Robert Ris: Calculation Training

Nowadays, people tend to prefer working on their chess by studying opening variations with engines, neglecting the practical side of our game. This DVD emphasizes the importance of training your calculation skills. Dutch IM Robert Ris made a selection of training material which he uses in lessons with students ranging from 1400 to 2400. But Ris believes that this material is suitable for players of various strengths because anyone can benefit from practicing calculation in a structured way. On this DVD, the viewer is invited to determine the needs of the position before randomly picking candidates moves. The author then shows basic calculation techniques which help you to accelerate and to improve your thinking process. The first chapter focuses on forcing moves (checks, captures, threats) to keep the initiative or to continue with an attack. In the second part, Ris explains how to eliminate candidate moves to improve the decision making process. You can also give your creativity (imagination) a boost by going through spectacular examples in which it seems at first almost impossible to find a good continuation. In the end 10 test puzzles allow you to test your calculation skills in practice.

Video running time: 4 h 52 min (English) - With interactive training including video feedback - Extra: Extra database with more examples - Including ChessBase Reader

Born in 1988, Robert Ris is an International Master who has represented The Netherlands in various international youth events. Nowadays his main activities in the Amsterdam area consist of teaching in schools and chess clubs as well as coaching private clients. On top of that, he is also an active online trainer with a number of students from a host of different countries. Robert has made several appearances as a live commentator for prestigious events, such as the Dutch National Championships 2011-2013 and the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in 2013 and 2014.

System requirements: Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Windows 8.1, DirectX9 graphic card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows Media Player 9 and internet connection for program activation. Recommended: PC Intel Core i7, 2.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX10 graphic card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or better, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVDROM drive and internet connection for program activation.