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

The Owens Defence, with 1...b6, is part of a nexus of systems that are both complex and little explored, offering practical players the opportunity to get out of the book early on and pose new and difficult problems. Transpositions into other openings and structures are common, making it an ideal weapon for playing to win as Black against booked up opposition. On this DVD Nigel Davies shows how ...b6 lines can be used to enhance an existing French Defence repertoire (for example with 1.d4 e6 2.c4 b6!?) and provide answers to 1.Nf3 and 1.c4. He also shows how 1...b6 can be used as a defence against 1.e4, for players who want to play for a win and do not mind taking risks. • Video running time: 4 h 39 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Exclusive training database with 50 essential games • Including ChessBase 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.

Creating a Repertoire can be a difficult and demanding job, especially for those with limited study time. Attempts to implement a lot of new openings at the same time can set a player adrift in a sea of unknown chess patterns. This in turn can have a catastrophic impact on their game. On this DVD Nigel Davies explains how to go about this process of building a repertoire the right way, with a minimal amount of stress or sweeping wholesale changes.   Instead of changing everything at once he proposes that you start out with a Queen’s Pawn Opening such as the London System, Torre Attack or Colle System and then build on these openings step by step. After playing 1.d4 and 2.Nf3 you will gradually introduce lines with 3.c4 whilst acquiring an understanding of the middle games this will lead to. Davies makes specific recommendations about which variations you should play and the order in which they should be introduced. In the final stage of their repertoire development players may wish to switch to 1.d4 and 2.c4, but with the groundwork having been properly laid. At the end of the DVD Davies explains how to go about this and discusses some of the issues involved. Running time: 5 hours   Nigel Davies is an International Grandmaster and highly respected chess coach. He has more than 35 years tournament experience with 1.d4 and has advised many of his students on the repertoire building process.   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

Die Schottische Partie (1.e4 e5 2.Sf3 Sc6 3.d4) ist eine großartige Repertoireergänzung für jeden Spieler, der nach einer soliden und dennoch aktiven Eröffnung sucht, die mehr auf Verständnis als auf reines Auswendiglernen setzt. Die Popularität der Schottischen Partie stieg exponentiell, nachdem Garry Kasparov sie 1990 im Weltmeisterschaftskampf gegen Anatoly Karpov anwandte, und die Eröffnung ist seither in Mode geblieben. In der heutigen Zeit kann man das Schottische Spiel manchmal auf höchstem Niveau von Spielern wie Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura und Ian Nepomniachtchi sehen, die alle überwältigend positive Ergebnisse damit erzielt haben. Neben tiefgehender Theorie und spannenden taktischen Übungen im Schottischen Spiel enthält dieser Videokurs auch einen Bonusabschnitt über das Schottische Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Bc4), eine lebhafte Variante, die oft zu sehr dynamischen Positionen führt. Videolaufzeit: 5 Stunden 50 Minuten (Englisch) Mit interaktivem Training inklusive Video-Feedback Extra: Training mit ChessBase-Apps - Lernen Sie das Eröffnungsrepertoire und spielen Sie Schlüsselstellungen gegen Fritz auf verschiedenen Niveaus - Datenbank mit Musterpartien WIM Svitlana Demchenko, born 2003, is a Ukrainianborn Canadian chess player. She was a multiple-time Canadian Girls Champion and a two-time North American Girls Champion in different age categories. Svitlana has been a member of the Canadian Women's Olympiad Team since 2018, and has represented Canada at the Women's World Cup.   System requirements: Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows 8.1, DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 / 8 or 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVDROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

The Leningrad Dutch Defence is a dynamic and aggressive opening choice for Black, perfect for players who want to add some adventure and spice to their repertoire. Unlike its relative, the Stonewall Dutch (...f5-e6-d5), the Leningrad Dutch setup (...f5-g6-d6) is more flexible and more risky, having similarities with the double-edged King's Indian Defence. This course covers the Leningrad Dutch as a 3-in-1 weapon, as it can be used against many common first moves: 1. d4, 1. c4 and 1. Nf3. The course includes in-depth theory, opening disasters for both sides, interactive tactical exercises, model games, and practice positions! • Video running time: 9 hours 50 minutes (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Training with ChessBase apps - Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various levels   Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key WIM Svitlana Demchenko, born 2003, is a Ukrainianborn Canadian chess player. She was a multiple-time Canadian Girls Champion and a two-time North American Girls Champion in different age categories. Svitlana has been a member of the Canadian Women's Olympiad Team since 2018, and has represented Canada at the Women's World Cup.   System requirements: Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows 8.1, DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 / 8 or 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVDROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

