Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal Part 1: Understanding The Dragon by Chris Ward

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

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.

1. Introduction
2. Themes Part 1
3. Description
4. Dark Squared Defender
5. Enter The Dragon
6. Traps And Zaps
7. Thematic d5 pawn break
8. Nifty Knights And Raking Bishops
9. The Dragadorf Set Up
10. Beautiful Bishop 5 Square
11. The Thematic Exchange Sac
12. Themes Part 2
13. Description
14. Make A Date with Queen c8
15. Combining Themes
16. The Action c file
17. Strive To Thrive With e5
18. In a fix, try e6
19. Blocker Trapper Chiseler
20. The Big White Knight
21. The Prophylactic Rook e8
22. Exercises
23. Description
24. Exercise 01
25. Exercise 02
26. Exercise 03
27. Exercise 04
28. Exercise 05
29. Exercise 06
30. Exercise 07
31. Exercise 08
32. Exercise 09
33. Exercise 10
34. Bonus
35. Analysis
36. Further Games
37. Exercises

System requirements:

Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows 7, DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation.
Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7 / 8 or 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11 and internet connection for program activation.