Let's learn the Caro-Kann, with help from Rosman!

GothamChess (IM Levy Rosman) has a video titled Learn the Caro-Kann Defense / 10-Minute Opening. He also has another similar video made two years later, with a bit more explanations, titled "How to CRUSH with the Caro-Kann!" and he says "All the moves (from the video) are in the description."

So, let's start by just copy and pasting the moves from his "CRUSH" video description into this diagram.

Okay, well, that was fast and easy, but to more easily learn the content, let's break it down into smaller sub-diagrams that might be a little more easy to follow.

First of all, there are three main options for White:

White captures (the Exchange variation)
White pushes (the Advance variation)
White protects the pawn (Classical variations and etc)

So, let's start there. Main lines and most quotes are from Ten Minute video, some are from CRUSH video.

1. THE EXCHANGE VARIATION

Exchange Variation, Panov Attack (4.c4)

2. THE ADVANCE VARIATION

Advance Variation, White protects the pawn (4.Nf3 or 4.c3)

Advance Variation, White takes the pawn (4.dxc5)

3. CLASSICAL VARIATIONS and etc.

Tartakower Variation (Levy's recommendation, from CRUSH)

Coach's Note: Don't memorize this exact line, just the idea of where the pieces go. Computer says the Bishop sac on h3 in this exact position only leads to a perpetual check draw with best play. Levy is only trying to show you an idea -- that often you can sac on h3, or generate a kingside attack with help from pawns, knight, bishops and queen. (For example, if above 13...Ng6 14.Rad1, then 14...Bxh3 is correct, and winning! Thanks, Stockfish.)

Fantasy Variation (not uncommon, and dangerous, so know how to handle it)

Blackmar Diemer Gambit (by transposition)

And there you have it!

Two diagrams for the Exchange, two for the Advance, and three for the rest!

Chess Openings Laboratory

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