B10
Caro-Kann Defense
1. e4 c6
The Caro-Kann gives Black a solid, resilient position with fewer structural weaknesses than the French, because the light-squared bishop usually gets developed actively to f5 or g4 before ...e6.
It is famously hard to beat and popular from club level to the world elite. Expect calm positions where understanding beats memorization.
Key plans
- Main line: 2. d4 d5, then the Classical, Advance, or Exchange.
- Get the c8-bishop out early — that is the point of the Caro over the French.
- Aim for a healthy structure and a safe king; punish overextension.
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