The Caro-Kann Defence has a justified reputation for reliability, making it an attractive choice for players with a preference for positional play. However in recent years many new dangerous ideas have been discovered for White which makes a study of the theoretical main lines imperative for competitive players.

It is therefore parodoxical 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 in the centre to look after themselves, sacrifices of pawns and pieces are aplenty. Unusual material balances and strange mating patterns are characteristic of these variations

In addition to the Advance Variation the authors cover the Gambit System (which many of you know as the Fantasy Variation - 3 f3), making this a stand alone volume for players of the White pieces and an essential reference source for Caro-Kann adherents.

Anatoly Karpov is a living legend of chess; he has dominated the world of the chess for over a decade as the world chess champion between 1975 and 1985. Garry Kasparov, the current champion, dethroned him and the two ideologically opposed Russians have had a bitter rivalry ever since. Anatoly Karpov is also the winner of the largest number of tournaments in the history of chess, with more than 160 due tournaments. He is considered the best positional player of history of chess and is the author of several other books on chess theory. He lives in Russia.