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          Chess CD's

ChessBase Magazine issue 203
September/ October 2021
ChessBase
 http://www.chessbase.com
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ISSN 1432-8992
Euro 19.95
System requirements:
Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows Vista, XP (Service Pack 3), DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 12/Fritz 13 or included Reader and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better




The main file of this DVD is good for 1218 entries and that are all the games of  the Fide World Cup 2021,and where 31 of them are more than excellent analysed.
A fine example of this all is : Karjakin,Sergey (2757) - Fedoseev,Vladimir1 (2696) [C92]
FIDE World Cup Krasnaya Polyana (7.2), 02.08.2021
[Giri,Anish]
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 0-0 9.h3 Bb7 Fedoseev sticks to the complex and rich Zaytsev variation that he had played previously in the event as well. There are more solid options available for the second game of the mini-match, but Vladimir stays true to his uncompromising style and is inviting a fight.
 10.d4 Re8 11.Nbd2 Bf8 The main idea of the whole Zaytsev variation is to prevent the desired Nf1-Ng3 regroup and thus hinder the development of the c1 bishop. 12.a3 This subtle move order is not new. White is waiting to see what Black has to say and prepares Bc1 followed by Nf1, now that the b4 square is taken under control and exd4 cxd4 Nb4 will not be an issue. At the same time, compared to starting with Bc2, White is keeping his options open and may go for Ba2!? instead. 12...h6 An alternative is 12...g6!?, but this is the main move.
 13.Bc2 now White is ready for the Nf1-Ng3 manoeuvre and Black has to address that. 13...d5!? Instead, the main move is the Breyer-style 13...Nb8!?, which would prevent Nf1. White then usually develops his c1 bishop to b2 after b3 or b4 and we get a long slow game. Vladimir shows, once again, that he wants to steer the game towards more complex positions. The central pawn break is not new either and has been played, by amongst others Vidit, who certainly wouldn't play a messy move like that without doing his homework, either.
 14.dxe5 White has to clarify the situation in the centre. 14...Nxe5 15.Nxe5 Rxe5 16.Nf3 Re8 Sacrificing the exchange on e4 has been tried a couple of times, but it is probably not fully sound. 17.e5 Ne4 Now we get an interesting pawn structure, reminscent of the Open Spanish variation. Both players seemed to be well prepared so far. 18.Bf4 c5 19.a4 f5 The main-move, following Oparin-Morozevich 2015 and the more recent Tari-Vidit 2018. Now suddenly Sergey went into deep thought.
 20.h4!? An interesting new move, probably improvised. Tari-Vidit went down the more forcing path with 20.Nd2 Qh4!. 20...Be7 21.h5 White grabs some squares and would get a dominating position, if he were to send the f3 knight miraculously towards the g6 square. This should have been a warning signal for Fedoseev, but he erred quickly. 21...Rf8? This allows a painful shot. A huge mistake, that pretty much costs Vladimir the game. Not surprising, as a position as strategically complex as this one, doesn't give too much room for mistakes. Live by the sword, die by the sword. [21...Qb6!? was stronger, taking control of the e6 square and intending Rad8 next.] 22.axb5 A good inclusion, getting rid of some irrelevant pieces. 