The Spanish Opening is often called the „Queen of Openings“. If you master this opening, you understand a lot about chess. One of the most popular systems in the Spanish Opening is the Breyer variation, in which Black retreats his already developed knight from c6 to b8 to relocate it via d7 to better squares. The Hungarian chess master Gyula Breyer recommended this move in 1911 but was far ahead of his time with this idea. It took decades before the power of this move was understood, but now the Breyer variation, which begins with 9...Nb8, is part of the repertoire of many top players, among them the last four World Champions Kasparov, Kramnik, Anand, and Carlsen. On this DVD, Pavel Eljanov, one of the greatest experts of the Breyer variation, shows all important variations of this system. In 14 video lectures he gives an overview of the current state of theory. The top player shows the moves and explains the ideas behind them while evaluating the arising positions from a black perspective and with a view to the coming middlegame.   • Video running time: 5 hours 13 min(English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Training database with 50 essential games and analyses • 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 Open Spanish is considered to be one of the soundest systems in modern opening theory. It remains a popular choice among superstars such as Mamediyarov, Caruana , So and Giri and was used in World Championship matches by Korchnoi and Anand. In this opening Black opts for active piece play and is   not afraid to fight for the initiative from an early stage. One of the many good features of this opening is that Black is often the side which controls the pace of the game. Black can go for long forced variations that lead to sharp endgames or choose a slower game with more pieces on the board. Therefore, the Open Spanish   is not only an excellent weapon against stronger players, but also gives plenty of scope for the outplaying of "lesser rated'' opponents.       This DVD offers a full repertoire for Black against 1.e4 and gives you a great arsenal of ideas against all the topical lines.       • Video running time: 4 hours (English)   • With interactive training including video feedback   • Extra: Training with ChessBase apps - Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various levels   • Database with model games     GM Sipke Ernst is a Grandmaster and FIDE Trainer who has been a member of the Dutch National Team. His peak Elo is 2606.   System requirements:   Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 2 GB RAM, Windows 7, DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible soundcard, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM drive and internet connection for program activation.  

The Petroff (or Russian) Defence which is characterised by the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 has been popular at the highest levels for many years and enjoys the reputation of being an extremely solid defence. In the 1990’s and 2000’s, the theory of this variation began to develop quickly, when players like Kasparov, Karpov, Anand, Adams and Kramnik infused it with new ideas for White and Black. Adams and Kramnik continue to rely on the Petroff, and they have been joined by the 2018 World Championship challenger, Fabiano Caruana. As with many openings favoured by the world elite, there is a sharp contrast between the sidelines (in which understanding plays the most critical role) and the theoretical battleground of the main lines where experience and knowledge of plans are needed, but also a high degree of concrete knowledge. This DVD aims to present this knowledge in a structured way, so that players can pick exactly what they need. This is interspersed with discussions of structural themes and annotated games. Two particular structures are discussed in great detail. But the author is not tied down to dogma, and suggests two relatively minor lines for Black which can alleviate the problems, either practical or objective, which Black has been facing in recent games in the 5.d4 and 5.Nc3 lines respectively. • Video running time: 5 h 29 min(English) • With interactive training incuding video feedback • Extra: Database with model games • Including CB Reader

