Fight 1.d4 with the Tarrasch‪!‬

A Complete Fighting Repertoire against 1. d4!


Do you like active piece play? Fighting for the initiative from move one? The Tarrasch Defense just may be what you are looking for. Its advantages include:


(1) It can be played against pretty much anything: 1. Nf3, 1. c4, 1. g3, 1. d4. Play 1... e6, 2 ... d5 and 3... c5 and you are there!

(2) It leads most of the time to a typical IQP pawn structure, and it is difficult for White to change the course of the opening.

(3) Black’s pieces naturally enjoy open lines and active posts so it’s easy to play the opening moves quickly and successfully!


This book is exceptional! Tarrasch exponents have been blessed in the past years with some excellent works, and this book continues this happy trend. It is both a detailed reference manual and a source of inspiration. For example, in the main line 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. g3 Nf6 7. Bg2 Be7 8. 0-0 0-0 9. dxc5, I was intrigued to see such interesting analysis of the unusual gambit line 9... d4 as well as the main line 9... Bxc5. I was also very impressed by the work that Vassilios put into the awkward sidelines such as 3. Nf3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5, discovering a wealth of active possibilities in quiet-looking positions. I am certain that this book will become an essential tool both for experienced Tarrasch players and future aficionados! – Grandmaster Matthew Sadler in his Foreword


Greek grandmaster Vassilios Kotronias is well-known for his excellent analytical work and writing style which presents the material in a way that is comprehensive and easy to understand. In this book – his first for Russell Enterprises – he offers a thorough system for Black against 1. d4. That includes responses to other systems such as the Colle, Trompowsky, London, etc. So, are you ready to stake your claim as Black, fighting from the first move? The Tarrasch may be just what you are looking for!