22...axb5 23.Rxa8 Bxa8 24.e6! Clearing the path for the much desired Ne5-Ng6 and to make matters worse, the rook on f8 now will come under a tempo. Black is in deep trouble and he doesn't manage to create a fight any longer. 24...Re8 25.Ne5! Sending the knight to g6. The e6 pawn will be indirectly protected. 25...Bg5 26.Ng6! The knight is brilliantly positioned here. f2-f3 is now a possibility as well. 26...d4 Fedoseev goes for the mess, but it just doesn't work and Sergey calmly calculates everything. [26...Rxe6 is losing. 27.Bxg5 accurate to start with this move. Now taking with the knight gives up the f5 pawn and invites a disaster along the e-file, while taking with the queen loses material. 27...Qxg5 28.f3! and the tactics work- 28...Qxh5 29.Nf4! Qh4 30.Bxe4! the last important detail. 30...Qxf4 31.Bxd5 winning a full rook on the pin.] 27.cxd4 Nxf2 Desperate. 28.Kxf2 Bxf4 29.Nxf4 Qh4+ 30.Kg1! Very clean. White returns the piece, but with the connected pawns storming down the centre of the board, there is no salvation. 30...Qxf4 31.d5! Qg3 [31...Qd6 blocking doesn't help. 32.Bxf5 Qxd5 33.Qxd5 Bxd5 34.e7 winning material.] 32.Re2 Qg5 33.Qd2! The cleanest. The pawns are unstoppable and there is zero counterplay left. Black was forced to resign, giving up the much desired qualification to the Candidates. 1-0
When we click on 203 start we see another 25 well analysed games from the Fide World Cup 2021.Again a example of high quality analyses which we don’t see nowadays not much more:
Van Foreest,Jorden (2701) - Navara,David (2697) [A20]
Prague Masters 3rd Prague (6), 19.06.2021
[Navara,David]

1.c4 This move surprised me quite a lot, as I had expected 1.e4. 1...e5 2.g3 c6 While I understood that Jorden must have prepared something and that it would be desirable to deviate from my earlier games, I still chose the line which I had played in the previous games. First of all, I lacked confidence after a terrible start. Moreover, I trusted this line 2...c6. It is alright, but my knowledge was not as good as I had believed. 3.Nf3 e4 4.Nd4 d5 5.cxd5 Qxd5 6.Nc2 Nf6 7.Nc3 Qe5 [I knew 7...Qe6!? to be an interesting option, but it's very dangerous when one does not remember the next few moves.;
I was reluctant to play the older main line 7...Qh5 , when the î?©e4 might be vulnerable after 8.Ne3 . It is important that white saved time by omitting î?§f1-g2, therefore 8...Bh3?! does not work well now. White was much better after (I have played a few games in this line with both colours. The following one was very interesting: 8...Bc5 9.Qc2 Bxe3 10.fxe3 Bf5 11.Bg2 Qg6 12.Qb3 0-0 13.Qxb7 Nbd7 14.Qxc6 Ne5 15.Qc7 Rfe8 16.0-0 Rac8 17.Qxa7 Qh5 18.Qa4 Bd7 19.Qd1 Bh3 20.Rxf6 Bxg2 21.Rf4 Bh3 22.Rh4 Qf5 23.Nxe4 Ng4 24.Rxh3 Rxe4 25.d3 Qf2+ 26.Kh1 Re6 27.e4 Qb6 28.Qg1 Nf2+ 29.Kg2 Nxh3 30.Qxb6 Rxb6 31.Kxh3 Rc2 32.a4 Rbc6 33.Bf4 Rxb2 34.a5 Rcc2 35.a6 Ra2 36.Rxa2 Rxa2 37.a7 Rxa7 38.Kg2 Ra2 39.Kf3 Kf8 40.h4 h5 41.Be5 g6 1/2 (41) Navara,D (2730)-Nisipeanu,L (2683) Reykjavik 2015) 9.Qb3! b5 10.Qc2 Bxf1 11.Rxf1 Qe5 12.f3 exf3 13.Rxf3± 1-0 (56) Berkes,F (2606)-Borisek,J (2508) Heraklion 2007] 8.Bg2 Na6 9.0-0 Be7 10.Nxe4!? This was quite a shock for me. [I had known 10.d4 exd3 11.exd3 , when black has a choice: The solid option is 11...0-0 (More enterprising and equally good is 11...Bg4!? . After 12.f3!? the cost of a mistake increases.) 