ChessBase Reviews

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CDs, DVDs, Software Part 45

A Modern Way to Play the King's Indian by Dejan Bojkov

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.

Chess Expertise Step by Step
Step 1: Unexpected Tactics by Efstratios Grivas

Tactics in chess are sequences of moves which limit the opponent’s options and may result in a tangible gain by force. They are usually contrasted with strategy, in which advantages take longer to be realised and where the opponent is less constrained in his choice of reply. Tactics are an essential part of chess, since even purely positional games may contain certain moments where one cannot do without sharp calculations.

The fundamental building blocks of tactics are forks, skewers, batteries, discovered attacks, undermining, overloading, deflection, pins and interference. This DVD covers important sections of this field and helps to understand in depth the proper handling of (unexpected) tactics in certain cases. We will examine how to achieve (or to avoid) mate on the back rank, the strength of the ‘dancing’ knights, how to sac the queen near the opposing king, how to march with the king, how to use efficiently the f4-break and finally how to make sacrifices to gain the initiative. As Nigel Short once said, ‘Modern chess is too much concerned with things like pawn structure. Forget it - checkmate ends the game!’.

Tactics from Basics to Brilliance by Valeri Lilov

Tactics! This is what you need to become a really good player fast! Using his innovative approach to teaching tactics, FM Valeri Lilov provides a comprehensive review of the most important themes concerning tactics. Tactical motifs, themes, and techniques are among the core concepts explained in the present DVD. Furthermore, this DVD, focusing on tactics theory and combinational thinking, will enhance your tactical vision and abilities by teaching pattern recognition, the assessment of positions, calculation techniques, combinational themes and ideas, as well much more.

The over-extended pawn, x-ray, and piece overloading are only a few of the many tactical motifs which FM Valeri Lilov demonstrates through spectacular masterpieces, leaving lasting impression in the viewer’s mind. FM Valeri Lilov goes beyond teaching plain theory and will show you his most effective tactical techniques to enable you to master the magical world of chess combinations! Video running time: 5 hours 30 min.

The Queen's Gambit Declined by Andrew Martin

The Queens Gambit Declined, Orthodox Variation is an opening choice for Black which will never be refuted. It perhaps has an unjust reputation of being solid and passive, but this all-new ChessBase DVD will challenge that perception. Basing his Black repertoire on the Cambridge Springs variation, Andrew Martin takes you on a tour of classic games, showing how Black may conveniently sidestep the dangerous lines with Bf4, whilst retaining good chances and providing comprehensive coverage of the lines where White captures early on d5.

This is a repertoire which will suit all levels of player. Video running time: 4 hours 23 min.