Andrew Martin writes:

This week's lecture features some extraordinary chess. We will first focus on the Yugoslav Attack in the Dragon and specifically a remarkable new pawn sacrifice from Black after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 Nc6 8.Qd2 0-0 9.Bc4 Bd7 10.0-0-0 b5!?

Can this possibly be sound ?

The pace of life in 2005 means that the average chessplayer has little time for serious study. He or she 'gets by', often with simple, easy to learn or unusual opening systems which move away from the theoretical mainstream. 1.b4! has considerable merit in this regard. Sokolsky, one of the pioneers of this enterprising opening, whets the appetite.

Book reviews and the usual competition completes the line-up. Tune in on Wednesday at 19:30 GMT, 20:30 CET for the action! Last weeks winner was Vincent Paul Francisco from Manila, who wins a copy of Fritz 9. Congratulations!

The Andrew Martin Radio ChessBase lecture begins on Wednesdays at 20:30h CEST (European Central time = server time, which translates to 19:30h London, 2:30 p.m. New York, 04:30 a.m. Sydney (on Thursday). You can use Fritz or any Fritz-compatible program (Shredder, Junior, Tiger, Hiarcs) to follow the lectures, or download a free trial client.

Andrew Martin, chess trainer and teacher

He is not some unknown in the world of chess. Andrew Martin was the star commentator in the 2000 London match between Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik, and he gained recent international fame and popularity with his live audio commentary on Playchess.com during the FIDE world championship in San Luis.

Andrew is also a prolific chess trainer, not just live in British scholastic circles, but also in a series of training DVDs he has produced for ChessBase, taking full advantage of our Chess Media System. His lively, entertaining style, combined with a good dash of humour, makes any lesson with him a delight to follow.

Andrew Martin is 47 years old and lives in Sandhurst, England, with his wife and four children. His book King‘s Indian Battle Plans for Thinkers Press was an international best-seller.

Each week Martin will cast his eye over the contemporary chess scene, presenting a veritable pot-pourri of interesting topics. We look forward to the pleasure of your company.

Andrew Martin: The Trompowsky – The easy way