I love it, my favorite is the classical main line (Spassky variation)
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 5.Ng3 6.Bg6 7.h4 h6 8.Nf3 Nd7 9.h5 Bh7 10.Bd3 Bxd3 11.Qxd3.
I think its the most solid reply.
Caro-Kann
Sort:
Karpov's games back in the 80's with the Caro Kann were an eye opener to me. I played a very strong player who played 4... Nd7 which just looked like nonsense to me. He told me to check out Karpov's games and I've played a lot of that variation ever since.
Having said that... I think it takes precision on the defensive end to play it. I have tried it against players rated much higher than me and I have been destroyed. I had to go back and study the opening a great deal to make it work (and it still lets me down).
???
Pros: Fewer traps, very solid, good endgame prospects.
Cons: More drawish, not counterattacking opening, allows white to have more space.
Overall, I like this opening, and have been experimenting with it for a while with fantastic results so far in tourneys (+3 -0 =0) against 1785,1847,2030. I just don't like that it allows white to press on either side and that it can trade down into a drawn endgame pretty quickly. On the other hand, not having to memorize all those lines in the Sicilian or the Spanish (Ruy Lopez) is quite the relief. Good opening to learn subtleties of defense as well as the art of positioning, and endgame play.
Cons: More drawish, not counterattacking opening, allows white to have more space.
Overall, I like this opening, and have been experimenting with it for a while with fantastic results so far in tourneys (+3 -0 =0) against 1785,1847,2030. I just don't like that it allows white to press on either side and that it can trade down into a drawn endgame pretty quickly. On the other hand, not having to memorize all those lines in the Sicilian or the Spanish (Ruy Lopez) is quite the relief. Good opening to learn subtleties of defense as well as the art of positioning, and endgame play.
I am just starting to learn this opening. As white I like the Advance variation but my tutor says the Kavalek will destroy it everytime. I still like it. I don't mind being destroyed in the interest of learning ;)
Nov 26, 2007
0
#7
I've played this opening for a couple of years, with mixed results. I find that many players are not familiar with it, and don't know how to exploit the advantages white may have, which erad1288 refers to above. As black, I like to equalize, taking away the initiative that white starts with. If that means aiming for an even endgame that may be drawish, then so be it. Fortunately, a lot of players don't know it is drawish, will play for the win, and end-up losing a theoretical draw.
Anyone with any good recent games in the Caro? I was studying the bronstein line, with 4...Nf6 5.Nxf6+ gxf6 and wondered if anyone here has any experience or comments about black's plans based on various white setups.
zeeple wrote:
I am just starting to learn this opening. As white I like the Advance variation but my tutor says the Kavalek will destroy it everytime. I still like it. I don't mind being destroyed in the interest of learning ;)
I wonder if someone can tell me what the "Kavalek" is?
Lastrank wrote:
zeeple wrote:
I am just starting to learn this opening. As white I like the Advance variation but my tutor says the Kavalek will destroy it everytime. I still like it. I don't mind being destroyed in the interest of learning ;)
I wonder if someone can tell me what the "Kavalek" is?
Same.
Pros, Cons, games you like with it?
Shoot!