ChessBase Reviews

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CDs, DVDs, Software Part 51

English 1.c4 c5 for Black By Viktor Bologan

When White doesn’t want to get involved into tons of theory, when he thinks that he is better than his opponent and can outplay him in a long game, then he uses 1.c4, the opening called English.

From the basic principles of chess two moves are ok for Black - 1...e5 and 1...c5, since both are aimed to control the centre. On this DVD Bologan recommends 1...c5 with very strict prescriptions on what to do on different White move orders.

This discipline will help Black to have more clear ideas and plans against the White “playing mood”.

14 years ago Bologan started to play 1...c5 and until now he likes this move thanks to the rich type of positions arising after it, thanks to the aggressive and comfortable setups Black can get against the English Opening. “1...c5 is the best for Black!”

Video running time: 3 hours 41 min.

System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard.

Attacking the Semi-Slav with g3 By Robert Ris

The Semi-Slav with 5.g3 offers White a simple but dangerous weapon to fight one of Black's most popular options against 1.d4.

Rather than emphasising on the loads of theory, the 60 min DVD thoroughly explains typical plans for White to develop his pieces effectively while keeping an eye on tactical traps.

The first part features a comprehensive overview on setups where Black declines the challenge by not taking on c4. The second part shows how to successfully deal with the sharp variations after ...dxc4.

All in all it should be understood that by approaching the Semi-Slav in Catalan style, White has all the chances to play for the initiative from the very beginning. Let your bishop on g2 do the job!

System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, mouse, soundcard.

Fighting the Grünfeld Defence with g3 By Adrian Mikhalchishin

The Grünfeld Defence was invented by the famous Austrian Grandmaster Ernst Grünfeld in the early twenties of the last century.

One of the first reactions to it came from the great Akiba Rubinstein - the g3 system, fianchettoing the bishop to g2.

After that many systems were tried to refute the Grünfeld and nothing really worked. So, Rubinstein's recipe remains a very important positional approach against this dynamic opening.

System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, mouse, soundcard.

Play it Safe, Play the Petroff By Valeri Lilov

This DVD is dedicated to one of the most solid openings in modern chess theory - the Petroff Defence.

The opening owes its popularity to such players as Anand, Kramnik, and Gelfand, who frequently employ it against opponents of all levels.

Many new ideas and in-depth analysis are introduced, some of them even reach into the endgame. But that’s an inevitable part of studying the Petroff Defence - precision until the very end is required from the player who has the black pieces.

The DVD covers all the main lines and most of the sub-variations and provides a solid background for players of any strength who are willing to study this opening. Video running time: 4 hours 37 min.

System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard.

Never Too Late for the Nimzo-Indian By Viktor Bologan

Bologan’s way to the Nimzo-Indian was very long and difficult. Which he now regrets a lot: “I would better start it when I was young. First I played only the King’s Indian against 1.d4, later I learned Black’s Knights Tango, which already had some elements of the Nimzo-Indian and only in the new millenium I included the Nimzo Indian into my repertoire.” This period coincided with the period of winning the Dortmund 2003 tournament, when he managed to hold with Black against Vladimir Kramnik in the decisive last round in a Nimzo with 4.Qc2.

The Moldavian grandmaster recommends the Nimzo-Indian to players of all levels, because it’s complex and simple at the same time. It teaches one very important thing in chess - how to play with the knight against a bishop.

The Nimzo- Indian therefore has the same importance as the Ruy Lopez after 1.e4. This DVD is aimed to give Black a clear idea what to do against 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 which is considered the strongest move order by White. Video running time: 4 hours 14 min.

System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard.

Chess for Novices Vol. 1 by Sabrina Chevannes

This DVD is for anyone who knows the rules of chess but would like to be able to improve their game with some specific tactics and strategies. It builds on the basic principles of chess that should have already been learnt. However, there is also an introductory chapter for those that may have gaps in this part of their foundation. The main part of the DVD is split into four chapters:

Opening – The general principles of the opening are discussed here. No specific opening repertoire is suggested but a guide of how to tackle any opening and come through the first stage of the game in a better position.

Middlegame – Some basic tactical devices are introduced such as the pin, fork, skewer and discovered attack. These devices are used throughout the levels of chess and even top grandmaster games are won from a basic device as these.

Ending – The basic checkmating technique of the most common endings that occur in novice games are instructed here. These techniques are essential to master before continuing with more complex checkmates.

Test – The DVD finishes with a test chapter which consists of 20 exercises based on the information discussed throughout the DVD. Each exercise allows time for you to pause and calculate the answer before the answer is discussed.

This DVD is a must for anyone who wants to improve their game, whether they are a junior or an adult. It can be for those who have just learnt the moves or for those who have played for some time but want to consolidate their knowledge. Video running time: 4 hours 15 min.

System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard.