(Redirected from
Caro-Kann)
The Caro-Kann Defense is a common chess opening characterized by the moves 1.e4 c6 (see algebraic notation). The usual continuation is 2.d4 d5, followed by 3.Nc3, 3.Nd2, 3.exd5, or 3.e5 (the Advance variation.) The Caro-Kann is similar to the Sicilian Defense and French Defense in that it is half-open, but is thought to be more passive and drawish than either of the above openings.
Classical Variation
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The most common way of handling the Caro-Kann is with a line that begins 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 (or 3. Nd2) dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6, the Classical Variation. This was for long considered to be the correct way for White to play. Typically the black light-squared bishop is a problematic piece in that it has little mobility and can be confined to the awkward-looking h7 square after for example 6. h4 h6 7. h5 Bh7. Black will therefore seek to trade it off.
Much of the reputation of the Caro-Kann being a solid defensive opening choice for Black stems from this variation being so hard to crack open. Black makes very few compromises in his pawn structure, plays a timely c5 to contest d4 square and unless White can obtain counterplay on the weakened e5 square, Black will sometimes leave his king in the center where he is relatively safe. Should things proceed to an endgame, Black stands well thanks to his solid pawn structure and kingside pawn majority.
Steinitz Variation
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An even more solid positional line than the Classical Variation, this variation is identified by the moves 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7. Named after the German Grandmaster Wilhelm Steinitz, in modern play it has been identified with former World Champion Anatoly Karpov, who has used it dozens of times in top-level play. Play is similar to the Classical Variation except that Black has more freedom by delaying the development of his bishop, and is not forced to play it to the g6 square. However this freedom comes at a cost as White also enjoys added freedom in taking up space in the center, and often plays the aggressive 5. Ng5 to immediately raise some problems for Black. The famous last game of the Deep Blue-Garry Kasparov rematch where Kasparov blundered and lost was played in this very line.
Bronstein-Larsen Variation
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An unusual continuation that begins 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6!? 5. Nxf6 gxf6 (5...exf6 is possible but no longer in favor), leading to a very unclear position. Black has voluntarily opted for an inferior kingside pawn structure and a practical necessity of castling queenside, but also has some compensation in the form of the open g-file for the rook and unsually active play for the Caro-Kann. It is generally considered somewhat unsound, but former top-10 player Bent Larsen employed it with some success during the 1970s.
Advance Variation
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This variation that starts 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 has gained popularity after being mostly discarded as leading to a draw for many years. It has since been revitalized by many aggressive lines like the Bayonet Attack (4. Nc3 e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. h4 h5) and appears with some regularity in top-level play.
Exchange Variation
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Variation beginning 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5, this line often leads up to the sharpest currently seen line against the Caro-Kann Defense, namely the Panov-Botvinnik Attack with 4. c4 Nf6. The relative simplicity of this system is misleading as it often leads to wildly tactical play thanks to the open diagonals and rapid White development. It is often thought that this type of play scores exceptionally well against the Caro-Kann since most players opting for the positional Caro-Kann are not comfortable in the wild tactical complications that follow in the Panov-Botvinnik attack.
Unusual lines
Two Knights Variation: 1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Nc3, as sometimes played by Bobby Fischer.
Fantasy or Tartakower Variation: 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. f3, with shades of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.
Gurgenidze Variation: 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 g6--it is because of this varition that some players believe 3. Nd2 is more accurate (White can then play c3 at some point), though ...g6 is also playable after that move.
Note that the Caro-Kann or lines similar to it can sometimes be reached by transposition of moves from the English Opening, after 1. c4 c6 2. e4 d5.