The Caro-Kann Defence is very popular and as a 1.e4 player you definitely need a strong weapon against this solid and yet dangerous opening. Apart from todays hackneyed main lines (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 and 3.e5), there are some other very interesting choices for White that each have their specific advantages and disadvantages. GM Daniel Fernandez is an expert using the Caro Kann for his own repertoire so he knows which systems can cause trouble for Black. In this video course he explains the ins out of his favourite systems. In modern times it gets more and more important to have several ways to counter an opening as you might want to surprise your opponent or even use different lines for different players or time controls. This video course is helpful to find the system that's suits you best as White, but also for Caro-Kann players themselves as the author explains what are the best ways for Black to fight for equality. Having enjoyed the videos, you can practice your freshly acquired repertoire in the Opening trainer. This will make sure you remember the important lines - and you're well prepared to use them in your own games! • Video running time: 4 hours 03 min. • Extra: T raining with Ches sBase apps – Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various level   Including download & s tream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key  

The Caro-Kann Defence is very popular and as a 1.e4 player you definitely need a strong weapon against this solid and yet dangerous opening. Apart from todays hackneyed main lines (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 and 3.e5), there are some other very interesting choices for White that each have their specific advantages and disadvantages. GM Daniel Fernandez is an expert using the Caro Kann for his own repertoire so he knows which systems can cause trouble for Black. In this video course he explains the ins out of his favourite systems. In modern times it gets more and more important to have several ways to counter an opening as you might want to surprise your opponent or even use different lines for different players or time controls. This video course is helpful to find the system that's suits you best as White, but also for Caro-Kann players themselves as the author explains what are the best ways for Black to fight for equality. Having enjoyed the videos, you can practice your freshly acquired repertoire in the Opening trainer. This will make sure you remember the important lines - and you're well prepared to use them in your own games!   • Video running time: 4 hours 44 min. • Extra: T raining with Ches sBase apps – Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various level   Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key

Vol. 1: Panov and Two KnightsThe Caro-Kann Defence is very popular and as a 1.e4 player you definitely need a strong weapon against this solid and yet dangerous opening. Apart from todays hackneyed main lines (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 and 3.e5), there are some other very interesting choices for White that each have their specific advantages and disadvantages. GM Daniel Fernandez is an expert using the Caro Kann for his own repertoire so he knows which systems can cause trouble for Black. In this video course he explains the ins out of his favourite systems. In modern times it gets more and more important to have several ways to counter an opening as you might want to surprise your opponent or even use different lines for different players or time controls. This video course is helpful to find the system that's suits you best as White, but also for Caro-Kann players themselves as the author explains what are the best ways for Black to fight for equality. Having enjoyed the videos, you can practice your freshly acquired repertoire in the Opening trainer. This will make sure you remember the important lines - and you're well prepared to use them in your own games!   • Video running time: 4 hours 03 min. • Extra: T raining with Ches sBase apps – Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various level Vol. 2: 2.Nf3 d5 3.d3, 2.d4 d5 3.f3 The Caro-Kann Defence is very popular and as a 1.e4 player you definitely need a strong weapon against this solid and yet dangerous opening. Apart from todays hackneyed main lines (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 and 3.e5), there are some other very interesting choices for White that each have their specific advantages and disadvantages. GM Daniel Fernandez is an expert using the Caro Kann for his own repertoire so he knows which systems can cause trouble for Black. In this video course he explains the ins out of his favourite systems. In modern times it gets more and more important to have several ways to counter an opening as you might want to surprise your opponent or even use different lines for different players or time controls. This video course is helpful to find the system that's suits you best as White, but also for Caro-Kann players themselves as the author explains what are the best ways for Black to fight for equality. Having enjoyed the videos, you can practice your freshly acquired repertoire in the Opening trainer. This will make sure you remember the important lines - and you're well prepared to use them in your own games! • Video running time: 4 hours 44 min. • Extra: T raining with Ches sBase apps – Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various level   Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key

Grandmaster and „Blindfold King“ Timur Gareyev is known for his creative attacking chess. On his new DVD he recommends to play the Trompovsky (1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5): „Tap into your creative mind and start the game on a fresh note. The Trompovsky is an opening outside of conventional wisdom. Create challenges and make your opponent solve problems early on. This DVD expresses my passion for active play where time prevails over matter and where you have to be prepared to play gambits. We start with sacrificial style opening play, then we continue with more solid, positional structures. In the end I introduce you to creative ideas that will complement your explosive opening choice!“   • Video running time: 4 hours 36 min (English) • 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 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.

