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Caro-Kann Defense

The Caro-Kann Defense starts with 1.e4 c6.

1.e4 c6With BlackAnalyze this openingSee the repertoire

What you’ll learn

A complete repertoire against 1.e4 with the Caro-Kann: every main variation (Advance, Classical, Exchange and Panov, Fantasy) and White’s less common second moves.

Variations

  • Against the Advance Variation

    3.e5 Bf5 · 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5

    When White pushes the pawn to e5: your bishop comes out to f5 before ...e6, then ...c5 attacks the centre. With White’s common plans (Short System, 4.d3, Bayonet, 4.h4…).

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  • Classical Variation

    4...Bf5 · 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4

    After 3.c3 (or 3.d2), you take on e4 and develop your bishop to f5: the most classical line of the Caro-Kann.

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  • Against the Exchange and Panov

    1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5

    When White exchanges on d5: the 4.d3 system and the Panov-Botvinnik Attack (4.c4) with its isolated pawn.

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  • Against 2.Nf3 and 2.Nc3

    Two Knights · 1.e4 c6 2.Nf3 / 2.Nc3

    When White brings out a knight on move two instead of 2.d4, including the Two Knights Attack.

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  • Fantasy and rare moves

    3.f3, 2.Bc4, 2.c4, 2.d3…

    The Fantasy Variation (3.f3) and White’s less common second moves, so you’re never caught out.

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