The Caro-Kann is renowned as a top-tier defence to 1.e4, and Lars Schandorff’s Grandmaster Repertoire book on this opening received rave reviews. As GM Zenon Franco Ocampos put it, “I cannot imagine a better way of converting into a Caro-Kann player.” A decade later, Schandorff is back with a completely new repertoire which improves on his previous work in every way.

Playing the Caro-Kann offers a complete repertoire for Black after 1.e4 c6, based on 2.d4 d5 followed by 3.e5 Bf5 or 3.Nc3/3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6† exf6. With cutting-edge analysis, thorough explanations of positional motifs and instructively annotated illustrative games, this book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the Caro-Kann.