12.Re1 Qc7 13.Bf4 Qd8 14.d4 Be6 15.Ne3 Nc7= , when black should equalize.] 10...Nxe4 11.f4 Jorden looked a bit as if he had missed something, stood up and was walking around the playing hall. I was not completely sure, whether he was bluffing or if he had really missed something. 11...Qe6 I decided to provoke f4-f5 before withdrawing to d5. [A careful option 11...Qd5 12.d3 Bf5 (More accurate is 12...Bc5+! 13.Ne3 Bf5! , but it looked really dangerous without preparation. While 14.Kh1 Bxe3 15.Bxe3 Nxg3+ 16.hxg3 Qd7 17.Kh2 0-0 18.Bf2 Bg4 is allegedly equal due to the weakness in white's camp, at the first sight the position looks better for white.) gives white a slight edge after 13.dxe4 Bxe4 14.Qxd5 cxd5 15.Bxe4 (15.Nd4!?) 15...dxe4 16.Be3 .;
I also considered a pawn sacrifice but was not sure about its proper implementation. Computer likes 11...Qd6 12.Bxe4 Bh3 13.Bg2 Bxg2 14.Kxg2 0-0-0 15.d3 h5 16.h4 Bf6© .] 12.f5 Qd5 13.d4! This was a surprise, and not a pleasant one. Here it was clear that I had fallen into preparation. White threatens to win a piece back with 14.î?¨e3. [13.d3? Bxf5 14.Ne3 Bc5µ is bad for white without the f-pawn.] 13...Bf6 [In fact, even 13...0-0 14.Ne3 Qd8 15.Bxe4 Bf6 16.Nc2 c5 17.e3 Re8 18.Bg2 Qb6© was probably playable, but the text is much more logical.] 14.g4! Another surprise. White is threatening 15.î?¦f4 or perhaps even 15.î?¥d3. 14...0-0! 15.g5 Bxg5?! This logical (and inaccurate) move probably surprised white, who started spending time after the previous quick play. [I found 15...Be7 16.Ne3 Qd8 17.Bxe4 Bxg5 risky in view of something like î?¨e3-g4 and perhaps even f5-f6 later on, but it probably does not work. My engine claims dynamic equality.] 16.Bxg5 Bxf5 17.Ne3 Qe6 18.d5 Another surprise. [I expected 18.Nxf5 Nxg5 19.e4! g6 (Alas, 19...Nxe4 loses a piece to 20.Qg4!+- .) 20.Qg4 f6! (The reserve option was 20...gxf5 21.Qxg5+ Qg6± , but it is clearly better for white.) 21.h4! . Black seems to hold after 21...gxf5 22.Rxf5 Nc7 23.hxg5 fxg5 24.Qxg5+ Qg6 , but precision is still required after 25.Qh4!f .] 18...cxd5 19.Nxf5 Nxg5 20.Qd4 Qf6?! [After the game Jorden asked me why didn't I play 20...Qb6! . To be honest, I just missed that option. That said, white still maintains initiative after 21.Ne7+ Kh8 22.Qxb6 axb6 23.Nxd5 , although black should be able to equalize. After all, white is still a pawn down and restoring the material balance will give black some time to improve the piece coordination.] 21.Qxf6 gxf6 22.Ne7+ [An alternative consisted in 22.Bxd5 Nc7 23.Bg2² .] 22...Kg7 [I also considered 22...Kh8 23.Nxd5! Rae8 24.Rae1 (Computer shows that 24.Rf2! Ne4 25.Bxe4 Rxe4 26.Nxf6² is still unpleasant for black. The difference in knights' activity matters.) 24...Ne4 25.Rf4 Rg8 , but 26.Kh1 Nac5 27.b4 did not appeal to me. I do not remember whether I missed 27...Nd3! 28.exd3 Nf2+! or rather underestimated it, but black can equalize after 29.Rxf2 (29.Kg1? even loses to 29...Nh3+! 