Caro Kann Defence

Why the Caro Kann? The most common of all opening moves by White is 1.e4. Therefore many chess openings are centered around how Black should respond to this.


Black has numerous choices and it really depends on what style of play he wants to go with. He can play a high risk sharp game or a slow, solid response or something in between.


Let's say Black wants to play a safe, careful game where he can slowly achieve equality. One which gives him a good game later on especially if White is a little inaccurate. The CK Defence is one such option. It has 10 entries in the ECO Index. Play through this opening defence with all the main lines analyzed. You can now also upload articles and games on this defense.

1.e4 c6

There are countless possible avenues a game can take off the Caro Kann. Most of them will evolve out of these main lines.

Classical (Capablanca) V: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 (3.Nd2) dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5
Modern V: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 (3.Nd2) dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7
Bronstein-Larsen V: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6!? 5.Nxf6+ gxf6!?
Korchnoi V: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6!? 5.Nxf6+ exf6
Advance V: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 (3...c5!?)
Exchange V: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3 Nc6 5.c3 Nf6 6.Bf4 Bg4 7.Qb3
Two Knights V: 1.e4 c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Nc3
Tartakower V: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.f3
Gurgenidze V: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 g6

Here are two Caro Kann games with a victory for each side.

The main idea for Black in the Caro is to maintain a solid position with a good pawn structure. Avoiding major weaknesses, when he does get his pieces developed, Black should have fair chances.



Black should always be thinking about exchanging pieces and hastening the endgame. His better structure against White's advanced pawns augers well.



To make up for a usually slightly inferior pawn structure White must take control of the center and conduct his attacks from there. Another option for Black aside from the Caro is the French Defence.