Solve 1. e4 with Magnus Carlsen's Blitz Caro Kann

Flexibility trumps rigidity. Attacking the center is thought to be key, but a delayed strike allows you to call the shots. That’s Carlsen’s strategy anyway as he navigated 1. e4 c6 2. d4 Na6 since unveiling it for online blitz play in March 2023 to a 3253 chesscom blitz performance rating with 5 wins and a loss relative to his 3175 performance rating with the mainstream Caro-Kann (1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5). Magnus had been ruminating on the idea for quite some time as he played it in bullet game for a win back in 2017 as well.

First explored by the American master Ted A. Dunst in the 1950’s (curiously the same Dunst who is the eponym for the 1. Nc3 Dunst opening), the 2. Na6 variant of the Caro-Kann is named after the Belgian FIDE Master Bernard De Bruycker who focused on the opening even more, playing variants of it numerously throughout his chess career. 

1. e4 c6 2. d4 Na6 is virtually unheard of so your opponent will be forced to play on their own from move three without their opening courses to guide them.

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Sample Game

Blitz Sample Awesome Days vs anonymous

Novice Defensive Puzzle Example

Puzzles from this opening

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