This new series for ChessBase is aimed at players below 2200. The idea of the series is to provide a basic grounding on a variety of subjects, which will assist general all-round improvement. 

First Steps in Attack: Andrew Martin treats the viewer to a selection of classic attacking games and lays out a foundation course in the art of attack. Key thinking points reinforce the analysis and the games.

First Steps in Defence: a selection of classic games and lays out a foundation course in the art of defending. Key thinking points reinforce the analysis and the games. The author shows that defence can be fun, and he gives a lot of precious tips.

Tricks which help in defence such as perpetual check or the exchanging of pieces play a decisive role, and examples which involve somewhat passive but solid positions are presented.

First Steps in Opening Play:  attempts to equip the viewer will all the information he or she needs to tackle this tricky area and to emerge into the middlegame with a good, playable position.

Players below 1500 will benefit from this basic advice. Players above 1500 will enjoy the detailed examination of many current master games. This is an enjoyable tour of opening play from which everyone can learn.

First Steps in Positional Play: attempts to equip the viewer with all the information he or she needs to begin to tackle this aspect of chess.

First Steps in Chess Technique: The acquisition of excellent technique seems elusive to the average player, but on this new ChessBase DVD, FIDE Senior Trainer Andrew Martin shows how to take first steps in the right direction.

The DVDs are designed to be as easy to understand as possible.

Andrew Martin is 53 years old and is the Manger of Coaching for the English Chess Federation. He is a Senior FIDE Trainer and International Master.

System requirements: Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard.