In this extended update of the ChessBase mating course, Lubomir Ftacnik initiates you into the fine art of mating your opponent. In four videos the grandmaster explains typical mating patterns. At the same time, two small collections of material allow systematic assimilation of the subject of delivering mate. After that, it is all about answering the training questions in 1000 mating exercises. The positions are classified in different ways. The simplest of these differentiates between mate in 1, 2 or 3 moves. There is a methodological way of accessing the 1000 mating exercises via 15 main themes. These include themes such as back rank mate, smothered mate, the king in the centre or motifs involving the h-file. The systematic solving of exercises on specific themes may be a little easier but it will certainly help you when similar motifs crop up in your own games. Video running time: 60 minutes

• Video running time: 60 minutes (English)

Lubomir Ftacnik is a Slovak grandmaster with decades of experience in international chess. As a younger member of a strong chess generation in the former Czechoslovakia he helped to win silver at the Luzern Chess Olympiad in 1982. Most of his fellow grandmasters have been keen defenders of Gruenfeld Defence and the author has come up with his share of ideas in various lines. The work on the Gruenfeld DVD is the fruit of 30 years experience with this active and rewarding opening.