30.Kf1 Rxe1+ 31.Kxe1 Nxf4 32.Nxf4 Rg4! 33.Bxb7 Rxf4-+) 29...Rxe1+ 30.Bf1!? Rd8! 31.Nf4 Rd4 , as white's pawns are weak.] 23.Nxd5² Nothing terrible has happened, but black's pieces miss coordination. The position is unpleasant and can easily further deteriorate, as its defence is difficult. 23...Rae8 24.Rf2 Re6 [Black also holds after 24...Nc5! 25.Nxf6 Re6 , but it looks really scary after 26.Rf5 , when black has to avoid (After 26.Nh5+!? Black should play 26...Kh6! to avoid bigger problems - not very natural.) 26...Rxf6?? (Both 26...b6² ; and 26...Nce4² keep white's edge within limits, but only if black continues very accurately.) 27.Rxg5+ , losing the knight.] 25.Nf4 [White could also play 25.Rc1!? b6 26.b4² , restricting the î?¨a6. The weak î?©f6 would not run away.] 25...Rb6 26.h4 Ne6 27.Nh5+ Kh8 [Black's king would be too exposed after 27...Kh6? 28.Nxf6 Rxb2 . Now both king moves to the h-file are very strong, as the î?¦a1 enters g1 to weave the mating net. The other rook can deliver mate from h5 in some lines. Black is on the verge of losing after both 29.Kh2! (and 29.Kh1! , but the variations are too complex to be relevant in our decision making process.) ] 28.b3 [#] 28...f5! Black loses this pawn anyway, but this gives him time to generate counterplay. 29.Rxf5 Nd4! [I rejected the reserve option 29...Ng7? 30.Nxg7 Kxg7 in view of 31.Ra5± , when 32.î?§xb7 becomes an option.(That said, 31.Rd1!± might be even stronger as black's pieces are stuck on the queenside.) ] 30.Re5 Re6! 31.Rxe6 fxe6 32.Ng3 Nc5?! The intention to bring the knight into play is understandable, but too many black pieces will be hanging now. [Black should gradually equalize after 32...b6! 33.Rd1 Rd8 (threatening 34...î?¨xe2+).;
Even 32...Nb4 33.Bxb7 Rf4" was a reasonable option.] 33.Rc1 [Also here 33.Rd1 Rd8! holds for black.] 33...b6 [#] [Black could also play 33...Rg8!? 34.Rxc5 Rxg3 35.Kf2 , but 35...b6!² is not the most natural move. No wonder that I missed it. Even after it black's position looks very dangerous.] 34.b4! Na6 A sad retreat, but at least with a tempo. [34...Na4 35.Rc4 Nb5² does not look inspiring, either.] 35.Rc4 e5? [It was better to play 35...Nb5! , overprotecting the c7-square and being ready to attack white's rook or even the î?©b4 if needed. White is still for choice after 36.Ne4² , but black can hold with precise play.] 36.a3± Black's knight stands on a6 worse than a few moves ago. The only good thing is that the steed controls the c7-square. 36...Nb5 [#] 37.Rc1! White indirectly protects the î?©a3. [37.a4? Nd6 38.Rc6 Rf6 39.b5 Nb4 40.Rc7 Rf7=] 37...Nb8! [The passed pawns could easily be stopped after 37...Nxa3? 38.Ra1 Nxb4 39.Rxa3+- .] 38.Ne4?! This looks very logical, but [an unexpected move 38.Be4! was even stronger. The bishop eyes the î?©h7, which might become relevant if white's rook enters c7. And 39.î?§d3 is already a threat, as taking on a3 would cost black the knight then. Black's position looks grim after 38...Nd6 39.Bd5± .;
