The Cambridge Springs [Paperback]

Krzysztof Panczyk (Author), Jacek Ilczuk (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2003

The Cambridge Springs is a popular defence to the Queen's Gambit that takes its name from the famous tournament in 1904 during which it was tested in a number of games. Since then it has become firmly established as a club-player's favourite, since Black sets a number of traps and can generate a very quick initiative if White fails to respond precisely. Several world champions have used the Cambridge Springs, most notably Alekhine and Smyslov, while Kasparov has played it on occasion, including a sensationally quick victory over Karpov in 1985. It currently has a good theoretical reputation and is frequently played at grandmaster level.

This is the first major work on the Cambridge Springs. The authors combine thorough research with a wealth of original material to offer comprehensive coverage of this combative system. While the main body of the book covers both sides of the Cambridge Springs, it also offers Black a repertoire against White's alternative options in the Queen's Gambit, the most important of which is the Exchange Variation.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Gambit Publications specialises in chess and has an unrivalled reputation for originality and editorial excellence. The company is owned and staffed entirely by leading chess masters and grandmasters.

About the Author

Krzysztof Panczyk is an international master from Poland, who was placed third in the 1991 Polish Championship. Jacek Ilczuk is a strong correspondence player (a semi-finalist in the e-mail world championship) and has worked as a journalist and editor on a computer magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Gambit Publications (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1901983684
• ISBN-13: 978-1901983685
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,460,553 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars objective coverage of an interesting opening for black, March 12, 2005

By 

H R Stamm (Munich, DE) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cambridge Springs (Paperback)

There is very little literature on the solid and yet trappy Cambridge Springs variation, a defense for black to the popular Queens Gambit. As a result of this book I have adopted the opening as black in some of my games, and have found my opponents are frequently surprised. As a bonus, there are some nasty pitfalls that white can fall for. During the 1985 world championship Kasparov sprang the Cambridge Springs on Karpov, and won in 32 moves.
Considering there is no other decent coverage of the opening (apart from encylopedias) it is fortunate that, in this case, the authors have written such an objective and comprehensive account. OK, it is written deliberately from black's point of view, as an opening repertoire book. But the assessments, as far as I can tell, are honest, and there is a refreshing amount of original analysis. It is also nice to see that care has been taken, to cater for any different move orders that white might try in the opening. Chapters 10 and 11 give a system for black if white tries to avoid the variation completely.
If you want an opening that is sound, but still could catch opponents on the wrong foot, then this is the book for you.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rare Book, Good Coverage, January 26, 2010

By 

Robin Thames "Paradigm High" (Saratoga Springs, UT USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Cambridge Springs (Paperback)

There are no other books on the subject of the solid and trap filled opening for black called 'the Cambridge Springs', as far as I can find. The fact that this is the only book on this subject automatically earns the book some points, because TCS is truly a great opening. White has to be extremely careful if he allows black to play this; pins and discoveries lurk behind each move, and traps of all sorts abound.

As for the book itself, it is pretty good as they go. Coverage is given of almost all lines, and there's even a section on what to do on the black side if white avoids TCS. Of course, as is the sad case with alot of opening books, it is a bit dry, but I really can't complain; it's great that there's a book on the opening at all.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but dry!, December 27, 2011

By 

Marcellus B. Lima (Brazil) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Cambridge Springs (Paperback)

Yes, this book has been very well researched. But is it extremely dry. No commentaries at all, just variations. If you are a player above 2000 ELO, you will find no fault with it. But if (like me) you need some explanation about the plans for each side, you will be left pretty much on your own.