The information explosion has led to a massive increase in opening theory. But how often do you win a game with a prepared line?

What gives strong players the edge over their opponents is not some blockbuster novelty, but a deep understanding of the pawn structures to which their openings lead – an understanding that lasts into the middlegame and endgame, and is transferrable between different openings with similar structures.

Volume 1: Sam Collins examines one of the most important structures in chess, the Carlsbad. 

Volume 2: Sam Collins continues his investigation into the most common and important pawn structures in chess by looking at the “Capablanca Structure” (white pawns on c4 and d4 against black pawns on c6 and e6).

Volume 3: In this DVD, Sam Collins looks at the Central Majority (white pawns on a2, d4 and e4 against black pawns on a7, b7 and e7) which is characteristic of both the Grunfeld and Semi-Tarrasch Defences.

Sam Collins is an International Master from Ireland with two GM norms. He has represented his country at six Olympiads, winning a gold medal at Bled in 2002. He is the author of several bestselling opening books.

As a coach, he has lectured national junior squads and taught the master class at the renowned Berkeley Chess School. He has been national champion of Ireland and Japan.

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