The Monthly Dragon - The Topalov Variation

by Arne Kaehler
12/17/2022 – The Dragon grandmaster is back with an interesting game for all you Sicilian lovers. Two U16 talents battled it out in the last European Youth Chess Championship 2022. But before this game is thoroughly presented by Chris Ward, first, we take a closer look at a recent game between Arjun Erigaisi and Fabiano Caruana. Nonetheless, in the second game, the Topalov Variation is on the board, and the British GM shows us some very interesting lines, plans, and ideas with this system. | Photo: John Upham

Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal! Part 1,2 and 3 + Sicilian Dragon Powerbook + Powerbase Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal! Part 1,2 and 3 + Sicilian Dragon Powerbook + Powerbase

In this first part, the emphasis is on themes and ideas whereas Part 2 and 3 focus on theoretical knowledge!

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The Monthly Dragon

with GM Chris Ward

The British Grandmaster Chris Ward is always delighted, if he can play his favourite opening as Black - The Sicilian Dragon.

Ward's knowledge about this strong opening is covered in several of his books, his blog on chesspublishing, and his three, greatly popular Fritztrainers in our ChessBase shop.

Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal! Part 1-3

In this first part, the emphasis is on themes and ideas whereas Part 2 and 3 focus on theoretical knowledge!

With the new ChessBase series "The Monthly Dragon", the passionate Salsa dancer is showing us the newest tactics, plans, and development of this fascinating opening.

Lucky for us, the dragon is an opening, played by some of the best players in the world. This means, Chris probably won't run out of fuel for new content.

Full analysis by Chris Ward

 

 

We have a bundle for you below, including Powerbook & Powerbase of the Sicilian Dragon, with over 5000 games.

Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal! Part 1,2 and 3 + Sicilian Dragon Powerbook + Powerbase

In this first part, the emphasis is on themes and ideas whereas Part 2 and 3 focus on theoretical knowledge!

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Topics: Chris Ward, Fritztrainer, Sicilian Dragon
Arne Kaehler, a creative mind who is passionate about board games in general, was born in Hamburg and learned to play chess at a young age. By teaching chess to youth teams and creating chess-related videos on YouTube, Arne was able to expand this passion and has even created an online course for anyone who wants to learn how to play chess. Arne writes for the English and German news sites, but focuses mainly on content for the ChessBase media channels.
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See also

The Monthly Dragon - 11. .. Qa5 Chris Ward's nostalgic decision

11/19/2022 – We have a new show on ChessBase with Grandmaster Chris Ward. The Sicilian Dragon aficionado is back on-screen, and presents us games, news, moves, tactics, ideas, and much more about his "go to" opening each month. In the first episode, Chris is presenting us one of his own, rare dragon games, which he played quite recently. The English Grandmaster had a couple of options to continue with his dragon, but chose the good ol' move 11. .. Qa5, which caused several mate threats a little later. | Photo: John Upham

See also

Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal! Part 2 and 3

10/18/2022 – 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!

Video

60m Caro Kann Exchange Variation

The Exchange Variation (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3) is a simple and easy to learn answer to the Caro-Kann. By clarifying the central tension White gives himself a clear plan of attack using the half open e-file and the e5 square. This is far from easy for Black to meet as Bobby Fischer, Jan Timman, Walter Browne and other leading Grandmasters have demonstrated in their games. Black too has his resources but he needs to know what he's doing. On this DVD you will find a clear explanation of the strategy for both sides as well as answers to popular treatments such as 4...Nc6 5.c3 Qc7. Whilst the main focus is on the White side of this opening you will also find ways for Black to defend.