The Queen's Gambit & Catalan for Black

Rating:
Summary: Excellent repertoire book for QGD
Review: Getting Janjgava's two books, on the Petroff and now this one on the QGD and Catalan, has been a revelation for me. Yes, the book is heavy on variations, and a bit light on explanations. But it is ideally suited for the needs of the experienced intermediate player (and above) who needs an excellent reference guide on these timeless openings. The explanations are great, too, as they come in appropriate places, and are in excellent English, courtesy of Graham Burgess' wonderful translating and writing skills. Many reviewers complain these days when a book is heavy on variations and light on text. But we need books like this one. It has become "politically correct" that all chess opening books have to have lengthy explanations of the "ideas" behind openings. Frankly, there are plenty of books out there already that discuss the ideas of the queen's gambit. What I need is a book that provides some meaty variations, with sensible direction about good lines to follow. The format and strutcture of this book is great. Right off, in chapter one, Lanjgava shows you the exchange variation and suggests that you play 3... Be7 instead of 3... Nf6. An excellent suggestion. This is not a haphazard data-dump book. It is carefully thought out and contains recommendations that will stand the test of time. I am using it in conjunction with Marovic's excellent, "Play the Queen's Gambit," which is full of explanation of ideas behind moves. But this book has shown me that, although I am by no means a very good player, I really don't need constant explanations of why each move is played. I can pretty much figure that out for myself. I need books that will give me variations, well thought out and that consider all likely responses. Plus, this book gives recommendations of lines. For instance, he recommends that you play the Lasker or Tartakower variations. In sum, take reviews that complain about the lack of explanations as being directed at beginners. I am sure you already have several books which discuss the ideas of the QGD. This excellent book can become the meat and potatoes that actually allows you to play that opening with success and knowledge.