Caro-KannB19

Classical Variation, Spassky Variation

1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. Nf3 Nd7 8. h5

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. e4e4 occupies the center.
... c6c6 controls d5.
2. d4d4 occupies the center.
... d5d5 strikes at the center.
3. Nd2Nd2 develops the knight and controls e4.
... dxe4dxe4 captures a pawn, occupies the center.
4. Nxe4Nxe4 captures a pawn.
... Bf5Bf5 develops the bishop and controls e4.
5. Ng3Ng3 controls e4.
... Bg6Bg6 controls e4.
6. h4h4 repositions the pawn.
... h6h6 repositions the pawn.
7. Nf3Nf3 develops the knight and controls d4 and e5.
... Nd7Nd7 develops the knight and controls e5.
8. h5h5 attacks the bishop, gains space.

Open on the interactive board

Other major variations

The complete Caro-Kann guide See all 110 variations in the branch map