I expected 38.a4 Nd6! (38...Nd4? 39.Rc7!+-) 39.b5! and was afraid of it, as black's knight would be vulnerable and white's rook could invade to the 7th rank. True, I did not see the key line, without which black could escape: 39...Rf4 40.Bh3!! The rook does not go to c7, as it should go to c8 after the knight swap! 40...Rxh4 41.Nf5!! Rc4 (After 41...Rxh3 42.Nxd6 Nd7 43.Rc8+ Kg7 44.Rc7 black loses his knight, whereas white doesn't: 44...Kf6 45.Rxd7 Ke6 46.Rd8 Ke7 47.Nb7+-) 42.Rd1! Nb7 43.Nd6! All this is far from obvious and the key line goes even further: 43...Rc7 44.Nxb7 Rxb7 45.Rd8+ Kg7 46.Bg2 e4 47.Bxe4 Re7 48.Bf5! Kf6 49.Bh3+- The knight gets lost and white wins. But finding this over the board with limited time is not realistic.] 38...Nxa3 The pawn in itself is less important than the weakening of î?©b4. [38...Nd7!? followed by 39...î?¨f6 might have been safer.] 39.Nd6 a6! The knight has to return from a3 as soon as possible. 40.Rc7 Nb5 41.Nxb5 axb5 42.Bb7! A very unpleasant move. White restricts the knight. 42...Rd8! [While 42...Rg8+? 43.Kf2 Rg7 might look tempting at the first sight, white is winning after 44.Rc8+! Rg8 45.Rxg8+ Kxg8 46.Kf3 Kf7 47.Ke4 Ke6 48.h5! h6 (48...Kd6 49.Kf5 Nd7 50.Bc8!) 49.e3?+- due to zugzwang. Black has to allow the penetration of white's king, as 49...Nd7 loses immediately to 50.Bc8! . In fact, a similar endgame could be tenable without the pawns b5 and e5 if black managed to activate his pieces. Say, bring the king to e5.] 43.Re7! [This time 43.Bc8? allows 43...Rg8+ 44.Kf2 Rg7= among other things.] 43...Nd7 44.Bc6 [44.Kg2!? Nf8 45.Rxe5 Ng6 46.Re4² was another attempt. Perhaps black can hold, but it is no fun.] 44...Nf8!? 45.Rxe5 [I expected 45.h5 , hoping to exploit some stalemate motifs after 45...Rd4? (Black holds with the following precise manoeuvre: 45...Rd6! 46.Bxb5 Rd4 47.Bc6 Rxb4 48.h6 Rd4! 49.e4 Rd8! 50.Rxe5 Ng6 . That said, white can still play on with 51.Re6² .) 46.Rxe5 Rxb4 47.h6 Rg4+ 48.Kf2 Rg8 once white's bishop enters the a2-g8 diagonal. That said, a sample line 49.Bd5?! (49.Bxb5 Ng6 50.Re4±) 49...Rg6? (49...Nd7!²) 50.Re8 Rf6+ 51.Kg3 b4 does not work, as black is not in time to give up his doubled pawns and eventually the rook after 52.e4+- . Not every flashy idea works!] 45...Rd6!² That immediate capture on b5 is not good. If white takes the pawn with the rook after the bishop retreat, black gains precious time to improve his piece coordination and start counterplay. 46.Be8 This move allows black to simplify the position in a favourable way. [Black seems to hold even after 46.Bf3! : 46...Ng6 47.Re4 (47.Rh5!?²) 47...Kg7 48.h5 Nf8 49.Re5 Kf6 50.Rxb5 Ne6!= Black is threatening 51...î?¨c7. (Instead I considered 50...Nd7? , î?¨e5, but the endgame is bad for black.) 51.e4 Nd4!? 52.e5+ Kf7T 53.Bd5+ Kf8T 54.exd6 Nxb5 55.d7 Ke7 56.h6 Kxd7 57.Be4 Ke6 58.Bxh7 Kf6=;
Black would escape too easily after 46.Bxb5?! Rd4= .] 46...Re6!? [46...Ng6 also holds, as 47.Bxg6 (47.Re4²) 47...Rxg6+ 48.Kf2 allows 48...Rg4! 49.Rxb5 Rxh4 50.Rxb6 Kg7² . Entering such an endgame requires some courage, as white could win a rook if he had enough time to bring his rook on b8, advance the b-pawn to the 7th rank and then do the same with the e-pawn.] 47.Rxe6 Nxe6 48.Bxb5 Nd4 49.Bd3 [#] 49...b5! Black needs to exchange the b-pawns to be able to give up the knight for the e-pawn. It will be enough to bring the king to h8 then. 50.Kf2 [50.Be4 Nxe2+ 51.Kf2 Nc3 52.Ke3 Na2 would be a draw even without a draw.] 50...Nc6 [50...Kg7? 