Caro-KannB12

Caro-Kann Defense

1. e4 c6 2. d4

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Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

Take the big center with d4 and defend it. Against Black's solid setup, the space advantage converts on the kingside (Advance: e5 then h4-h5) or into a better endgame through development.

Black's plan

...c6 prepares ...d5: challenge e4 WITHOUT burying the c8-bishop, which is the whole difference from the French. The bishop comes out to f5 or g4 before ...e6, and the black structure is a rock. The equalizing levers: ...c5 or ...e5.

The line, move by move

  1. 1. e4e4 occupies the center.
  2. ... c6c6 controls d5.
  3. 2. d4d4 occupies the center.
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Other major variations

Caro-Kann Defense (B12) · Caro-Kann · OpeningMate