Caro-Kann Defense

The Caro-Kann Defense is a common defense against the King's Pawn Opening characterized by the moves:

1.e4,  c6

The usual continuation is

2.d4,  d5

followed by 3.Nc3 (the Modern Variation), 3.Nd2 (the Classical Variation), 3.exd5 (the Exchange Variation), or 3.e5 (the Advance Variation). 2.Nc3 is the modern variation which has gained much popularity. The Caro-Kann, like the Sicilian Defense and French Defense, is classified as a "Semi-Open Game", but it is thought to be more solid and less dynamic than either of those openings. It often leads to good endgames for Black, who has the better pawn structure.

ESPELI vs. ANDERSSEN
Oslo, 1952
 
1. e4, c6
2. c4, d5
3. cxd5, cxd5
4. Bb5+ .....
 
Waste of time. 4. exd5 is much better.
 
4. ..... Bd7
5. Qa4? .....
 
This is the losing move.  White loses time and gives Black attacking momentum.
 
5. ..... dxe4
6. Bxd7+, Nxd7 !
7. Qxe4, Nc5 !!!
8. Qc4, Nd3+
9. Ke2, Rc8!
 
Every move a menace.
 
10. Qxd3, Qxd3+
11. Kxd3, Rxc1
12. Ke2, g6!

White resigns.  He is unable to move any of his major pieces.

Black's immediate threat is .....Bg7 winning a Rook.  The most likely line of play is therefore 13. d4 Bg7, 14. Kd2 Bh6+, 15. Ke2 Nf6, 16. g3 0-0,  17. Kf3 R8c8, 18. Kg2 R8c2 and Black has a very easy win.  Black took drastic advantage of the opportunities offered him.

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