When you begin your journey of building an opening repertoire, how nice would it be to get a glimpse of what each opening looks like through the eyes of a super GM. It would help building your opening repertoire and understanding the vast world of chess openings. It is exactly with this thought that "A Supergrandmaster's Guide to Openings with Anish Giri" was made. This video course includes GM Anish Giri's deep insights and IM Sagar Shah's pertinent questions to the super GM. In Vol.1 all the openings after 1.e4 are covered. This includes the Ruy Lopez, Italian, Petroff, Scotch, French, Sicilian, Caro Kann, Pirc, Modern and much more. Along with explaining the nuances, each video also has a story, narrated by Anish, on the favourite game he played in that opening and his memories related to it. It is extremely valuable to hear the thoughts of a player who is currently considered one of the best opening experts in the world of chess. Getting this video course will elevate your knowledge of chess openings and will help you make informed decisions on how to go about building your opening repertoire. If you have always struggled with openings, this video course would be a perfect primer for the first phase of the game.   • Video running time: 3 h 19 min (English) • Extra: Training with ChessBase apps – Memorize the opening repertoire plus database with Games from Anish Giri   Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key

When you begin your journey of building an opening repertoire, how nice would it be to get a glimpse of what each opening looks like through the eyes of a super GM. It would help building your opening repertoire and understanding the vast world of chess openings. It is exactly with this thought that "A Supergrandmaster's Guide to Openings with Anish Giri" was made. This video course includes GM Anish Giri's deep insights and IM Sagar Shah's pertinent questions to the super GM. While Vol.1 dealt with 1.e4, Vol.2 has all the openings after 1.d4 as well as 1.c4 and sidelines are covered. This includes the Queen's Gambit Accepted, Queen's Gambit Declined, Slav, Nimzo Complex, London System, English Opening, 1.b3, Bird's opening and more. Along with explaining the nuances, each video also has a story, narrated by Anish, on the favourite game he played in that opening and his memories related to it. It is extremely valuable to hear the thoughts of a player who is currently considered one of the best opening experts in the world of chess. Getting this video course will elevate your knowledge of chess openings and will help you make informed decisions on how to go about building your opening repertoire. If you have always struggled with openings, this video course would be a perfect primer for the first phase of the game.   • Video running time 3 h 35 min (English) • Extra: Training with ChessBase apps – Memorize the opening repertoire plus database with Games from Anish Giri   Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key

When you begin your journey of building an opening repertoire, how nice would it be to get a glimpse of what each opening looks like through the eyes of a super GM. It would help building your opening repertoire and understanding the vast world of chess openings. It is exactly with this thought that "A Supergrandmaster's Guide to Openings with Anish Giri" was made. This video course includes GM Anish Giri's deep insights and IM Sagar Shah's pertinent questions to the super GM. In Vol.1 all the openings after 1.e4 are covered. This includes the Ruy Lopez, Italian, Petroff, Scotch, French, Sicilian, Caro Kann, Pirc, Modern and much more. Along with explaining the nuances, each video also has a story, narrated by Anish, on the favourite game he played in that opening and his memories related to it. It is extremely valuable to hear the thoughts of a player who is currently considered one of the best opening experts in the world of chess. Getting this video course will elevate your knowledge of chess openings and will help you make informed decisions on how to go about building your opening repertoire. If you have always struggled with openings, this video course would be a perfect primer for the first phase of the game.   • Video running time: 3 h 19 min (English) • Extra: Training with ChessBase apps – Memorize the opening repertoire plus database with Games from Anish Giri   Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key When you begin your journey of building an opening repertoire, how nice would it be to get a glimpse of what each opening looks like through the eyes of a super GM. It would help building your opening repertoire and understanding the vast world of chess openings. It is exactly with this thought that "A Supergrandmaster's Guide to Openings with Anish Giri" was made. This video course includes GM Anish Giri's deep insights and IM Sagar Shah's pertinent questions to the super GM. While Vol.1 dealt with 1.e4, Vol.2 has all the openings after 1.d4 as well as 1.c4 and sidelines are covered. This includes the Queen's Gambit Accepted, Queen's Gambit Declined, Slav, Nimzo Complex, London System, English Opening, 1.b3, Bird's opening and more. Along with explaining the nuances, each video also has a story, narrated by Anish, on the favourite game he played in that opening and his memories related to it. It is extremely valuable to hear the thoughts of a player who is currently considered one of the best opening experts in the world of chess. Getting this video course will elevate your knowledge of chess openings and will help you make informed decisions on how to go about building your opening repertoire. If you have always struggled with openings, this video course would be a perfect primer for the first phase of the game.   • Video running time 3 h 35 min (English) • Extra: Training with ChessBase apps – Memorize the opening repertoire plus database with Games from Anish Giri   Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc: can be unlocked with imprinted key

