Caro-Kann Defense

A rock-solid defense loved by beginners and champions: Black challenges the center and develops the light-squared bishop before closing it in with ...e6.

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.Nf3 e6 (ECO B12)

Caro-Kann Defense: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.Nf3 e6

Key ideas

  1. Bring the bishop to f5 before playing ...e6.
  2. A solid pawn structure with few weaknesses.
  3. Strike at the center later with ...c5.

A trap to know

In the Advance Variation, White may chase the bishop with g4 and h4: keep a safe square for it.

Who is it for?

For beginners who want a safe defense against 1.e4.

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