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Semi-Open Games

If after 1.e4 Black does not play 1...e5, then we have the Semi-open Openings. These include the Sicilian (1...c5) which is probably the most popular opening of all nowadays. But there is also a large fan-base for the French (1...e6) and the Caro-Kann (1...c6). In addition, this group of openings also contains some very modern systems such as the Alekhine Defence (1...Nf6), the Scandinavian Defence (1...d5) and the Pirc Defence (1...d6 or 1...g6).

Sublines:

Published by ChessBase

A Supergrandmaster's Guide to Openings Vol.1: 1.e4
A Supergrandmaster's Guide to Openings Vol.1: 1.e4
This video course includes GM Anish Giri's deep insights and IM Sagar Shah's pertinent questions to the super GM. In Vol.1 all the openings after 1.e4 are covered.
by Anish Giri
€49.90
How to play the Najdorf
How to play the Najdorf
Between 2004 and 2007 the 13th World Champion Garry Kasparov recorded a large 3-volume Najdorf video course. ChessBase is publishing this great classic in a complete edition in the current ChessBase Media format. Look forward to this classic of chess!
by Garry Kasparov
€49.90
The Sharp Scandinavian with 3...Qd6
The Sharp Scandinavian with 3...Qd6
„Easy to learn and easy to play.“ These are the twin pillars on which the Modern Scandinavian has been built and which club players have trusted and profited from over the past few decades. Here we focus on the sharp 3...Qd6.
by Andrew Martin
€32.90
The Alekhine revitalised
The Alekhine revitalised
In this video course Christian Bauer explains the ins & outs of this surprise weapon so that you can add it into your repertoire.
by Christian Bauer
€32.90
Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal! Part 1-3
Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal! Part 1-3
In this first part, the emphasis is on themes and ideas whereas Part 2 and 3 focus on theoretical knowledge!
by Chris Ward
€79.90
Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal! Part 2
Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal! Part 2
Now it’s time to delve into the theory that has shaped this exciting opening over the years. From reasons why once popular variations are no more to coverage of the more modern systems currently deployed by the World’s elite, this two-parter has it all!
by Chris Ward
€29.90
Top Choice Repertoire: Play the French Defence Vol.1 & 2
Top Choice Repertoire: Play the French Defence Vol.1 & 2
In this two-volume video course former world-champion and startrainer Rustam Kasimdzhanov shows you the ins and outs of this hugely complex opening.
by Rustam Kasimdzhanov
€54.90
Top Choice Repertoire: Play the French Defence Vol.2
Top Choice Repertoire: Play the French Defence Vol.2
In this two-volume video course former world-champion and startrainer Rustam Kasimdzhanov shows you the ins and outs of this hugely complex opening.
by Rustam Kasimdzhanov
€29.90
Top Choice Repertoire: Play the French Defence Vol.1
Top Choice Repertoire: Play the French Defence Vol.1
In this two-volume video course former world-champion and startrainer Rustam Kasimdzhanov shows you the ins and outs of this hugely complex opening.
by Rustam Kasimdzhanov
€29.90
Attacking the Taimanov with g4 in 60 Minutes
Attacking the Taimanov with g4 in 60 Minutes
In this 60-minute video course you will learn how to anticipate Black's developing schemes, and you will become acquainted with typical sacrifices that white can use to gain a powerful initiative.
by Sipke Ernst
€9.90
The smooth Scandinavian Defence with 3...Qd8
The smooth Scandinavian Defence with 3...Qd8
This video course offers you a complete Black repertoire with 1.e4 d5. Covering all the critical attempts for White to punish Black’s provocative approach, as well as all the relevant minor options on move 2 and 3 for White.
by Robert Ris
€29.90
The Hippopotamus system of defence
The Hippopotamus system of defence
What is the Hippopotamus system of defence? The idea is that, at the beginning of the game, Black develops within his own first three ranks. He constructs a solid, flexible and hopefully stable position, awaiting events. At the right moment, he will strik
by Andrew Martin
€29.90
The complete Sniper
The complete Sniper
The Sniper is a universal opening framework which can be played against all main first white moves - 1.e4, 1.d4, 1.c4, 1.f4 and 1.Nf3. Black plays 1…g6, 2…Bg7 and 3…c5 against practically anything!
by Charlie Storey
€54.90
The Shining Sveshnikov Sicilian
The Shining Sveshnikov Sicilian
Always wanted to play like a World Champion? Search no further! With Magnus Carlsen using the Sveshnikov variation as his weapon of choice in the World Championship match against Fabiano Caruana, this DVD could not be better timed.
by Erwin l'Ami
€29.90
The surprising Sicilian - Shock your opponent with an early ...Qb6
The surprising Sicilian - Shock your opponent with an early ...Qb6
The Kveinys Variation : 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 e6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 Qb6! is surprisingly little-played, yet gives Black excellent chances and on this new ChessBase DVD, Andrew Martin explains how the system works.
by Andrew Martin
€29.90
A solid Scandinavian Surprise
A solid Scandinavian Surprise
