The Slav is typified by the move c6, and in the Semi-Slav e6.  The relationship between the two is obvious.  At some points, Shirov's lecture is closely related to the history of the opening, because the Latvian has contributed to and advanced the development of many lines.  In the Meran Variation, Shirov's name is linked to a line which is now known as Shabalov Attack.  After 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 e6 5.e3 Ndb7 6.Qc2 Bd6, it was Shirov and Shabalov who introduced the move 7.g4 into chess praxis in 1992.  Today there are over 1000 games in the Mega Database with that variation.  Shirov recounts the way this extravagant line arose and explains some of its most important ideas. 

Alexei Shirov was born in Riga just like world champion Mikail Tal.  His playing style reminds many chess fans of the young Tal.  In the beginning of the 90s, a comet-like rise brought the young Latvain to the world top within a very short time.  At only 22 years old, he already had an Elo rating of nearly 2750 and belonged to the absolute elite.  Since then Shirov has been one of the best players in the world, delighting all chess fans with original and amazing ideas on the board.

Specifications:

• Running time: 5 hours, 20 minutes.
• System requirements:
• Pentium-Processor 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Win. XP/Vista, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard.