THE CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS is written by the Polish IM Krzysztof Pancyk and correspondence player Jacek Ilcuk. It is also very much a “complete” work, covering this opening thoroughly from Black’s standpoint by recommending a repertoire. The Cambridge Springs goes 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5. To give the reader everything in one volume, the book includes a chapter on White’s ways to avoid the Cambridge Springs with orders involving a delayed Nc3 or the move Bf4, for example. Then there is a detailed and impressive chapter on what to do against the Exchange Variation (4.cxd5 exd5). The Cambridge Springs has always been considered a solid opening but perhaps allowing White a safe, slight advantage.

This book contains very little verbiage or explanation, but is a solid effort with plenty of independent analysis and some new conclusions about standard White remedies that might spark a revival of this line. I am not convinced about some of their analysis and conclusions after 7.cxd5, with which I have won a few nice games as White. Maybe Black can equalize in a theoretical sense, but these positions are hard to play and can go quickly downhill. To me, this isn’t the most attractive opening to play, but with some homework it might become a good surprise weapon (perhaps a backup), and one will certainly need this book to play it with confidence.

To see Donaldson’s review of this same book, click HERE.

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