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Rating: 
Summary: Good at conveying ideas, but not a complete reference
Review: If you are looking for a book that explains what the strategic and tactical ideas are in the Caro-Kann main line (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 [or 3.Nd2] dxe4 4.Nxe4), then this will be a book that will fulfill your expectations. It is not though a book to which you can go to find every variation you will face. Since I am playing mainly correspondence chess, and the use of chess books is allowed in this mode, I am usually disappointed when I go to this book trying to find a specific line and find that the line is missing. The Caro-Kann is a very complex opening, with several fine points, making the need for thoroughness in analyzing all possible lines even more pronounced that in other cases, where ideas are almost enough. I have also noticed that even though the back cover of the book claims that the author offers an analysis from both white's and black's viewpoints, there is a marked emphasis on how to play when handling the white pieces. This is fine with me because I do not play the Caro-Kann with black, but if you are a player that uses this defense then you may be disappointed. The book is organized in three main sections: the Smyslov System (4...Nd7), the Classical System (4...Bf5) and systems with 4...Nf6. I would have liked to see more depth in the analysis in the last group, since I am finding an increasing number of players going for this line. To sum up, if you are a player that plays the white side of the Caro-Kann and is looking to understand the ideas in this opening, then this is definitely your book. If instead you play the Caro-Kann with black and/or are looking for a complete reference for this opening, you will be somewhat disappointed.
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