B18intermediate

Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation

The main line of the Caro-Kann where Black develops the bishop to f5 before playing ...e6. A solid and reliable system.

36%
White wins
34%
Draw
30%
Black wins

Main Line Moves

1.e4c62.d4d53.Nc3dxe44.Nxe4Bf55.Ng3Bg66.h4h67.Nf3Nd78.h5Bh79.Bd3Bxd310.Qxd3

Key Ideas

  • 1Black develops the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain
  • 2Solid pawn structure with few weaknesses
  • 3Black aims for a sound positional game
  • 4White gets a slight space advantage

Variations

Karpov Variation

e4c6d4d5Nc3dxe4Nxe4Nd7Nf3Ngf6Nxf6+Nxf6Be2Bf5

Black plays ...Nd7 first — Karpov's favorite, avoiding the h4-h5 advance

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