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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.

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

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.