Chris Ward: Sicilian Dragon - The Real Deal!

ChessBase Fritztrainer Eröffnung, Englisch, 2020-2022.

Level: Advanced, Tournament player, Professional

A three DVD series taking a look at Black’s most aggressive response to 1. e4 from both a principled and theoretical perspective.

Part 1: Understanding The Dragon ISBN: 978-3-86681-786-9, 2020

In this first part, the emphasis is on themes and ideas as the viewer is armed with tactical and positional motifs and concepts after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6.

From the basic weaponry of the legendary Dragon bishop, maximising the c-file and traps and zaps, through to more complex topics such as prophylaxis and when to use the e-pawn, so many finer points are covered here.

Whatever your level, this is designed to develop your comprehension of this ultra-exciting opening so as never to leave you reliant on parrot-fashion learning. No, we have a slightly bigger bird in mind and whilst theory and assessments on variations may change, this information is timeless and guaranteed to develop your understanding and breathe fire into your chess!

• Video running time: 5 hours 20 min (English)
• With interactive training including video Feedback
• Extra: Database with model games

Following on from ‘Part 1: Understanding The Dragon’ where important themes and concepts were explained, 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 (but with revival suggestions!) to coverage of the more modern systems currently deployed by the World’s elite, this two-parter has it all!

Part 2: Yugoslav Attack 9 0-0-0 and 9 g4 and all things ‘Dragadorfy!’ ISBN 978-3-86681-855-2, 2022

The Yugoslav Attack always grabs an audience and in this video course it is the 9 0-0-0 and 9 g4 lines that come under the microscope with all systems to date reflected upon but a bias towards where we are now and where it looks like we’re heading. Also featured are the ‘Dragadorf’ systems including the fashionable early …h5 ideas such as the one championed by Magnus Carlsen! With his constant monthly monitoring of Dragon games Worldwide on the chesspublishing site, Chris argues that rather than being analysed to death as many had predicted, in fact the opening has flourished in recent years with new variations frequently popping up. The viewer won’t be overwhelmed with myriads of moves to learn but with a nice choice of systems, will receive a good grounding in all chapters that can be used as a fantastic springboard for further investigation. There is simply no doubt that with these video courses assimilated, the user will be more ready than ever to enter the Dragon!

• Video running time: 4 hours 22 minutes(English)
• With interactive training including video Feedback
• Extra: Training with ChessBase apps - Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various levels

Part 3: Yugoslav Attack 9 Bc4, Classical and Fianchetto Systems ISBN 978-3-86681-856-9, 2022

Everybody loves Yugoslav Attack encounters and in this video course it is the sharp 9 Bc4 line that takes centre stage. Whilst these days most focus on the Soltis, Topalov and Chinese Variations, also covered here, other Black options similarly come under the microscope. Everything non-Yugoslav Attack is also then visited including the trendy ‘Long Castles Classical’ approach. With his constant monthly monitoring of Dragon games Worldwide on the chesspublishing site, Chris argues that rather than being analysed to death as many had predicted, in fact the opening has flourished in recent times with new ideas and variations frequently popping up. The viewer won’t be overwhelmed with myriads of moves to learn but with a nice choice of systems, will receive a good grounding in all chapters that can be used as a fantastic springboard for further investigation. There is simply no doubt that with these video courses assimilated, the user will be more ready than ever to enter the Dragon!

• Video running time: 6 hours (English)
• With interactive training including video Feedback
• Extra: Training with ChessBase apps - Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various Levels

Chris Ward is an English grandmaster who gained the title after becoming British Champion in 1996. Being a successful tournament player and popular chess commentator, he is also a well-known endgame and opening theoretician who has authored a large number of books, among them the bestselling “Winning with the Dragon 1 & 2”. Last but not least, Ward enjoys an excellent reputation as a chess coach, having mentored many teams and youngsters in and outside Britain. Maybe his talent for teaching is in his blood - he is also a passionate Salsa dancer and instructor!