Caro-Kann: Classical: main line, ideas and how to practise it
Against 1.e4 as Black. A main line to learn move by move, with the idea behind each key move.
The main line
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. Nf3 Nd7 8. h5 Bh7 9. Bd3 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 e6
You play Black. In the analyzer's drill the other side's moves are played for you and Stockfish checks each of yours.
Practise it with free drillsAnalyze one of your own games
The ideas behind the moves
- 1... c6: Prepares ...d5 with the c-pawn backing it up.
- 4... Bf5: The light-squared bishop comes out before ...e6 locks it in.
- 6... h6: When h5 comes, the bishop will have h7 to retreat to instead of being trapped.
- 9... Bxd3: Trade off the bishop rather than let it be hunted.
- 10... e6: A solid, compact structure that is famously hard to break down.
Legends who played it
- Anatoly Karpov: 228 games in the Caro-Kann Defense, 59% score
- Mikhail Tal: 106 games in the Caro-Kann Defense, 66% score
- Tigran Petrosian: 93 games in the Caro-Kann Defense, 54% score
- Magnus Carlsen: 62 games in the Caro-Kann Defense, 60% score
- Alexander Alekhine: 52 games in the Caro-Kann Defense, 69% score
- Mikhail Botvinnik: 46 games in the Caro-Kann Defense, 57% score
- Bobby Fischer: 38 games in the Caro-Kann Defense, 68% score
- Garry Kasparov: 35 games in the Caro-Kann Defense, 69% score
More openings to learn
- Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo
1.e4 e5 for White - Ruy Lopez: Closed
1.e4 e5 for White - Scotch Game
1.e4 e5 for White - Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox
1.d4 for White - London System
1.d4 for White - Sicilian Najdorf: English Attack
Against 1.e4 as Black - French Defence: Advance
Against 1.e4 as Black - Scandinavian Defence
Against 1.e4 as Black - King's Indian: Classical
Against 1.d4 as Black - Queen's Gambit Declined: Tartakower
Against 1.d4 as Black