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.

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.

Die Flankeneröffnungen sind das Thema im fünften Band unserer Eröffnungstutorials. Den Anfang macht die Englische Eröffnung 1.c4. Antwortet Schwarz in traditioneller Manier mit 1...e5, entsteht Sizilianisch im Anzug. Vier Videos haben wir den verschiedenen Systemen gewidmet, Klaus Bischoff begleitet Sie u. a. durch die Drachenvariante mit vertauschten Farben, das Englische Vierspringerspiel und das Botwinnik-System. Anschließend geht es weiter mit dem Symmetrischen Englisch 1.c4 c5. Natürlich kann man allein über diese Stellung Bücher schreiben, und dies ist ja auch schon getan worden. Uns liegt vor allem etwas daran, einen ersten Überblick zu vermitteln, und dies hat der Slowakische Großmeister Lubomir Ftacnik in drei Videos übernommen. Abschließend zeigt Ihnen der englische Großmeister Daniel King in zwei Videos Systeme, in denen Schwarz von ...c5 und ...e5 erst einmal Abstand nimmt und andere Wege einschlägt. Dann ist wieder Lubomir Ftacnik an der Reihe, der Ihnen die Ideen Rétis näherbringt. In vier Videos zeigt er einen Querschnitt aus dieser inhalts- und ideenreichen Eröffnung, die der Klassiker der Flankenspiele ist. Danach folgen zwei Videos von Daniel King zum Königsindischen Angriff. Zwar ist dieses System, das sowohl über 1.Sf3 ,wie auch über 1.e4 erreicht werden kann mehr eine Universal als eine Flankeneröffnung, doch passte es konzeptionell eben am besten in diesen Band. Gleiches gilt für die Holländische Verteidigung. IM Martin Breutigam bietet Ihnen in drei Videos einen Überblick zum Leningrader System, zum Stonewall und zum klassischen Holländisch an. Den Abschluss bilden dann Eröffnungen, die nicht mehr zu den Hauptschauplätzen der Eröffnungstheorie gehören, die aber nichtsdestoweniger Spaß am Brett machen und auch wirklich mal einen Gegner überraschen können. Da wären die Bird-Eröffnung (1.f4 oder Holländisch im Anzug), das Larsen System (1.b3) und die Sokolsky-Eröffnung (1.b4). Der extravagante Springer-Tango, die Van-Geet- Eröffnung (1.Sc3), Grobs Angriff (1.g4) und die Englische Verteidigung. Gehen Sie am besten unvoreingenommen an die Sache heran, und lassen Sie sich überraschen und inspirieren. Präsentiert werden diese Eröffnungen von WGM Elisabeth Pähtz, Martin Breutigam und Klaus Bischoff.   Das Begleitheft bietet in verkürzter Form einen Überblick über die Eröffnungen. Außerdem enthält die DVD eine Datenbank mit 100 berühmten Partien, passend zum vorgestellten Eröffnungsgebiet.   Systemvorraussetzungen PC mit Windows 8, 7, Vista order Windows XP (Service Pack3), Windows Media Player und DVD-Laufwerk.        

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 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

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 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

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.

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

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.

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

Sam Collins   1.e4 Repertoire   Grandmaster lines explained for club players – Constructing an opening repertoire is one of the chess player’s most difficult and time-consuming tasks. Turned off by masses of theory, many players shy away from critical lines and concentrate on trappy lines, ‘universal’ systems, or variations which concede the advantage of the first move in order to get a playable position. In this DVD, Sam Collins offers another way. Discussing sound, aggressive lines, all with regular top-level support from GMs Tiviakov, Howell, Pavasovic and others, Collins breaks down each position into its key components and explains the core plans and ideas, together with enough theory to avoid any accidents and catch your opponents by surprise. With over 8 hours of top-class instruction, he helps lay the foundation for a repertoire to last for your whole chess career.   The repertoire contains e.g. following recommendations:2. c3 against the Sicilian, Italian 4.c3 (5.d3) against Open Game, Tarrasch against the French, Panov Attack against the Caro-Kann, all in all 52 (!) lessons and about 8 hours video running time.   Sam Collins is an International Master from Ireland who made a GM norm in 2008. He has represented his country at five Olympiads, winning a gold medal at Bled in 2002. He is the author of several bestselling opening books and is a regular columnist in chess periodicals. As a coach, he has lectured national junior squads and taught the master class at the renowned Berkeley Chess School. He is a former Irish champion and the reigning champion of Japan.   System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

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

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

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

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

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