my computer seems to think that Nf3 is the best move for white. At the end of your line, white seems to have a strong positional advantage because your pawn structure is so extended. I try not to let my pawns get to far, but it happens. Don't know any names
1 e4 c6 2 Nf3, elaborate?
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I like the Caro Kann and play it often enough but it sometimes gets into awkward and unusual situations early. The 2Nf3 move simply transposes into usual variations, although I suppose you could try an immediate 2...d5 3e5 c5, instead of the usual (and usually necessary Bf5 after e5 is played) as the d4 pawn is not there yet. I usually (like you) trade bishops. Then I try to wiggle my kings knight up to f5. To block such, he has to do something awkward (Nh5 or worse g4) and I play accordingly. then ...Be7 and queen's knight to d2 and then go after his annoying pawns. Here is another suggestion. Early moves out of order but I think he is in your move 5 position.
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1026370
look on game explorer
2. ...d5 was a perfectly good move. I think 5. ...Bxd3 wasn't best though because it helps white with developing his queen. I think 5. ...Nd7 would have been better. 6. ...c5 wastes a tempo moving the c-pawn twice and is not good. I would have prefered 6. ...Nf6.
Hi snowleopard,
Take a look at this game. Different move order thru move 4. But same position as in your game immediately after move 4.
http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4866
The Caro-Kann is a drawing weapon for Black in OTB tournaments.
Thanks folks, i think i'm getting a handle on the caro-kann now, though i can't say i like it much, any suggestions for a more dynamic opening to study?
I've been practising caro-kann for the last week and I was playing a game and ran into 2 Nf3 which I've never seen before. Does anyone recognize it? Was white trying to transition to something else? And most importantly can it be taken advantage of?
Note:
The game continued 2 ...d5 3 e5 Bf5 4 d4 e6 5. Bd3 Bxd3 6. Qxd3 c5. I was black and after c5 it started to go way downhill for me, I think I should have played h6 or something to stop his queen from getting behind my pawns.