In order to understand openings properly, the middlegame should actually be studied first. Because all plans in the middlegame link directly to the ideas from the opening. Almost everything is hung up on pawnstructures. Therefore, IM Herman Grooten takes the club chess player by the hand to take a closer look at common middlegame structures. On this video course Grooten discusses the basic ideas for both White and Black of a typical structure that can arise from various opening variants. This is the so-called "hedgehog system" which is characterised by at least four black pawns on the sixth rank which we call the "spikes" of the hedgehog. Another essential aspect is that the exchange of a black c-pawn for a white d-pawn (as in the Sicilian) creates a position in which, partly due to c2-c4, a large space advantage is obtained by White. But that the "hedgehog" is viable will become clear in all the examples shown, as the author likes to use this system himself! • Video running time: 4 hours (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Model Games and Training with ChessBase apps - Play key pawn structures against Fritz on various levels

Open-, Half-Open Files and The Pawn Chain In this series it's all about strategy for club players, explained in a simple way with clear examples! The idea is to focus on certain themes using specific pawn structures. The central question is: how can the pieces be manoeuvred into good positions and what should we then consider? IM Herman Grooten will offer rules-of-thumb and concepts to give clubchess players the necessary guidance to try and find the right paths in their own games. In this two-part course the emphasis will be on typical pawn-structures, ones that appear quite often in games and that will be very recognisable to club-chess players. Hence, the topics "Open and half-open files" and "the pawn chain" will be covered extensively on this video course. • Video running time: 6 hours 30 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Model Games and Training with ChessBase apps - Play key pawn structures against Fritz on various levels  

The Isolated Queen's Pawn and The Passed Pawn A new production in the "Key Concepts of Chess" series. The idea is to focus on certain themes by means of specific pawn structures. The central question is: how can the pieces be manoeuvred into good positions and what should we then consider? IM Herman Grooten offers rules-of-thumb and concepts to give club-chess players the necessary guidance so that they can try to find the right paths in their own games. In this second part the emphasis will be on typical pawn structures that appear quite often in games, and that will be very recognizable for clubchess players. For example, on this video course the topics "the isolated queen pawn (IQP)" and "the passed-pawn in the middlegame" will be discussed in detail. Because the IQP can appear on the board in many opening variations, it is worthwhile to study. The fact that sometimes a passed-pawn can be invaluable and can cause an astonishing effect will be music to the ears of the club-chess player. • Video running time: 3 hours 40 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Model Games and Training with ChessBase apps - Play key pawn structures against Fritz on various levels

