The English opening is consistent enough to offer no lesser chances for an advantage (or just adequate play in positions one masters well) than 1.e4 and 1.d4, but also very flexible, allowing White to put the focus on understanding instead of concrete analysis, a common syndrome today. The practically unlimited flexibility of this opening has allowed me to examine different variations for White than in my earlier book trilogy on this opening published at Quality Chess against roughly 75% of Black’s systems. This is especially visible from an early stage after 1...e5 while in other systems the deviation from the book lines occurs a few moves later (for instance after 1...e6). In those lines where I had to stick to the book recommendations I have made the due updates.
The first DVD includes the systems 1...e5, the Dutch and Indian setups.
The “Reversed Sicilian” arising after 1...e5 is one of the main challenges for White. But his extra tempo is likely to offer him at least the slightly more pleasant position even after Black’s best play. The Dutch poses no problems if White intends to keep play within English territory. The King’s Indian is more challenging from this point of view and I usually transpose to the fianchetto system with d2-d4. But in the videos I have examined a double fianchetto move order, which is also entirely sound.
• Video running time: 7 h 13 min
• Extra: extended analysis file with model games
• With ChessBase Reader 2017
Marin's English Love - A complete repertoire for White after 1.c4 Vol.2
1...c5, 1...c6 and 1...e6
For many great players from different generations the English opening has been a logical complement to 1.d4. By delaying the advance of the d-pawn White can avoid certain popular defences such as the Nimzoindian or the Grünfeld, to return to the 1.d4 paths a few moves later. But White can go further and build up a purely English repertoire, based on 1.c4 and 2.g3, which is the aim of these two DVDs. There are a few move orders or systems (most typically the King’s Indian) where White’s objectively best idea might be transposing to 1.d4 anyway (which I frequently do in my games) but while mentioning this in all relevant cases I have analyzed genuine English systems, leading to interesting play.
The English opening is consistent enough to offer no lesser chances for an advantage (or just adequate play in positions one masters well) than 1.e4 and 1.d4, but also very flexible, allowing White to put the focus on understanding instead of concrete analysis, a common syndrome today. The practically unlimited flexibility of this opening has allowed me to examine different variations for White than in my earlier book trilogy on this opening published at Quality Chess against roughly 75% of Black’s systems. This is especially visible from an early stage after 1...e5 while in other systems the deviation from the book lines occurs a few moves later (for instance after 1...e6). In those lines where I had to stick to the book recommendations I have made the due updates.
The second DVD includes the systems with 1...c5, 1...c6 and 1...e6.
Even though the so called Symmetrical English main tabiya arising after four moves is perfectly symmetrical indeed, play remains rich in possibilities and White’s extra tempo allows him to maintain at least some light middlegame pressure. The Slav and Queen’s Gambit setups are very sound strategically, as they challenge White in the fight for the d5-square and the light squares in general. In both cases the best plan for White is to ignore the threat ...dxc4 and to refrain from making efforts to retrieve the pawn at once.
• Video running time: 6 h 37 min
• Extra: extended analysis file with model games
• With ChessBase Reader 2017
The English Opening - Tactic and Strategy Toolbox
Widely regarded as a positional opening, the English essentially features a tight connection between strategy and tactics or, as an even more fateful description, between statics and dynamics.
Play starts in a slow mode, indeed, with White trying to set up a control over the light squares with the help of his mighty bishop on g2, but later a crucial moment inevitably arises when concrete decisions are needed to crown his previous strategic play. Depending on the situation, this may be an unexpected combination, switching to dynamic play or to an apparently different plan. But a well conducted English opening game ideally looks like a harmonious whole, with strategy and tactics as two facets of the same truth. The tests included on this DVD are aimed at explaining all these aspects, actively involving the viewer into the process. While the material is structured according to general patterns and structures, the character of the solutions (tactical or strategic, for instance) varies depending on the concrete circumstances in each example. This DVD is a good way to refresh your repertoire as well as to start with the English and get an idea of how to play the opening without learning tons of theory. • Video running time: 5 hours 30 min (English) • With interactive training including video feedback • Extra: Database with further examples