51.Be4+-] 51.Ke3 [After 51.Bxb5 Nxb4 52.e4 black only needs to give the knight for the e-pawn at a proper moment. Both 52...Kg7 (and 52...Nc2!? should hold without too many problems.) ] 51...Kg7 52.Bxb5 Nxb4 I believed this endgame to be an easy draw, but Jorden kept trying and prepared several cunning traps. 53.Kd4 [53.Kf4 Nd5+ 54.Ke5 Nc3 55.Bd3 Nxe2=] 53...Nc2+ 54.Ke4 Kf6 55.Bd3! Nb4 56.Bb5 [56.Kd4!? h6 57.Kc5 Na2 58.Kd6 Nc1 59.Bc4 Nxe2!=] 56...h6 57.h5 Nc2 58.Ba4 Ne1 59.Bc6 Nc2 60.Bb7 Black's knight is in danger. 60...Na3! The only move. [Black would lose the knight after both 60...Nb4? 61.Kd4 Nc2+ 62.Kd3;
and 60...Kg5? 61.Kd3 Na3 62.Ba6! Kxh5 63.Kc3 Kg4 64.Kb2 Kf4 65.Kxa3 Ke3 66.Kb3 h5 67.Kc2 h4 68.Kd1 h3 69.Ke1 h2 70.Bb7+-] 61.Ba6 White is threatening 62.î?§d3. 61...Nc2! 62.Bb5 Kg5 63.Ba4 Ne1 [63...Nb4] 64.Ke5 Ng2 [Black could also play 64...Kxh5 65.Kf5 Ng2 , but I was reluctant to leave the î?©e2 without control.] 65.Bc6 Ne3 66.Be8 Ng4+ [66...Nf5!?] 67.Ke6 Ne3 68.Bg6 Kf4 69.Bd3 [69.Kf6 Ng4+ 70.Kg7 Kg5 71.e4 Ne5 White would win if he could reach the position î?¤e6, î?§f5, î?©e4, î?©h5 x î?¤f4, î?¨e5, î?©h6 with black to move, but it cannot be reached against correct defence. It would be a mutual zugzwang, by the way.] 69...Kg5 70.Bg6 Kf4 71.Bf7 Kg5 72.Be8 Nf5 73.Ke5 Ng3 74.e3 [74.e4 Nxe4! 75.Kxe4 Kf6=] 74...Nf5 75.e4 Ng3 76.Bg6 Nxe4! I eventually managed to execute the defensive idea which I had had in mind while playing 46...î?¦e6 thirty moves ago. Back then I expected it to be easier. 77.Kxe4 Kf6 78.Kd5 Kg7 79.Ke6 Kh8 80.Kf7 This game was not flawless, but both sides played very well in a highly complex game. All its stages were interesting, each in its own way.
 The whole tournament was strong and saw a plenty of interesting games. We all were eager to play over the board again. (Alas, I started terribly after a very long break and did not manage to improve my standings in the 2nd half.)
 Congratulations to Sam Shankland on winning the event with impressive 5.5/7 and Jan-Krzysztof Duda on scoring 5/7, which would normally be enough to win such an event! ½-½
Others are:Opening video from Daniel King:Nimzo Larsen Attack,Mihail Marin:Sicilian Richter Rauzer and Jan Werle digs in the Catalan.
For all opening lovers: Spyridon Kapnisis: English 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5
Sergey Grigoriants: Scandinavien (3...Qa5) with 8.Nd5
Petra Papp: Philidor Defence 3...Nbd7 4.f4
Evgeny Postny: Caro-Kann Fantasy-Variation 3.f3
Andrey Sumets: Sicilian Paulsen-Variation 6...Qb6 (II)
Robert Ris: Vienna Game 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.d4
Alexey Kuzmin: Ruy Lopez with 4...Bc5/5...Nge7
Martin Lorenzini: Queen’s Gambit Exchange Variation 10...g6
Lars Schanndorff: Gruenfeld with 4.Bg5 Bg7
Krisztian Szabo: Kind’s Indian with 6...Bg4 7.Be3 Nc6 (II)
Other contributions are:Ris move by move,Rogozenco: The classic, Mihail Marin works out the playing style of the world champion challenger.Reeh article holds 33 games and covers the tactics of dark squared disasters,Knaak his contribution holds topical opening traps,and at last best Karsten Müller his superb contribution on Nepomniachtchi's Endgames" and much more!
