Grandmaster Repertoire 7 - La Caro-Kann, de Lars Schandorff (tapa dura)

This Grandmaster Repertoire 7: The Caro-Kann by Lars Schandorff is an English-language hardcover chess book that gives Black a complete repertoire against 1.e4, built around the Caro-Kann Defence and explained with practical middlegame and endgame ideas.

Lars Schandorff, a Danish grandmaster known for his opening preparation, presents more than a list of moves to memorise. The book also explains the typical pawn structures, plans and manoeuvres that arise from the opening, so you can understand how to handle the resulting positions.

For players who want a solid, practical answer to 1.e4 without entering the sharpest forced lines, the Caro-Kann remains a sensible choice. Schandorff’s repertoire is based on the modern 4...Bf5 approach, aiming for active play rather than passive defence.

What this book covers

This title is part of the respected Grandmaster Repertoire series from Quality Chess. It sets out a full Black repertoire against 1.e4 based on the Caro-Kann Defence, with clear explanations of ideas for both sides of the board. That makes it especially useful if you want to understand why the lines work, not just how they go.

It will appeal to regular Caro-Kann players as well as anyone looking for a new Black repertoire. The book is also well suited to club and tournament preparation.

Edition details

• Author: Lars Schandorff
• Series: Grandmaster Repertoire 7
• Opening: Caro-Kann Defence
• Language: English
• Binding: hardcover
• Page count: 256
• Publication date: 28 May 2010
• ISBN: 978-1-906552-60-2

Reviews and praise

GM Zenon Franco Ocampos, Jaque: says the book is so well written that it made him want to start playing the Caro-Kann himself, and praises its clear explanation of typical ideas for both sides.

Bill McGeary, Chessville: highlights the author’s work and notes that the book offers a complete repertoire against 1.e4, with quality that can be useful even for very strong players.

Steve Giddins, British Chess Magazine: describes it as “outstandingly impressive” and praises the 4...Bf5 Caro-Kann repertoire for giving Black practical chances to play for a win.

GM Peter Heine Nielsen, Skakbladet: points to the modern lines, sound positional approach and substantial amount of useful analysis and explanation.

GM Sune Berg Hansen, Politiken: says the book overturns the old idea of the main Caro-Kann as a purely drawing weapon and delivers answers to almost everything you can expect after 1.e4.

IM John Donaldson: presents Schandorff’s Caro-Kann as a dynamic weapon and recommends the book to players from around 1800 rating upwards, including those already using 4...Bf5 and those who want to add it to their repertoire.

Key details

• Product type: hardcover chess book
• Series: Grandmaster Repertoire
• Volume: 7
• Author: Lars Schandorff
• Opening: Caro-Kann Defence
• Focus: repertoire against 1.e4
• Variation: 4...Bf5
• ISBN: 978-1-906552-60-2