Kaufman's New Repertoire for Black and White

This Kaufman's New Repertoire for Black and White is an English-language chess opening book that brings White and Black preparation together in one volume, with Larry Kaufman presenting a fully updated repertoire built around modern analysis.

What this book covers

Published as a revised and expanded update of The Kaufman Repertoire for Black and White, this book reflects Kaufman’s view that his earlier recommendations for White no longer gave a fully consistent basis for fighting for an advantage, especially against the Grünfeld and Nimzo/Ragozin systems. In response, he offers a completely new White repertoire based on 1.e4, with an emphasis on clear practical choices and objective play.

For the reader, that means a repertoire that does not depend on choosing the sharpest, most memory-heavy lines at every turn. In selected positions, Kaufman gives two ways to continue, making it easier to adapt the material to your own style and level of preparation.

How the repertoire is presented

The Black repertoire has also been thoroughly revised and expanded, and the book includes three new chapters. A key feature is the analytical method: this was the first opening book to rely primarily on Monte Carlo search. That approach has led to a number of fresh improvements over existing opening theory and a more modern way of assessing positions.

Kaufman does more than list moves. The lines are explained clearly, so you can understand the ideas behind the recommendations rather than simply memorising variations. That makes the book useful both as a ready-made tournament repertoire and as a tool for independent opening study.

Who it is for

Kaufman's New Repertoire for Black and White is a strong fit for players who want one volume covering both colours instead of piecing together separate books. It will suit ambitious club players, coaches and tournament players, as well as more experienced readers looking for a carefully analysed opening repertoire.

For readers who want to compare it with the earlier work, the related The Kaufman Repertoire for Black and White is the previous volume in the series.

Key details

• Product type: chess opening book
• Author: Larry Kaufman
• Language: English
• Binding: paperback
• Page count: 464
• Subject: complete opening repertoire for White and Black
• White repertoire: based on 1.e4
• Analysis method: Monte Carlo search