Black's Preparation Against 1.d4 Sidelines: Analysis of a Training Course

Opening preparation is always a crucial matter in chess. Especially when the opponent as White plays 1.d4 and employs strategies to avoid mainstream theory, Black must proceed with a well-structured plan. Recently, a training course by International Master Valeri Lilov has been published, presenting Black's plans against White's 1.d4 sidelines across six videos. The course claims to cover seven distinct systems: the Colle System, Trompowsky Attack, Torre Attack, London System, Catalan, Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, and Richter-Veresov Opening. First, an important point must be clarified. The structural characteristic of this course is that it prioritizes breadth over depth. Covering seven systems in six videos means the time allocated to each system will be relatively limited. Typically, a series on a single opening consists of ten to twenty videos. By comparison, this course may serve as a useful introduction but may not be sufficient as an elite-level reference. Of course, transpositions allow some systems to convert into the same structure, which helps save time. The teaching method is plan-based. This approach is highly suitable for certain systems. The Colle System, Torre Attack, London System, and Catalan are essentially four structure-driven openings. Here, Black's typical set-up—central placement of d5 and Nf6, followed by e6 and Bd6 or c5 and Nc6 combinations, then the freeing break with c5 or e5—such plans genuinely transfer effectively. But the situation differs for the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. This is a specific gambit where knowing the correct defensive sequence is essential. It is not possible to handle this gambit with plans alone. Similarly, the Trompowsky Attack and Richter-Veresov Opening do not transpose into London or Colle structures. As a result, these systems consume additional time and this is likely where coverage gaps are greatest. The course description labels White's avoidance of 2.c4 as 'not very ambitious.' This assessment is somewhat simplified. The truth is, these systems are played even at the 2700 rating level because players seek practical pressure instead of theoretical risk. Calling them unambitious understates the preparation burden. The course author holds only the International Master title. While this is a strong professional title, it sits two tiers below Grandmaster. For an opening course sold on 'what Black should play,' the author's title is an important signal for buyers. However, the course description provides no information about the author's competitive record, peak rating, or coaching experience. This course has a clear market. Club-level Black players who repeatedly struggle against low-theory openings like the London System or Colle System are the primary target audience. The London System is the most common low-theory 1.d4 system in online chess. The existence of this course proves that such a market genuinely exists. Buyers should consider certain risks. First, plan-based teaching may not be sufficient for systems like the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit and Trompowsky Attack, which require memorizing specific move sequences. Second, covering seven systems in six videos may leave some chapters lacking depth, which opponents could exploit. Third, there is substantial free educational content available—such as Lichess studies, YouTube videos, and platform free courses. Comparing before purchasing is wise. Overall, this course can serve as an effective plan-based guide for Black players from club to International Master level. However, it is not an elite-level refutation manual. Its plans work well for the London, Colle, Torre, and Catalan. But buyers should exercise extra caution with the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit and 2.Bg5 systems, and should watch sample videos if possible. The growing presence of such training products in the chess world is a positive trend—it shows that professional players are finding new revenue paths through knowledge distribution. However, buyers should remain aware of each product's limitations and not blindly accept marketing claims.