Bundle Offer : Herman Grooten: Key Concepts of Chess – Pawn Structures Vol. 1 + 2 Herman Grooten is an International Master from the Netherlands, a renowned trainer with over 35 years of experience and the author of several highly acclaimed books about chess training and chess strategy. Herman Grooten: Key Concepts of Chess – Pawn Structures Vol. 1 Open-, Half-Open Files and The Pawn Chain In this series it's all about strategy for club players, explained in a simple way with clear examples! The idea is to focus on certain themes using specific pawn structures. The central question is: how can the pieces be manoeuvred into good positions and what should we then consider? IM Herman Grooten will offer rules-of-thumb and concepts to give clubchess players the necessary guidance to try and find the right paths in their own games. In this two-part course the emphasis will be on typical pawn-structures, ones that appear quite often in games and that will be very recognisable to club-chess players. Hence, the topics "Open and half-open files" and "the pawn chain" will be covered extensively on this video course. • Video running time: 6 hours 30 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Model Games and Training with ChessBase apps - Play key pawn structures against Fritz on various levels Herman Grooten: Key Concepts of Chess – Pawn Structures Vol. 2 The Isolated Queen's Pawn and The Passed Pawn A new production in the "Key Concepts of Chess" series. The idea is to focus on certain themes by means of specific pawn structures. The central question is: how can the pieces be manoeuvred into good positions and what should we then consider? IM Herman Grooten offers rules-of-thumb and concepts to give club-chess players the necessary guidance so that they can try to find the right paths in their own games. In this second part the emphasis will be on typical pawn structures that appear quite often in games, and that will be very recognizable for clubchess players. For example, on this video course the topics "the isolated queen pawn (IQP)" and "the passed-pawn in the middlegame" will be discussed in detail. Because the IQP can appear on the board in many opening variations, it is worthwhile to study. The fact that sometimes a passed-pawn can be invaluable and can cause an astonishing effect will be music to the ears of the club-chess player. • Video running time: 3 hours 40 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Model Games and Training with ChessBase apps - Play key pawn structures against Fritz on various levels System requirements: Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows 7, DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 / 8 or 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVDROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

Bundle Offer : Herman Grooten: Key Concepts of Chess – Pawn Structures Vol. 1 + 2 Herman Grooten is an International Master from the Netherlands, a renowned trainer with over 35 years of experience and the author of several highly acclaimed books about chess training and chess strategy. Herman Grooten: Key Concepts of Chess – Pawn Structures Vol. 1 Open-, Half-Open Files and The Pawn Chain In this series it's all about strategy for club players, explained in a simple way with clear examples! The idea is to focus on certain themes using specific pawn structures. The central question is: how can the pieces be manoeuvred into good positions and what should we then consider? IM Herman Grooten will offer rules-of-thumb and concepts to give clubchess players the necessary guidance to try and find the right paths in their own games. In this two-part course the emphasis will be on typical pawn-structures, ones that appear quite often in games and that will be very recognisable to club-chess players. Hence, the topics "Open and half-open files" and "the pawn chain" will be covered extensively on this video course. • Video running time: 6 hours 30 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Model Games and Training with ChessBase apps - Play key pawn structures against Fritz on various levels Herman Grooten: Key Concepts of Chess – Pawn Structures Vol. 2 The Isolated Queen's Pawn and The Passed Pawn A new production in the "Key Concepts of Chess" series. The idea is to focus on certain themes by means of specific pawn structures. The central question is: how can the pieces be manoeuvred into good positions and what should we then consider? IM Herman Grooten offers rules-of-thumb and concepts to give club-chess players the necessary guidance so that they can try to find the right paths in their own games. In this second part the emphasis will be on typical pawn structures that appear quite often in games, and that will be very recognizable for clubchess players. For example, on this video course the topics "the isolated queen pawn (IQP)" and "the passed-pawn in the middlegame" will be discussed in detail. Because the IQP can appear on the board in many opening variations, it is worthwhile to study. The fact that sometimes a passed-pawn can be invaluable and can cause an astonishing effect will be music to the ears of the club-chess player. • Video running time: 3 hours 40 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Model Games and Training with ChessBase apps - Play key pawn structures against Fritz on various levels System requirements: Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows 7, DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 / 8 or 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVDROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

Advanced Tactics and Calculations are of utmost importance when it comes to improving your chess. How do you calculate long variations and where do you stop? When can you rely on intuition, and what methods are there to choose from? Tactics are taught early and lead to serious improvement when you learn themes like Pin, Double Attack, Fork etc. as a beginner. However, after a certain level, it is not so straightforward to simply work on tactics and improve. That's the reason we have recorded the Master Advanced Tactics and Calculations like a Super Grandmaster with GM Vidit Gujrathi. In this video course we use studies to present the different aspects of Advanced Tactics and Calculations. As Vidit navigates his way through the world of studies, you get to see a world class GM in action. When does he use brute force and calculation and when does he rely on his intuition - these are all the things that you get to learn from Vidit's video course. IM Sagar Shah sits along with Vidit and tries to break down the thinking of a Super GM in a way that it is easier for you to understand. If you decide to seriously work on the material presented here, you can be sure that you will become stronger at chess calculation. In addition, we have carefully selected 95 positions where you will be put to the test. Try to find the right solution by playing against Fritz. This practical training will make you ready for your own games. Detailed annotated solutions are provided that will help you to take your game to the next level. • Video running time: 5 hours 26 minutes • Extra: Additional database with 95 positions, Training with ChessBase apps - Play key positions against Fritz on various levels Including download & stream for iPad, tablet etc:can be unlocked with imprinted key System requirements: Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows 8.1, DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 / 8 or 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVDROM drive and internet connection for program activation.

