Our Price: € 23.95

Publisher: Batsford, 2006
Edition: Paperback medium
ISBN: 0713490101
Pages: 288
Language: English

The Caro-Kann Defence has long been regarded as one of the most solid and reliable defences as Black.

It is therefore paradoxical that the Advance Variation 1 e4 c6 2 d4 d5 3 e5, presently at the cutting edge of chess theory and practice, has become one of the most wildly exciting variations in the whole realm of opening theory. At times the positions obtained are almost surreal and bear no resemblance to any other chess opening. Pawns on either flank are thrust forward furiously, both kings are left to take care of themselves in the centre of the board, sacrifices of pawns and pieces abound - all this while the two opponents busy themselves with forcing attacking lines often leading to unusual material balance or strange mating patterns.

Former world champion Anatoly Karpov and chess trainer and theoretician IM Mikhail Podgaets are both life-long practitioners of the Caro Kann and are under no illusions as to how dangerous White's initiative can be - yet they also have faith in Black's defensive and counterattacking resources which they back up with concrete and original analysis.

In addition to the Advance Variation, the authors cover the Gambit lines, making this a stand-alone volume for players of the White pieces and an essential reference source for Caro-Kann adherents, for whom further volumes are in preparation to cover the remaining Classical and Panov-Botvinnik systems.

In his long and highly successful chess career Anatoly Karpov played a series of memorable world title matches against Korchnoi and Kasparov and gained a record-breaking number of first prizes in grandmaster tournament play. Mikhail Podgaets is an International Master, trainer and theoretician who is noted for his expertise on the Caro-Kann Defence.

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