There is a helpful Index of Variations and an Index of completed games. The diagrams do not have a “to move” indicator or any kind of caption so you will need to work out for yourself how they relate to the text that they are embedded in. The usual and reliable formatting from Brighton-based typesetter IM Byron Jacobs is employed. Figurine algebraic notation is used throughout.

Each diagram is clear as is the instructional text. He has been teaching chess for over 40 years, and coaches some of the top junior players in the U.S.”Īs with every recent Everyman Chess publication high quality paper is used and the printing is clear. “Cyrus Lakdawala is an International Master, a former National Open and American Open Champion, and a six-time State Champion. * The question and answer approach provides an excellent study method.” * A complete repertoire for Black to counter 1 d4. He examines all aspects of this highly complex opening and provides the reader with well-researched, fresh, and innovative analysis.Įach annotated game has valuable lessons on how to play the opening and contains instructive commentary on typical middlegame plans. In this book Cyrus Lakdawala guides the reader through the complexities of the Tarrasch and carves out a repertoire for Black, based on a modern treatment popularised by the Russian grandmaster Daniil Dubov. The Tarrasch has had many powerful adherents over the years including the legendary Garry Kasparov who made much use of it in the early part of his career. However, Siegbert Tarrasch, after whom the opening is named, famously declared that, “he who fears an Isolated Queen’s Pawn should give up chess”.

In the early development of chess theory this line was somewhat frowned upon due to the vulnerability of the IQP. In this variation Black gains free and easy piece play but in return usually has to accept the structural weakness of an Isolated Queen’s Pawn (IQP).

“The Tarrasch Variation of the Queen’s Gambit Declined is a fierce counter-attacking line arising after 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 c5. Here is the publishers blurb from the rear cover:

How to play queen's gambit declined