Simple Play In The Tartakower CK

This blog features an annotated blitz game between two National Masters.  It should be instructive for players 1500-2000.

The Tartakower, or Nimzovich variation of the Caro Kann defense is characterized by the following moves:

Normally, play continues like this:

Black actually scores pretty well in these positions, although that may be because this opening is popular when black is much higher rated.  But let's take a moment to break down the position and come up with a plan that doesn't involve arbitrarily attacking h7.  

Well, what does black have going for her?  Free development, reasonable squares for all her pieces, king safety, and maybe a c5 pawn break.  Sounds pretty good to me.  What about white?  Well, he doesn't have any immediate targets.  Obviously doubled pawns can always become a liability in the future, but they certainly aren't weak right now.  Instead, white also has comfortable development, a central advantage, and a queenside pawn majority.  

What does this tell us?  It tells us that our advantage is in the endgame.  White should play prophylactically, neutralize blacks active pieces, and look to restrict blacks play with whites queenside majority.  Here's an instructive sample game that accomplishes that.

I really enjoy talking about how certain openings and their pawn structures dictate middlegame plans.  If you have any specific variations you would like to see an article on, let me know in the comments!

-Matt