Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess 1: Opening Strategies, The Queen's Gambit (DVD) [Old Version]

by Viva Media

Product Features

• Over 3 Hours of Garry Kasparov’s training and teaching video
• Playable on PC & TV (DVD-ROM and DVD video)
• ChessMedia-System: All actions and positions explained in the video are displayed fully synchronized and visually supported on the chessboard
• New ChessBase 9.0 Reader
• Deep Position Analysis Engine for any unanswered ("what if?" and "why not?") questions and alternative moves

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00068M536
• Item model number: 00169
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 15, 2004
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,210 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)

Product Description

Powered by FRITZ, the world’s number 1 ranked computer chess software This all-new and absolutely unique interactive video features the greatest chess player of all time, Garry Kasparov and the world's most sophisticated chess program, FRITZ. For the first time, Garry Kasparov explains to chess enthusiasts why the Queen’s Gambit is one of the most important openings in chess, and what the ideas behind this opening are. He does this using the Fritz Chess Media System, which displays all his actions fully synchronized on the chessboard, including colored arrows, highlighted squares and alternate continuations. The full range of concepts covered in this interactive instructional video, from main ideas to detailed specifics of the opening, makes this an ideal tool for all players, from beginners to the pros. Follow Garry Kasparov explaining the history of the Queen’s Gambit from the beginnings through it’s current use by Grandmasters. Included is the famous Fritz deep analysis engine, a large game database and a comprehensive opening book. Comprehensive Opening Book with statistics on every continuation 100,000 games database includes all relevant Queen's Gambit games Fully adjustable appearance of chessboard, video, analysis table and other features No additional software required Fully compatible and executable in Fritz 8 or higher

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but a bit disorganized., May 31, 2005

By 

M. Mazza (Elizabeth, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess 1: Opening Strategies, The Queen's Gambit (DVD) [Old Version] (Video Game)

I enjoyed watching Kasparov discuss the Queen's Gambit with such brilliance, and I agree with other reviewers who say that he comes across as down-to-earh. There is no question about his passion for the game, and any chess player will enjoy the commentary of this legendary grandmaster. I give it four stars because a better production was actually possible. In fact, with a bit of focus and organization, this DVD could have been a valuable instructional tool. The problem is that Kasparov goes on many tangents, and while this is occasionally unavoidable when discussing variations, it can become tedious. It's not a matter of his English, either--he expresses himself well. Overall, I couldn't help but get the impression that this was filmed haphazardly--that is, he probably just sat down and began discussing the opening any which way. What was needed was the careful selection of themes within the framework of the lecture; the DVD could have been divided into crucial minilessons that retained focus instead of random observations with loose-fitting titles. If the aim was to teach, then the approach needs modification. I'm a decent player with club and some tournament experience. I followed him as best as I could, but I can see a beginner being easily overwhelmed and quickly losing interest. As a fan, it's a pleasure to watch him discuss the game; as a life-long student of chess, I expect more.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the love of the game, March 17, 2005

By 

S. Klug (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess 1: Opening Strategies, The Queen's Gambit (DVD) [Old Version] (Video Game)

Garrys DVD is quite inspiring. Even though he just retired you can feel the love of the game.

You get several chapters on Theory and several longer chapters of games in a DVD format.
These can be viewed on TV or with your Fritz/Shredder 8 package.
Additionally the CD contains a database with the Queens Gambit Declined opening book and games

I have a rating of 2170 and I did not buy this for study, but for entertainment, but I was surprised to see myself try a few of the recommendations Kasparov mentioned in the Lasker variation the very next day.

Pros:
- Garry loves chess and you can feel it
- Garry has played the best players and he is able to
portrait this in his comments.
- The format is great in Chessbase
- I love to have the opening tree available in Chessbase
oh it comes with the reader

Cons:
- Garry's english is not 100% fluent, but it is totally adequate
- THE DVD is a little choppy on my DVD, but then it might be my player.

All in All
I love it just for the possibility to have Garry in my family room.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What it is and What it ain't, October 5, 2006

By 

Mark Wendland (Cartersville, Georgia United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess 1: Opening Strategies, The Queen's Gambit (DVD) [Old Version] (Video Game)

It is:
1) A highly informative survey of many classical QGD lines and historic games.
2) A very short overview of non-QGD openings.
3) Garry talking casually and 80 mph about the above.
4) A big database.
5) Crystal clear on Fritz.
6) For those who are interested in chess history & getting "the big picture" on an important opening.
7) Nice to hear how to pronounce all those foreign names.
8) Loosely structured around main variations and famous games.

It isn't:
1) For players looking for a repertoire.
2) For beginners (which it might appear to be by the advertising)
3) "Instructional" in the common meaning of the term.
4) Clear enough for me on the DVD player.

I really enjoyed the product because I didn't have any real expectations as to exactly what it would be like. I recommend getting Matthew Sadler's book on the Queen's Gambit Declined as well and then sitting down for some serious study! Garry doesn't really talk over your head, he simply covers a lot of ground in 3 hours and this can be overwhelming if you try to take in too much of it at one time.