Chess Life Magazine - June 2009 Issue

If you're a beginner, you simply can't afford to miss a mate in one if you want to improve your chess. This comprehensive course, developed by the chess experts at Convekta, addresses this problem.

You'll have lots of fun learning move by move about openings, middle game strategy and tactics, endgames, pinning, delivering check, attacking, protecting - and much more.

You love moving the chess pieces, but always wanted to know how to really play? Then this DVD series is just the thing for you.

Explore the kingdom and discover 7 arcade-style games that explain everything from chess basics to master strategies.

This DVD is for anyone who knows the rules of chess but would like to be able to improve their game with some specific tactics and strategies. It builds on the basic principles of chess that should have already been learnt. However, there is also an introductory chapter for those that may have gaps in this part of their foundation. The main part of the DVD is split into four chapters: Opening – The general principles of the opening are discussed here. No specific opening repertoire is suggested but a guide of how to tackle any opening and come through the first stage of the game in a better position. Middlegame – Some basic tactical devices are introduced such as the pin, fork, skewer and discovered attack. These devices are used throughout the levels of chess and even top grandmaster games are won from a basic device as these. Ending – The basic checkmating technique of the most common endings that occur in novice games are instructed here. These techniques are essential to master before continuing with more complex checkmates. Test – The DVD finishes with a test chapter which consists of 20 exercises based on the information discussed throughout the DVD. Each exercise allows time for you to pause and calculate the answer before the answer is discussed. This DVD is a must for anyone who wants to improve their game, whether they are a junior or an adult. It can be for those who have just learnt the moves or for those who have played for some time but want to consolidate their knowledge. Video running time: 4 hours 15 min. System requirements Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

Disney's Aladdin Chess Adventure is a puzzle game that uses and teaches chess to beginning chess aficionados. The player navigates through the world of Disney's Aladdin helping Aladdin and his friends on story-based quests.

The rules of the game can be changed to cater to many popular variations, though the most common rules of chess are default. During a game, clicking on a piece will show the available places to move to, and if a piece is captured a short comical video plays showing the captured character being caught, with each different capture having its own movie.

Listen to Chess Grandmaster Alexandra Kosteniuk as she gives instruction on how to play chess for the absolute beginner. Practice what you learn by playing chess against dinosaurs, and watch yourself grow as you progress.