Openings

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Avatar of kasirohan

What are some good books on general chess openings? I have John Watson's Mastering the Chess Openings, and that is a good book, but I feel it does not go deep enough into many of the openings it teaches.. For example, I do not know how to respond against the caro-kann as white, and watson's book does not really teach enough... At the same time, I do not want an entire book that goes over the caro-kann, as I have barely played against that opening.. Any suggestions would be great :P.

 

Thanks,

Rohan

Avatar of baddogno

There's the rub, isn't it?  You either go wide or you go deep.  Sure MCO goes deep on all the openings but doesn't explain any thing so you might as well use an up to date database instead (some of which are free).  FCO and the 4 part Chess Opening Essentials go wide but rarely more than 8 or 10 moves deep.  Of course they really explain those 8 or 10 moves so you've got a pretty good idea what the main plans are for both sides so you can get into a middle game with a fighting chance.  I have both and although they mostly overlap each has some strengths.  Fundamental Chess Openings is much cheaper though since it's 1 volume.  Most seem to think it's the current gold standard.

Luckily for you though since you're a diamond member you can watch GM Shankland's 9 part video on the Caro.  Here's a link to the first part:

http://www.chess.com/video/player/the-complete-caro-kann---part-1-sidelines-first

Avatar of kasirohan

Thanks for your input. I will consider the books you recommended, and watch shankland's video.

Avatar of kasirohan

haha ic good point! 

Avatar of baddogno

@Hjnchess: Nothing new under the sun I'm afraid.  Your first 2 moves are the accelerated Panov attack, although move 3 is done with exd5 although your cxd5 has been tried a dozen or so times in the database as well.

Avatar of 9thEagle

I believe the Mammoth Book of Chess has a small (under 10 moves) explanation for most openings. It sort of tells the main ideas and such. You might use that to decide which openings you'd like to use, and then buy a more in-depth book over them.

Avatar of kasirohan

haha ok

Avatar of kasirohan

yea especially when u do not know the main lines of an opening