Accompany FIDE Senior Trainer and IM Andrew Martin on this 60 mins video. You can learn a new opening system in 60 mins and start to play it with confidence on the very same day!
by Andrew Martin
€9.90
Nimzowitsch Defence 1.e4 Nc6
Nimzowitsch Defence 1.e4 Nc6
Andrew Martin maps out an aggressive repertoire for Black, which is ideal for the club player. Few below the rating of 2000 will know what to do against 1..Nc6 and could easily get into a disasterous mess right out of the opening.
by Andrew Martin
€29.90
The Classical French - Main Line
The Classical French - Main Line
After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. Be3, the author takes a detailed look at a daring line with 7... cxd4 8. Nd4 Qb6, as well as the quieter plans with 7...cxd4 8. Nd4 Bc5, and the main line with 7... a6 and b5.
by Rustam Kasimdzhanov
€29.90
A dangerous Anti-Sicilian: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.g3!
A dangerous Anti-Sicilian: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.g3!
Play like Carlsen, avoid theory but without being passive or losing the initiative.
by Andrew Martin
€9.90
Beating the French according to Kupreichik
Beating the French according to Kupreichik
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Be3!?. Andrew Martin uses the games of Kupreichik to show why this line could catch many French aficionados unprepared and is very dangerous for Black.
by Andrew Martin
€9.90
The new McCutcheon
The new McCutcheon
Opening expert and former World Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov shows you the secrets in the McCutcheon (3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Bb4). He shows why Bd2 is no longer the main line and which continuation will be the theory of tomorrow.
by Rustam Kasimdzhanov
€29.90
The Sicilian Tajmanov-Scheveningen
The Sicilian Tajmanov-Scheveningen
The Sicilian has been known for decades as the most reliable way for Black to obtain an unbalanced but good position. Among the most popular Sicilians at the top level the two that certainly stand out are the Najdorf and the Paulsen.
by Alejandro Ramirez
€29.90
Power Play 21: A repertoire for black against the Anti-Sicilians
Power Play 21: A repertoire for black against the Anti-Sicilians
Accept the Morra Gambit with confidence. Tame the Grand Prix Attack. Put fear into the heart of every tedious 2 c3 player. You can make 1...c5 a dangerous weapon whether it’s an open or closed Sicilian.
by Daniel King
€29.90
New ideas in the Najdorf
New ideas in the Najdorf
Such a dynamic and popular opening as the Najdorf is developing the whole time. On this download, Daniel King updates lines that were included on his DVD but also responds to viewers’ requests, considering lines that he omitted from his original repertoir
by Daniel King
€9.90
The Sicilian Dragon Vol. 2: All Lines except 9.Bc4
The Sicilian Dragon Vol. 2: All Lines except 9.Bc4
The Dragon is one of Black’s most daring openings, leading to fascinating positions with opposite castling and strong mutual attacks. This DVD provides a complete and up to date repertoire to help Black to score with the Dragon.
by GM Peter Heine Nielsen
€29.90
How to play the Sicilian Defence!
How to play the Sicilian Defence!
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.
by Elisabeth Pähtz
€27.90
The French Defence for the Tournament Player
The French Defence for the Tournament Player
This French Defence DVD is a complete attacking opening repertoire for black after 1.e4 e6. GM Nick Pert has played the French defence his whole life and provides all his la test and most up to date analysis crammed into 1 DVD.
by Nicholas Pert
€29.90
Power Play 19: Attack with 1.e4 - Part 2
Power Play 19: Attack with 1.e4 - Part 2
Finally clear attacking plans against the Scandinavian, Pirc, Alekhine & Co! Let Daniel King show you how to pressurize these openings right from the start, forcing your opponents into mistakes.
by Daniel King
€29.90
1.e4 - How to tame the Alekhine, Scandinavian and Pirc
1.e4 - How to tame the Alekhine, Scandinavian and Pirc
On this DVD, Victor Bologan shows how to successfully combat the Pirc, Alekhine and Scandinavian Defences with a complete opening repertoire. As ever, Bologan recommends the main lines.
by Victor Bologan
€29.90
Power Play 18: The Sicilian Najdorf – a repertoire for Black
Power Play 18: The Sicilian Najdorf – a repertoire for Black
Learn the opening of the masters from the world’s most popular master trainer! Daniel King shows you a rock-solid and powerful Najdorf repertoire.
by Daniel King
€29.90
Power Play 17 - Attack with 1.e4
€29.99
Fascinated by the French Winawer
€9.90
Fit for the French
Fit for the French
My complete White Repertoire
by Victor Bologan
€29.90
The Sicilian Rossolimo for White
€27.50
The Fighting Philidor
The Fighting Philidor
by Victor Bologan
€27.50
Sicilian Najdorf 6.Bg5
Sicilian Najdorf 6.Bg5
by Alexei Shirov
€32.90
1.e4 Repertoire
1.e4 Repertoire
by Sam Collins
€27.50
The Caro-Kann
The Caro-Kann
by Victor Bologan
€27.50
The Sicilian with 3.Bb5
The Sicilian with 3.Bb5
by Alexei Shirov
€32.90
My best games in the Sveshnikov
€29.99
My best games in the Najdorf
My best games in the Najdorf
The genius from Riga presents and explains his best games
by Alexei Shirov
€29.99
My best games in the Sicilian
My best games in the Sicilian
A peronal selection combining highest chess quality with aesthetic pleasure.
by Alexei Shirov
€29.99