: “If chess players are in Iceland, they usually pay tribute to the genius of Bobby Fischer, the 11th World Champion, by visiting his grave in Selfoss in Reykjavik. With this DVD I also want to express my gratitude to Fischer: for his great contribution to chess in general and because he helped to make the King’s Indian more popular in particular. As a junior, when I was ten years old, my coach advised me to study the openings of Fischer and I discovered the King’s Indian. Later I learned about the different approaches Black has in the King’s Indian. He can keep his structure flexible and put his pawns on d6 and c6; he can play the sharp and principled Nc6 in the classical lines and in some sidelines he can sacrifice a pawn with …b5 as in the Benko.   Top players such as Geller, Smirin, Kasparov, Radjabov, Nakamura and Ding Liren all played and play the King’s Indian and they all have a different style, a different approach. When preparing the material for this DVD I studied the games of these experts, checked analyses with modern engines and used a lot of material from correspondence databases. Every day my King’s Indian vocabulary got better, richer, and more varied. At the same time my confidence and my belief in the King’s Indian also got bigger. If you study this DVD carefully and solve the interactive exercises you will also enrich your chess vocabulary, your King’s Indian vocabulary, build up confidence in the King’s Indian and your chess and win more games.” • Video running time: 7 hours 14 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Database with more than 50 instructive games, extensive analysis of the theory shown on this DVD• 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.

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.

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 Caro-Kann Defence is one of the most solid replies for Black after 1.e4. I’ve played it myself for many years with black, so I know how difficult is to gain an advantage with white. My choice of the Advance Variation for White is because of the complex strategical play in which White has a long-term space advantage. If he also understands the ideas of this opening well, then White will be able to keep up the pressure. The fact that such players as Gashimov, Karjakin, Caruana, Anand, Svidler, Grischuk and Shirov often play the Advance Variation against the Caro-Kann will give you the much needed chess confidence, while watching their games will inspire you to great creative and performance achievements. The DVD is made for a large audience, starting with beginners up to higher level players. It is carefully structured, which will help you to find your way around the masses of new theory, and to remember just what you need to know before the game. One famous grandmaster confessed me that he studied most of my DVDs, and that he is also using them for his students. Full steam ahead against the Caro-Kann! • Video running time: 4 h 38 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Exclusive database with 50 essential 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.

The King’s Indian Attack is mainly reached via the French Defense (1.e4 e6 2.d3) and the Sicilian with 2…e6, but it can also arise from the Reti Opening, when Black plays …e6 and …d5 to reach structures from the Queen’s Gambit Declined. 30 years ago the King’s Indian Attack was considered as an interesting and original way to avoid theoretical battles. But today’s theory sees the King’s Indian Attack in line with the modern approach to postpone the fight for the centre to the middlegame. The King’s Indian Attack is full of positional and tactical ideas and often an unpleasant surprise for the opponent. The opening is easy to prepare but it’s important to remember that the King’s Indian Attack is more about ideas and plans and less about forced and complicated lines. Since my junior days it has been a reliable weapon and it still serves me well today. • Video running time: 4 h 27 min(English) • With interactive training incuding video feedback • Extra: Database with more than 50 model games • Including CB Reader

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. 

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. 

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. 

Berlin Wall and others   Auf lange Sicht kann Weiß in den Offenen Eröffnungen nur mit Spanisch wirklich um Vorteil kämpfen. Für diesen ernsthaften Anspruch muss er sich aber auch einer Vielzahl von Untervarianten stellen und sie erlernen. So tun es die Profis und natürlich auch Viktor Bologan, der nun die Geheimnisse seines Großmeister-Repertoires offenlegt. Im ersten Teil beschäftigt sich der moldauische Spitzenspieler mit Systemen, in denen Schwarz im 3. Zug auf die Hauptfortsetzung 3...a6 verzichtet. Dazu gehören Exoten wie 3...Sd4, 3...Sge7, 3...g6 und 3...Lc5, die aber dennoch nicht zu unterschätzen sind. Mit 3...f5 (die Jänisch-Variante) wird ein System untersucht, das sogar Eingang in manches Topspieler-Repertoire gefunden hat. Doch die wichtigste Variante startet mit 3...Sf6 und führt in ihrer Hauptzugfolge zur Berliner Mauer. Heutzutage muss man als Spanisch-Spieler zuallererst wissen, was man gegen diese moderne Verteidigung spielen will. Video-Spielzeit: 4 Std. 42 min   In englischer Sprache !   Systemvoraussetzungen   Pentium Prozessor 300 MHz oder besser, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD-ROM Laufwerk, Maus, Soundkarte

  Main Variations   Really, among the open games the only opening with which White can really fight for an advantage in the long term is the Ruy Lopez. But in order to make this serious effort, he has buckle down and learn a whole series of sub-variations. That is what the professionals do, including of course Viktor Bologan, who now reveals the secrets of his own grandmaster repertoire. For many the Ruy Lopez really only begins after the moves 3...a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.h3 0-0 9.c3 - the starting point for Bologan’s third DVD. Black then has a whole host of variations, but the ensuing structures have much in common and if you are equipped with some insider tips you will be able to take the correct decisions which can frequently only be made on a basis of generalised evaluations. Viktor Bologan is an outstanding adviser because when one considers his super score against the Ruy Lopez, he must have excellent knowledge of the ins and outs of this opening, and he does not hold back from sharing this knowledge with you. Video running time: 5 hours   System requirements   Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

The Schliemann (or Jaenisch) Gambit, 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5, languished in semi-obscurity before top GM Teimour Radjabov revolutionised the opening with new ideas, defending his analysis with excellent results in Linares and elsewhere against the world’s best players. Black plays actively and aggressively from move 3, frequently sacrificing a pawn for open lines, kingside activity and the bishop pair. In this DVD Sam Collins provides a complete and detailed repertoire for Black. Numerous novelties and improvements are suggested, with the conclusion that White has no clear route to an opening advantage. Refresh your repertoire and avoid the Spanish Torture with 3…f5!   • Video running time: 3 h 48 min• With interactive training including video feedback • Exclusive training database with 50 essential 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.