Introduction
I really can’t recommend this book as a primer on the Caro-Kann. I have been playing the Caro-Kann for 9 years now, and I can’t imagine how confusing it would have been had Martin’s book been the first resource I’d studied from. This is a book that’s supposed to explain the basics in an easy-to-understand way. In a way, Martin has managed that by simplifying some of the concepts connected to playing 1…c6, but he has definitely failed when it comes to specific variations, their ideas and the strategy behind them. Furthermore, not every variation is covered, and, since the book is based on annotated games, I couldn’t imagine how a novice Caro player would be able to navigate it or figure out which variations they have to learn.
Andrew David Martin is an English IM, FIDE Senior Trainer, and a successful chess author. He has written over 20 books including The Hippopotamus Rises. His books remind me of those of another author who I shall not name here. They feel as if he wrote them to fulfill a norm, and not because he was trying hard to actually provide useful learning material for the readers.
Other Books by Andrew Martin
Martin doesn’t play the Caro-Kann himself. He usually employs a Modern/Pirc type of setup against e4. How could someone who doesn’t play the Caro-Kann write a good book about it? Well, someone is yet to do that. Martin hasn’t succeeded.
This is not a Repertoire for Black
This book (tries) to explain the basics of every Caro-Kann variation. Thus, for example, the first chapter covers Nc3 and it briefly covers Bf5, the Karpov, as well as Nf6 (not mentioning the Gurgenidze as an alternative to dxe4). This seems like an unnecessary burden for beginner players. Each move is covered by showing several annotated games. No trees of variations, or explanations of branches on a single page. Navigating an opening book structured in this way is almost impossible. I have struggled, despite knowing most games and despite having years of experience in the Caro-Kann.
In order to begin understanding the Caro-Kann, you have to look at structures first, and only then focus on theory. This is a typical mistake in the closed, Advanced structure many beginners make. White’s center must be attacked, but slowly! A premature c5 or f6 pawn break can be devastating. In any case, black just played f6. Was that a good move? How would you evaluate the position?
On Chessmind you can solve positional problems and get instant feedback like you would from a real coach, you can learn from numerous opening courses, practice tactics adapted to your strength, and get access to ChessGPT! Try it out!
Against the Advance Variation, Martin covers both Bf5 and c5. The chapter begins with a Bayonet Attack game between Shirov and Anand. In the introduction to the chapter, the author writes: “ This is the Advance Variation, a very important main line. I always thought that 3. e5 played into Black’s hands, as the white central pawns can often become fixed and rigid,
But the line has become infused with new ideas recently. Black can do many things, but he should choose either Bf5 or c5…” And after this brief intro, a Bayonet game? If I were a novice, I would have no idea what’s going on or what the Advance is really about.
Every other variation is covered in the same fashion.
Conclusion
What is a beginner meant to get from Martin’s book? It’s a game collection of Caro-Kann games divided by variation. Within chapters, the games aren’t arranged according to importance of variation or the frequency with which each is employed, but seemingly randomly. What you will get from the book is a great look into the Caro-Kann in practice. Analyzing games and going over annotated games is always useful, and it’s a great way to study and opening, but this book cannot be called “First steps”. At best it’s a relatively poorly annotated game collection. It’s by no means a primer on the Caro-Kann.
Looking for an easy way to learn openings and build a repertoire? With Chessbook you can find the gaps in your repertoire before your opponents do. You will only spend time on the moves you’ll actually see, learn middlegame plans for any opening, and easily find mistakes in your online games. Connect your Chess.com or Lichess account to get instant feedback when you deviate from your repertoire. Try it out!