Conclusion: So much material for a bargain price!

The Catalan vs. the Semi-Slav, Chebanenko and Triangle
by  Mihail Marin
2021
http://www.chessbase.com
E-Mail info@chessbase.com
Price Euro 29.90
Windows 7 or higher
Minimum: Dual Core, 2 GB RAM, DirectX11, graphics card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 14/Fritz 16 or included Reader and internet access for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel i5 (Quadcore), 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX11, graphics card with 512 MB RAM or more, 100% DirectX10-compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM drive and internet access for program activation.
MacOSX  only available as download! Minimum: MacOS "Yosemite" 10.10



The great man of explanation Grandmaster Mihail Marin comes with a pleasant made and well thought move to move repertoire defence based on The Semi-Slav, Chebanenko system and the Slav triangle.
Please see the following index:
Introduction
Semi-Slav 5...dxc4 6.Bg2 b5
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.g3 dxc4 6.Bg2 b5
7.Ne5 - Introduction
7.Ne5 Nd5 8.e4 Sidelines
7.Ne5 Nd5 8.e4 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Bb7/Bd6/Qc7/a6
7.Ne5 Nd5 8.e4 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Be7
7.Ne5 a6 8.0-0 Bb7 9.b3 cxb3
7.Ne5 a6 8.0-0 Bb7 9.b3 b4
7.Ne5 Qb6 8.0-0 Bb7 9.b3 cxb3/Bb4
7.Ne5 Qb6 8.0-0 Bb7 9.b3 cxb3 10.axb3 Nbd7
Semi-Slav 5...dxc4 6.Bg2 Nbd7 7.0-0 b5
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.g3 dxc4 6.Bg2 Nbd7 7.0-0 b5
Introduction
8.e4 b4
8.e4 Be7
8.e4 Bb7 9.e5 Nd5 10.Ng5 N7b6
8.e4 Bb7 9.e5 Nd5 10.Ng5 Nxc3
8.e4 Bb7 9.e5 Nd5 10.Ng5 Be7 11.Qh5 Bxg5
8.e4 Bb7 9.e5 Nd5 10.Ng5 Be7 11.Qh5 g6
8.e4 Bb7 9.e5 Nd5 10.Ng5 Be7 11.Qh5 g6 12.Qh6 Bf8 13.Qh3 Be7
8.e4 Bb7 9.e5 Nd5 10.Ng5 Be7 11.Qh5 g6 12.Qh6 Bf8 13.Qh3 Be7 14.Nce4 h6 15.b3
8.e4 Bb7 9.e5 Nd5 10.Ng5 h6 11.Nxe6 fxe6 12.Qh5+ Ke7
8.e4 Bb7 9.e5 Nd5 10.Ng5 h6 11.Nxe6 fxe6 12.Qh5+ g6
Semi-Slav 5...dxc4 6.Bg2 Nbd7 7.0-0 Be7 8.e4 0-0 9.Bf4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.g3 dxc4 6.Bg2 Nbd7 7.0-0 Be7 8.e4 0-0 9.Bf4
Sidelines
9...b5 10.d5 cxd5
9...b5 10.d5 Qb6
9...Nh5
9...Re8 10.a4 Sidelines
9...Re8 10.a4 b6 11.Qe2 a5
9...Re8 10.a4 b6 11.Qe2 Ba6
6...Bb4
Semi-slav closed
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.g3
5...Be7
5...Bd6
Chebanenko System 4...a6 5.g3
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.g3
5...dxc4 6.Bg2 g6/b5
5...Bf5/Bg4/g6
5...b5
Triangle and Classical Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3
3...e6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 b5 6.Ne5 Bb7 7.0-0 f6
3...e6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 b5 6.Ne5 Bb7 7.0-0 Nd7
3...e6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 b5 6.Ne5 Bb7 7.0-0 Ne7e
3...Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.g3
The Catalan Opening is related to the first European source to mention chess,A.D 1008.
