The Sicilian Defense is an old but nevertheless very modern opening. The continuous stream of new ideas in the Sicilian makes 1..c5 the most popular answer to 1.e4. On this DVD I do give an introduction to the most important Sicilian systems. However, the focus lies not on memorizing variations. Instead, I present some of my own games to show typical plans and strategies and to indicate typical and important tactical motifs, which can be used in various systems. The DVD is divided into three parts. In the first part I annotate six illustrative games from my own practice, which provide a good overview about the various possibilities to play and to attack with both colours. The second part is based upon the first and contains a number of exercises. The third part finally reveals a number of typical opening traps for those who like a little bit of theory . Knowing these traps helps you to avoid catastrophes in the Sicilian and might allow you to score an occasional quick win yourself.

Grandmaster Harshit Raja, India’s 69th GM, has created a practical and powerful 1.e4 repertoire - perfect for players who want to play aggressively without drowning in opening theory. Whether you’re playing online or over-the-board, this course gives you solid attacking weapons that are easy to learn, fun to play, and difficult for opponents to face. 

Free sample video: Introduction

Free sample video: Scandinavian Defence

Boris Spassky is considered by many to be the most talented of all world champions. The great chess talent of the nine-year-old Spassky was discovered at the local Pioneer Palace (St. Petersburg) and encouraged by coaches such as Vladimir Zak. In 1953, the World Chess Federation named the 16-year-old an International Master, and in 1955 a Grand Master, after Spassky had achieved 2nd to 6th place in the USSR Championship and won the World Youth Championship U20. In 1964 he qualified for the Candidates Tournament in the Interzonal Tournament and became the challenger to World Champion Petrosian in 1966. However, Spassky was only able to defeat him at the second attempt in 1969 and thus became the 10th world chess champion. In 1972, Spassky had to defend his title in a nerve-wracking match against Bobby Fischer. With great patience, Spassky endured all of his challenger’s antics, but lost the match and the title. In 1976, Boris Spassky emigrated to France with his wife and lived in Paris for a long time. He only returned to Russia in later years. In the 1974, 1977 and 1980 World Championship cycles, Spassky again took part in the candidate matches, but was no longer able to qualify as a challenger. In 1992, there was a sensational rematch against Bobby Fischer in Yugoslavia, which Spassky also lost. At his best, Boris Spassky cultivated a rousing attacking style, with a preference for aggressive openings such as the King’s Gambit. But he also played the other phases of the game like a world champion. .

Free video sample: Openings Intro by Dorian Rogozenco

Free video sample: Endgames Intro by Karsten Müller

Every game begins with the opening - and even sometimes ends there! That doesn't have to be the case. With the ChessBase tutorials, you can rapidly get up to speed. "Openings Vol. 1: Open Games (1.e4 e5)" is the first part of a five-volume series on the basics of chess openings. Here you will learn from experienced coaches and experts just what you absolutely need to know about the individual areas, which basic plans are followed, how to play them and what pitfalls to watch out for. In 23 video lessons you will learn everything you need to know about the King's Gambit, the Vienna Game, the Italian, the Evans Gambit, the two-knight game, the Scottish, the Steinitz and Berlin defences, the Open Spanish or the exchange variation, Marshall, Philidor and Russian and much more.