Caro–Kann defence facts for kids
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | ||
| 8 |
            |
8 | |||||||
| 7 | 7 | ||||||||
| 6 | 6 | ||||||||
| 5 | 5 | ||||||||
| 4 | 4 | ||||||||
| 3 | 3 | ||||||||
| 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| 1 | 1 | ||||||||
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | ||
The Caro–Kann Defence is a popular chess opening. It's a way for the Black pieces to start the game when White begins by moving their King's pawn two squares. This opening is known for being very solid and safe for Black.
It usually starts with these moves:
- 1.e4 c6
Then, the game often continues like this:
- 2.d4 d5
After these first two moves, White has a few main choices for their third move. These choices lead to different styles of play:
- 3.Nc3 (called the Modern Variation)
- 3.Nd2 (known as the Classical Variation)
- 3.exd5 (the Exchange Variation)
- 3.e5 (the Advance Variation)
The Modern Variation (3.Nc3) is played most often today.
The Caro–Kann is similar to the Sicilian defence and French defence. These are called asymmetrical defences because the pawn structures on the board are not mirror images. The Caro–Kann is often seen as more solid and less risky than these other openings. This means games are usually quieter and focus more on good piece placement. Black often gets a strong pawn setup, which can be helpful in the later parts of the game, called the endgame.
This opening is named after two chess players who studied it in 1886: Horatio Caro from England and Marcus Kann from Austria.
Contents
Exploring the Classical Variation
The Classical Variation is a very common way to play the Caro–Kann. It's sometimes called the Capablanca Variation, after a famous world champion.
It happens after these moves:
- 1.e4 c6
- 2.d4 d5
- 3.Nc3 (or 3.Nd2) dxe4
- 4.Nxe4 Bf5
For a long time, many thought this was the best way for both sides to play. White usually continues with moves like:
- 5.Ng3 Bg6
- 6.h4 h6
- 7.Nf3 Nd7
- 8.h5 Bh7
- 9.Bd3 Bxd3
- 10.Qxd3
Even though White's pawn on h5 might look like it's ready to attack, it can sometimes become a weakness in the endgame. This variation is a big reason why the Caro–Kann is known as a very solid defence. Black keeps a strong pawn structure and can play c5 later to challenge White's central pawn. Black can also choose to castle on either side of the board, or even keep their king in the middle. If the game reaches an endgame, Black often has good chances because of their strong pawns.
Understanding the Modern Variation
The Modern Variation is another strong and well-placed line in the Caro–Kann. It starts with these moves:
- 1.e4 c6
- 2.d4 d5
- 3.Nc3 (or 3.Nd2) dxe4
- 4.Nxe4 Nd7
This variation was played by the first world champion, Wilhelm Steinitz. Today, it's often called the Smyslov Variation or, more commonly, the Modern Variation.
The main idea behind Black's 4...Nd7 move is to make it easier to develop their pieces. It helps Black trade knights without messing up their pawn structure, which could happen with the direct 4...Nf6. The game often looks similar to the Classical Variation. However, Black doesn't have to move their queen's bishop to g6. This freedom comes with a small cost, as White can gain more space in the center. White sometimes plays an aggressive move like 5.Ng5!?, putting pressure on key squares like f7.
This variation can even lead to a quick checkmate trap if Black isn't careful: 5.Qe2 Ngf6?? 6.Nd6#.
Variations with 4...Nf6
Two interesting variations start after these moves:
- 1.e4 c6
- 2.d4 d5
- 3.Nc3 dxe4
- 4.Nxe4 Nf6!?
- 5.Nxf6+
Bronstein–Larsen Variation
This variation happens after:
- 5...gxf6!?
Here, Black chooses to have a slightly weaker pawn structure. They often castle on the queenside. However, Black gets something in return for this, called compensation. They have an open g-file for their rook and can play more actively than usual for the Caro–Kann. This line is generally considered a bit risky but can lead to exciting games.
Korchnoi Variation
The Korchnoi Variation comes after:
- 5...exf6
The famous player Viktor Korchnoi played 5...exf6 many times. This line is thought to be safer than 5...gxf6!?. It allows Black to develop their pieces quickly. However, White usually ends up with a better pawn structure and better long-term chances.
Understanding the Advance Variation
The Advance Variation starts with White playing 3.e5:
- 1.e4 c6
- 2.d4 d5
- 3.e5
Black has a few main ways to respond to this move:
3...Bf5
This is the most common move for Black. White can play aggressive lines against it, like the Bayonet Attack (4.Nc3 e6 5.g4). This was popular in the 1980s. A more natural way to develop is 4.Nf3 e6 5.Be2 c5 6.Be3, which was often seen in the 1990s.
3...c5
This is an important alternative that avoids a lot of opening theory from 3...Bf5. Mikhail Botvinnik used this move in his 1961 match against Mikhail Tal. Compared to the French Defence, Black saves a tempo (a move) that would normally be spent on ...e6. However, White can respond by opening the center with 4.dxc5, which can expose Black's pawn on d5.
3...e6
This move is natural and playable. But when Black eventually plays ...c5, they will be one move behind the similar Advance line in the French defence (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5).
Exchange Variation and Panov-Botvinnik Attack
The Exchange Variation starts with White trading pawns in the center:
- 1.e4 c6
- 2.d4 d5
- 3.exd5 cxd5
The Panov-Botvinnik Attack begins with the move:
- 4.c4
This system often leads to positions with an isolated queen's pawn (IQP). This means White gets to develop their pieces quickly, control the e5 square, and create attacking chances on the kingside. These benefits help make up for the long-term weakness of the isolated d4 pawn. A main line here is 4...Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nf3. Black's main choices are 6...Bb4 (which can lead to positions similar to the Nimzo-Indian defence) and 6...Be7.
The "true" Exchange Variation continues with:
- 4.Bd3 Nc6
- 5.c3 Nf6
- 6.Bf4 Bg4
- 7.Qb3
This line is thought to give both sides equal chances. Even Bobby Fischer played it. Some of the ideas are similar to the Exchange Variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, but with the colors reversed.
Two Knights Variation
This variation starts with White developing knights early:
- 1.e4 c6
- 2.Nf3 d5
- 3.Nc3
Bobby Fischer played this line when he was younger. White develops pieces quickly and has options with the d-pawn. Black's best response is likely 3...Bg4. After 4.h3 Bxf3 5.Qxf3, Black can choose between 5...Nf6 or 5...e6. The move 4...Bh5 is more complicated, and White can try to trap Black's bishop, though Black gets good compensation.
This variation can set a trap for Black. If Black tries to play like in the Classical Variation, they can get into trouble after 3...dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 (4...Nd7 is okay) 5.Ng3 Bg6?! (5...Bg4 is better) 6.h4 h6 7.Ne5 Bh7 (7...Qd6 might be best) 8.Qh5! g6 (Black is forced to play this) 9.Bc4! e6 (9...gxh5?? leads to checkmate with 10.Bxf7#) 10.Qe2. White then has a big advantage. Black's best move here is 10...Qe7!.
Other Ways to Play
White has other ways to start against the Caro–Kann:
- White can play 2.c4. Black might respond with 2...d5, which can lead to the Panov–Botvinnik line. Or Black might play 2...e5.
- White can also play 2.Nc3. Black might play 2...d5, which can lead back to the main Classical line or the Two Knights Variation. Black could also play 2...g6.
The Caro–Kann can even be reached from the English opening: 1.c4 c6 2.e4 d5.
ECO Codes
The Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings uses special codes to classify chess openings. The Caro–Kann Defence has ten codes, from B10 to B19.
Related pages
