Play the Caro-Kann - Part 1 (7.5h Running Time) 

Labels:

PGN Download Video Content

Content  (75 Articles)

Play the Caro-Kann - Part 1

The Advance Variation is the  critical test of the Caro-Kann Defence. Therefore, three lectures in the camp  are dedicated to this system. Nowadays, White's most challenging systems are  considered to be 4.Nf3 followed by Be2 (the so-called Short System) and 4.h4.  The first lecture examines all other continuations for White. Even though   they are listed as sidelines in the title, we should take them very seriously.  For instance the move 4.Nd2 proved to be very challenging and was tried by a  bunch of top-level players. In this lecture, I also examine all the systems  based on the advance g2-g4. I think that strong computers manage to provide  Black with very good antidotes to these sharp and complex lines. Additionally,  I cover the moves 4.Bd3 and 4.Be3. Once again, Black should know what he is  doing. When possible, I try to suggest systems that are based on understanding.  I am sure that this lecture will improve your general understanding of the  closed structures in the Caro-Kann Defence.

Below, you shall see one of the lines.

Advance Variation - 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 - Short System

This lecture is dedicated to White's most challenging line against the Caro-Kann Defence - the Short System. This variation is characterized by the moves 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.Nf3 e6 5.Be2

Thousands of games have  been played from this position. Black has tried a variety of different systems.  White, however, always manages to put an annoying positional pressure. Black's  main problem is that the lack of space makes it difficult to develop the  kingside pieces. After a long consideration, I have decided to recommend the  pet line of Eljanov - 5...Nd7 6.0-0 a5!?

This is probably the most useful waiting move in the position. As you will see in this lecture, gaining space  on the queenside is very important for both sides. Depending on White's reaction, Black will decide how to develop the kingside pieces. If allowed, Black will obviously follow with ...a5-a4. One of the main points behind our system is that the most popular and natural 7.a4 is well met by 7...f6. Black's idea is to proceed with ...fxe5 followed by ...Bc5. The system with 6.  ..a5 is quite rare and fresh. Therefore, I consider it to be a very good  practical weapon against the Short Variation. Once again, the knowledge of the  typical structures and strategic ideas is way more important than the concrete theory.

Below, you can take a look at one of the examples.

Advance Variation - 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.h4

This lecture features probably the most annoying White's system against the Caro-Kann Defence. The starting position of this line arises after 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.h4

Besides gaining space on the kingside, White is also preventing the move 4...e6 which will be answered with 5.g4. In order to secure the bishop, Black should make a concession on the kingside. The main move, and also my suggestion, is 4...h5. 

In my opinion, White shouldn't be given the possibility to keep gaining space on the kingside. Of course, our choice  has its own drawbacks. The g5-square becomes a perfect outpost for the white bishop. On the other hand, the inclusion of the moves h2-h4 and ...h7-h5 makes White's kingside pawns somewhat rigid. Therefore, we don't need to be afraid of plans based on advancing the kingside pawns. White has a variety of different options in this position. Every single line requires good knowledge  and understanding from us. The good news is that Black is doing objectively fine. In the following examples, I try to transmit my entire understanding of  this system. In the arising complex positions, both sides can play for a win.

Here is an example taken from the lecture.

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 - Part 1

In this lecture, we start dealing with the Classical Variation which is characterized by the move 3.Nc3. The main topic of the last two lectures will be the position arising after 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6 exf6

For a very long time, this structure was considered to be inferior for Black. Therefore, this line was a rare guest in high-level practice.  Modern computers, however, changed our understanding of this structure. Strong players quickly understood that Black's doubled pawns on the kingside can be  an important asset as well. There are two main advantages provided by Black's kingside formation:

1) safety for the king

2) the possibility of winning space  on the kingisde without creating weaknesses

The real revolution in this line started when Black realized that even the endgames are not as dangerous as it was considered before. It's not by accident that this lecture starts with the examination of the most important endgames. Once you know how to handle the different endgame positions, you will know which type of exchanges are  favourable for you. Believe me, exchange operations are extremely important in this line. In this lecture, you will also get a very good understanding of the important strategic ideas in this pawn structure. The theoretical coverage will be the subject of the last lecture.

Below, you shall take a look at one of the examples.

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 - Part 2

The last lecture of the camp is basically a theoretical overview of the variation with 4...Nf6. This lecture consists of theoretical analysis which is designed to complete your repertoire for Black. The idea here is not to cover every single move that White has at his disposal. At the same time, all the critical lines are covered in great detail. Additionally, you will find further explanations regarding the typical ideas and structures.

Below, you can take a look at one of the analysis.