A tricky Structure in the Panov Attack
I personally, have never been a big fan of playing against the Caro Kann. The structure is super-solid and black has generally much more experience and knowledge at hand.
Therefore, I took a look at many different lines. One thing, which caught my attention for a longer time has been the Panov Attack. It provides white with a very rare opportunity - playing dynamically.
Of course, if you have broad knowledge about the advance Variation of the Caro Kann, then obtaining an advantage is objectively more realistic and with playing something like the Panov.
However, there are certain set-ups for black, which again make the game less dynamic. One example might be the following:
And it is here, where I found a very interesting approach! White has moves like Bg5 and Nf3, but trying to utilize the queenside majority is something, which black must know how to counter.
Within this particular set-up there are different ideas and moves.
Recently, I am digging deeper into these variations and presenting some of the most instructive games.
White might try Bf4 with a later b4:
Another attempt and much better might be an early b4 without Bf4:
In Balashov-Galkin white tried Bf4:
As you can see black needs to know what he is doing. If he does, then white might be forced to play very precise. If black is clueless, he will lose pretty fast.
Enjoy the videos and make sure to watch the entire games, the tactical ideas in the middlegame are very common within those structures.