The Caro Kann is a very tricky opening. Black’s play is based on controlling and fighting for key light squares. It is a line which was very fashionable in late 90s and early 2000s due to the successes of greats like Karpov, Anand, Dreev etc. Recently due to strong engines lot of key developments have been made and some new lines have been introduced, while others have been refuted altogether. I have analyzed the new trends carefully and found some new ideas for Black. The dynamic play based on a strong strategic foundation has always fascinated me, and in these DVDs I have suggested the lines which I personally prefer and employ in practice. Recently at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships at Qatar I used many of them with great success, managing to score important wins over top GMsVachier Lagrave, Radjabov, Jobava and drawing against Vishy Anand. I am sure you will learn a lot about the opening and will enjoy the battle for the light squares. Main Line 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 5.Ng3 Bg6 Panov Attack 3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4 Nf6 Fantasy Variation 3.f3 King’s Indian Attack 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Exchange Variation 3.exd5 cxd5 Two Knight’s 2.Nc3 d5 3.Nf3 Nf6 • Video running time: 4 h 31 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Exclusive database with analysis by the author and an extra 50 model 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 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.

The Caro Kann is a very tricky opening. Black’s play is based on controlling and fighting for key light squares. It is a line which was very fashionable in late 90s and early 2000s due to the successes of greats like Karpov, Anand, Dreev etc. Recently due to strong engines lot of key developments have been made and some new lines have been introduced, while others have been refuted altogether. I have analyzed the new trends carefully and found some new ideas for Black. The dynamic play based on a strong strategic foundation has always fascinated me, and in these DVDs I have suggested the lines which I personally prefer and employ in practice. Recently at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships at Qatar I used many of them with great success, managing to score important wins over top GMsVachier Lagrave, Radjabov, Jobava and drawing against Vishy Anand. I am sure you will learn a lot about the opening and will enjoy the battle for the light squares. Aggressive Setup with 4.Nc3 e6 5.g4 Trendy Line 4.h4 Side Lines 4.Nd2/4.Be3 Main Line 4.Nf3 e6 5.Be2 c5 • Video running time: 3 h 48 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Exclusive database with analysis by the author and 50 model 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 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.

The Caro Kann is a very tricky opening. Black’s play is based on controlling and fighting for key light squares. It is a line which was very fashionable in late 90s and early 2000s due to the successes of greats like Karpov, Anand, Dreev etc. Recently due to strong engines lot of key developments have been made and some new lines have been introduced, while others have been refuted altogether. I have analyzed the new trends carefully and found some new ideas for Black. The dynamic play based on a strong strategic foundation has always fascinated me, and in these DVDs I have suggested the lines which I personally prefer and employ in practice. Recently at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships at Qatar I used many of them with great success, managing to score important wins over top GMsVachier Lagrave, Radjabov, Jobava and drawing against Vishy Anand. I am sure you will learn a lot about the opening and will enjoy the battle for the light squares. Vol. 1:Main Line 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 5.Ng3 Bg6 Panov Attack 3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4 Nf6 Fantasy Variation 3.f3 King’s Indian Attack 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Exchange Variation 3.exd5 cxd5 Two Knight’s 2.Nc3 d5 3.Nf3 Nf6Vol. 2:Aggressive Setup with 4.Nc3 e6 5.g4 Trendy Line 4.h4 Side Lines 4.Nd2/4.Be3 Main Line 4.Nf3 e6 5.Be2 c5 • Video running time: 4 h 31 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Exclusive database with analysis by the author and an extra 50 model 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 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.