Caro-Kann Defence

ECO B10–B19 · Level: Beginner · Also known as: Caro Kann

The Caro-Kann (1.e4 c6) supports ...d5 with c6 to build a very solid centre while keeping the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain.

Position at the end of the main line

Main line

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5

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History

Analysed by Horatio Caro and Marcus Kann in the late 19th century, it is a trusted defence of champions such as Karpov, Anand and Carlsen.

White's plan

  • In the Advance Variation, gain space with e5 and play on the kingside.
  • In the Classical line, harass Black's f5/g6 bishop with h4-h5.

Black's plan

  • Unlike the French, the c8 bishop comes out with ...Bf5 before ...e6.
  • The solid pawn structure often favours Black in endgames.

Key variations

Classical Variation

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 5.Ng3 Bg6 6.h4 h6 7.Nf3 Nd7 8.h5 Bh7

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Exchange Variation

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3 Nc6 5.c3 Nf6

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Traps you should know

Smothered mate: 6.Nd6 · checkmate

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Qe2 Ngf6 6.Nd6#

After 4...Nd7 5.Qe2, the natural 5...Ngf6?? is a blunder: 6.Nd6 is mate because the e7 pawn is pinned by the queen on the e-file.

Position at the end of the trap
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Who should play it?

For Black players of any level who want solid, low-risk positions. Recommended for beginners too.

Frequently asked questions

Caro-Kann or French?

Both are solid. In the Caro-Kann the bishop develops more easily; the French offers more counter-attacking chances.

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Related openings

  • French Defence — The French Defence (1.e4 e6) builds a solid pawn chain and strikes at the centre later.
  • Scandinavian Defence — The Scandinavian Defence (1.e4 d5) challenges the centre on move one.
  • Slav Defence — The Slav (1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6) defends d5 with c6 while keeping the light-squared bishop free.

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