Timman - The Longest Game

Both the king and queen have wide bases meaning the whole set is comfortable only on chess boards of at least 21 inches. The deep red of the dark pieces complements playing surfaces made from woods of similar hues. The black and white knights are without doubt the most striking pieces on the board. The detailed bridle gives each horse a restrained appearance; well trained and ready for battle. These chessmen take more than two months to make, and it is of no great surprise that the knight takes the longest to carve.

• Maltese influence on a traditional design.
• Beautifully detailed knight.
• 4.5 inch king.
• 2 extra queens for pawn promotion.
• Heavily weighted for balance.
• Bases lined with billiard cloth.
• Perfect on a 21 inch board.

In many 1.d4 openings, Black has trouble getting his bishop on c8 into play. Former Russian Chess Champion Alexey Bezgodov presents a radical solution to this nagging problem; liberate your bishop right away and put it on f5 on the second move!

Play 2...Bf5! against either 2.c4 or 2.Nf3 will surprise your opponent and is also a great way to support your development, because the bishop takes control of the important square e4. If White does not immediately take decisive action, then within a move or two he can relinquish any hopes on an opening advantage.

Alexey Bezgodov has found some great antidotes to White's most dangerous reactions in sharp and attractive lines. To test your understanding of his system he has included more than 100 exercises. After studying the fresh ideas and the clear explanations presented in The Liberated Bishop Defencechess players of almost every strength will enjoy the flexibility of a surprising, effective and universal weapon against 1.d4.

The best way to become stronger is to improve your game by avoiding errors. It is much more effective than learning new things and studying openings (please note: that should also be done but has no priority when more elementary skills and knowledge are still insufficient). The recommendation in the manuals is to discuss the games with the pupils. That gives important information. What skills are still at a low level? First of all, which shortcomings should be eliminated or at least worked on. The trainer is the best person to analyse the games together with his students, but in the long run the chess player will have to take that into his own hands. That is nothing new but an age-old proven way. It is fine if there is always some supervision and control.

Giant plastic chess pieces for outside playing.
 King's height: 62 cm

The DGT Pi is a chess computer that turns your DGT e-Board into your strongest sparring partner