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Between 1999 and 2002 Artur Yusupov produced and published in Germany a small series of ten training booklets, each one covering a particular chess theme. This experimental project proved quite popular, not only with German-speaking readers. Many of his chess colleagues liked this form of individual training; and some of them used the material in their classes too. This favourable reaction prompted the idea of an English translation.

Although the booklets were aimed at players of differing abilities, most wanted the complete set. And that's how these different themes have ended up in one book. You could also look on this diversity as a strength if a reader, with chess ambitions, wants to test his overall ability. Moreover, for chess trainers this book provides several ready-made lectures, and many useful exercises covering different aspects of the game, already sorted in terms of their level of difficulty.

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Artur Jussupow was born in Moscow on 13th February 1960 and learned to play chess at the age of six. He was awarded the title of International Grandmaster in 1980. For many years Artur Yussupov represented the Soviet Union with which he won five olympic titles, two European team championships, and one world team championship. Artur Yusupov now lives in Germany and represents the German national team. He helped them to achieve 2nd place at the Istanbul olympiad in 2000, and 3rd place at the European team championship in Batumi 1999.

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As an individual Artur Yusupov has reached the semi-final of the world championship on three occasions (1986, 1989, 1992). Other significant successes include 1st place in Hamburg 1991, 1st-3rd place in Amsterdam 1994, and 2nd place in Horgen 1994 (Category 18) behind Kasparov.

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Artur Yusupov has also made a name for himself as a trainer, notably for Viswanathan Anand in his world championship matches against Kasparov in 1995, and against Karpov in 1998. The quality of his training is reflected in the success of his chess academy in Weissenhorn, Germany.

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Artur Yusupov is also well-known as an author, having written several opening books and, most notably, as co-author (with Mark Dvoretsky) of five highly successful instructional works.

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