What is the Caro–Kann Defence?
Q: What is the Caro–Kann Defence?
A: The Caro–Kann Defence is a chess opening that begins with 1.e4 c6, where Black's idea for playing c6 is to support 2...d5.
Q: What are some of the common moves after 2.d4 d5?
A: Common next moves after 2.d4 d5 are 3.Nc3 (the Modern Variation), 3.Nd2 (the Classical Variation), 3.exd5 (the Exchange Variation), or 3.e5 (the Advance Variation). 3.Nc3 is the most popular move in this opening.
Q: How does the Caro–Kann compare to other openings?
A: The Caro–Kann is an asymmetrical defence to 1.e4 and is thought to be more solid and less dynamic than the Sicilian Defence and the French Defence, resulting in quieter, more positional games that may lead to good endgames for Black who has better pawn structure than White in this opening variation.
Q: Who studied this opening in 1886?
A: The English player Horatio Caro and Austrian Marcus Kann studied this opening in 1886, hence its name - the Caro-Kann Defence.
Q: Is it considered a semi-open game?
A: Yes, as it is an asymmetrical defence to 1.e4, these types of openings are sometimes referred to as 'semi-open games'.
Q: Does White have any advantages over Black when playing this defence?
A: Generally no, as Black typically has better pawn structure which can lead to good endgames for them compared with White's position in this variation of play .
