Caro-Kann Defense

The idea

After 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5, Black challenges e4 with a pawn that is already supported. White chooses between 3.e5 (the Advance), 3.Nc3 or 3.Nd2 (the Classical lines, where Black takes on e4), and 3.exd5 (the Exchange). In most lines Black's bishop comes to f5 or g4 before ...e6, which is the big difference from the French Defense.

Black's pawns usually end up on c6, d5 and e6, a sturdy chain. Against the Advance the key break is ...c5 against d4. In the Classical lines Black gets a free, solid game and later plays ...c5 or ...e5 to fight for the center. Black's king is often safe on either side.

Solid first, active later. Black accepts a slightly passive start in return for a sound pawn structure and few weaknesses. Endgames are often good for Black. The name comes from two nineteenth-century players, Horatio Caro and Marcus Kann.

Players who want a reliable answer to 1.e4 that does not need sharp memorized lines. It fits people who like to defend well and counter-attack once the opponent overreaches.

Against the Advance, play ...Bf5 before ...e6, and watch for White's g4 and h4 chasing the bishop. Make sure it has a retreat square.

The main line, move by move

1. 1.e4 · White claims the center with a pawn and opens the way for the queen and the bishop on f1. It is the most direct way to start a game.
2. 1...c6 · Black prepares ...d5 to challenge e4, with the c-pawn ready to back it up. This is the Caro-Kann: unlike ...e6 in the French, it keeps the c8 bishop free.
3. 2.d4 · White takes the full center with a second pawn and opens the bishop on c1. It is the natural way to meet a quiet first move.
4. 2...d5 · Black strikes at e4 at once, supported by the c-pawn. White now has to choose: push past with e5, trade on d5, or guard the pawn with a knight.
5. 3.Nd2 · White guards e4 with a knight; on d2 it keeps c3 free for the c-pawn if Black does not take. After ...dxe4 Nxe4 the game is the same as after 3.Nc3.
6. 3...dxe4 · Black trades the d-pawn for the e-pawn, so the center opens and the bishop on c8 gets the f5 square. Black gives up a little space for easy development.
7. 4.Nxe4 · The knight takes back and sits in the middle of the board. Black can attack it right away with ...Bf5 or ...Nf6, or first play ...Nd7 to get ...Ngf6 ready.

Lines to learn: Caro-Kann Defense

• Advance (3.e5)
• Classical (3.Nc3)
• Exchange (3.exd5)

Next moves in book

• 2.Nc3 · Caro-Kann Defense
• 2.b3 · Euwe Attack
• 2.b4 · Labahn Attack
• 2.c4 · Accelerated Panov Attack
• 2.d3 · Breyer Variation
• 2.d4 · Caro-Kann Defense
• 2.Bc4 · Hillbilly Attack
• 2.Nf3
• 2.g4 · Spike Variation

A famous game

• Carlsen vs Ernst Corus Group C, Wijk aan Zee, 2004

Related openings

• Sicilian Defense B20–B99 · 327 named lines
• French Defense C00–C19 · 171 named lines
• Alekhine Defense B02–B05 · 53 named lines
• Pirc Defense B00–B09 · 23 named lines