Customer Reviews

The Cambridge Springs

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.