Meeting Erwin l'Ami

A short interview with Erwin l’Ami

Which is your favourite DVD (of your own) and why?

I put a lot of work into all of them but I think the DVD on the Dutch Stonewall is perhaps the one that worked out best. It contains a nice mix of theory, typical plans, ideas, manoeuvres, which means people are not stuck memorizing lines but, after seeing the DVD, hopefully also understand what the line is about.

The Dutch Stonewall - A fighting repertoire against 1.d4

In the Dutch Stonewall Black from the very first move fights for the initiative. Let Erwin l'Ami take you on a fascinating journey to the depth and attractions of this unique opening. At the end you will be rewarded with a new repertoire against 1.d4!

I don’t really have a life motto but in general I think I am quite optimistic and this also reveals on the chess board. I rarely worry about my position during a game, even when sometimes the situation would ask for that.

What is your all lifetime motto over the board (and maybe also in life)?

Erwin riding his bike | Photo: Amruta Mokal (ChessBase India)

What is it that you like most about playing chess?

I can’t single out one thing. I like the competitive element of playing chess and trying to ‘outsmart’ the opponent but I like the ‘researching’ side of the game just as much. Trying to find new ideas in openings or trying to get to the truth in an interesting endgame. It’s all equal to me!

A Gambit Guide through the Open Game Vol.1

To avoid them or to play them, you have to know them. In Gambit Guide Volume 2 we see enterprising gambits such as Frankenstein-Dracula Gambit, the Cochrane Gambit, the Belgrade Gambit and, of course, the mother of all gambits: the King’s Gambit.

Do you think that you have enough time to spare also on non-chess-related activities?

I don’t but I try to read as much as I can and Netflix is popular in our household as well.

Erwin l'Ami, Vidit Gujrathi and Anish Giri | Photo: Amruta Mokal (ChessBase India)

Which is the ChessBase program that you use the most (and what for)? 

Chessbase 14 - Starter Package - english Version

Follow the World Champion and your chess friend next door. Start your success story with ChessBase 14 and enjoy your chess even more! In addition to the Chessbase 14 Program the Starter Package contains:
• Access to the Live-Database (8 million games)*
• Big Database 2018
• CBMagazine subscription for half a year (3 issues)
• Database-Update-Service through end of 2018
• Six months Premium membership for playchess and for the ChessBase Accounts

ChessBase 14. It’s the best program out there for chess professionals. I use it for all chess-related matters basically. I use databases to search games, engines to analyse positions and I go online and play blitz using CB14 as well.

Chess-wise speaking: What is crossing your mind these days? (Special opening? Getting prepared for any special tournament? Wanting to become a grandmaster?)

I just finished a DVD on the Tarrasch Defense that was great fun to make. That means that opening is on my mind these days. The Tarrasch is a bit of a special breed and doesn’t compare itself easily to other openings. That’s why I came across a lot of interesting and, for me, new positions while doing my preparation for the DVD.

Erwin l'Ami playing in Dieren | Photo: Amruta Mokal (ChessBase India)

What's one of your favourite events to play?

The Reykjavik Open which my wife and I visit every year. This year is no exception!

Interview: Nadja Wittmann (ChessBase)

Links

• More interviews
• All DVDs by Erwin l'Ami