In this course, Anatoly focuses on the areas in which he is a virtuoso: positional play, strategy and the endgame, picking out specific subjects like counter-attacking, passed pawns and opposite-colored bishop endgames.

Then he goes deep into chess principles, dissecting and explaining the most instructive examples of each topic, using his own games and taken from 40 years at the very top.

• Skeleton key. How do you unlock this blocked position (diagram)? Black has the back-rank covered and there are no other points of entry. Karpov explains one of the most instructive positions of all-time to teach you about timing, maneuvers, Alekhine’s Gun and the positional overload.

• The bishop pair formula. Having the bishop pair is supposed to be an advantage, but how do you prove that? Anatoly Karpov explains all with analysis of a textbook game he played aged 11.

• Risk-free expansion. Pushing pawns will gain you space – but can leave you exposed. Guarantee permanent control of the space in front and behind your pawns with Karpov’s “prepare and distract” technique.

• Inside-track on Karpov’s classics. Anatoly analyzes his most memorable games including the beautiful crushing of Kasparov in their 1990 match and the “quantum leap in strategic play” of his game against Unzicker.

• Ruthless finishing technique. An advantage only means something if you can convert it into a win. Karpov is the master at this and gives you a ton of systematic ways to tighten the screw, often ending with spectacular finishes as in this position (diagram)!

• Endgame maestro. Karpov teaches you the techniques and ideas that made him one of the greatest endgame players of all-time. See how he applied key square control, timed transition and barriers to crush Anand in one of the most impressive and instructive endgames you’ll ever see!