The Semi-Slav lines on this DVD are all very up to date,
Included are Extra,training apps - Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various levels
Included is an extra Database with extra model games.
Video running time is 6 hours!{English}
Conclusion: This ChessBase on it’s best!

The Fianchetto Scandinavian
by  Nico Zwirs
2021
http://www.chessbase.com
E-Mail info@chessbase.com
Price Euro 29.90
Windows 7 or higher
Minimum: Dual Core, 2 GB RAM, DirectX11, graphics card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 14/Fritz 16 or included Reader and internet access for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel i5 (Quadcore), 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX11, graphics card with 512 MB RAM or more, 100% DirectX10-compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM drive and internet access for program activation.
MacOSX  only available as download! Minimum: MacOS "Yosemite" 10.10


The Dutch chess crack and candidate Grandmaster Nico Zwirs digs in the Scandinavian Defence with the move order g6.
For more information please see the index: Introduction
Main Line 2.exd5 Nf6
1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6
3.d4 Nxd5 4.c4 - Part 1
3.d4 Nxd5 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nf3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.Be2/h3 - Part 2
3.d4 Nxd5 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nf3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.c5 - Part 3
3.d4 Nxd5 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nf3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.c5 Nd5 8.Bc4 Nxc3 9.bxc3 0-0 10.0-0 Nc6 11.Bg5 - Part 4
3.Nf3 Nxd5 4.d4 g6
3.Bb5 Nbd7 4.Nf3 Nxd4 5.Nc3 g6 - Part 1
3.Bb5 Nbd7 4.Nc3/c4 - Part 2
3.c4 c6 4.dxc6/Nc3 - Part 1
3.c4 c6 4.d4 - Part 2
3.Nc3 Nxd5 4.Bc4/Nxd5/d4
2nd move alternatives
1.e4 d5
2.d4 dxe4 - Blackmar-Diemer-Gambit
2.Nc3 d4 3.Nce2 e5
2.Nf3 dxe4 3.Ng5 Bf5
2.e5 Bf5 3.d4 e6
2.d3 e5
Why not the Portuguese Gambit - 1.e4 d5 2.esd5 Nf6 3.d4 Bg4
The move order with g6 is hardly mentioned in the books so the black player is more than well prepared, with the tips and tricks from our young chess genius.
Included is even the Portuguese variation which belongs to the most combative system in the Center Counter Defence.
By the way Selby Anderson once even wrote a small book about this line Center Counter Defence The Portuguese Variation Pickard & Son 1997.
Video running time: 4 hours and 25 Minutes {English}
Extra: Training with ChessBase apps - Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various levels
Plus an Database with extra model games.
Conclusion: Very exciting!

Calculation Training in Attack & Defence Vol.1 & Vol.2
by  Robert Ris
2021
http://www.chessbase.com
E-Mail info@chessbase.com
Price Euro 54.90
Windows 7 or higher
Minimum: Dual Core, 2 GB RAM, DirectX11, graphics card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 14/Fritz 16 or included Reader and internet access for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel i5 (Quadcore), 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX11, graphics card with 512 MB RAM or more, 100% DirectX10-compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVD-ROM drive and internet access for program activation.
MacOSX  only available as download! Minimum: MacOS "Yosemite" 10.10


These two DVDs offer you the chance to solve 132 exercises with multiple questions.
These exercises are presented in the interactive format, which makes them perfect for players of different strengths.And as we all now there is no better way to improve your playing strength by doing exercises.
Pleasant to mention is that all examples are from games played in 2019 or later, which means a lot of new material that you eyes not have seen before.
Video running time: is an impressive 2x7 hours (English)
With interactive training including video feedback
Extra: Training with ChessBase apps - Practice attacking & defending against Fritz.
Robert Ris is an International Dutch Chess Master from Amsterdam. He has represented the Netherlands in various international youth events. Nowadays he is a full-time chess professional.
Conclusion: Highly recommended!