Caro-Kann Classical Karpov
Sort:
Ryfo720
Dec 19, 2019
0
#1
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Nf3 Ngf6 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6 7. c3 Bg4 8. Be2 e6 9. O-O *
When pinning the knight with Bg4, when challenged right away, both the opening explorer database and chess engine suggest to capture. After White removes the pin with Be2, castles and then challenges my bishop, Bh5 or Bf5 is suggested. Why is it now better to not capture?
Also in many of the Caro-Kann Karpov openings black pushes his pawn to c5 before developing his DSB. In this line 9...Bd6 is suggested. Why is this preferred over c5 when other line push pawn to c5 first?
Indeed. It's basic CK strategy to take out Nf3 when white plays h3 (which is what I'm assuming you're talking about) to draw the Queen away from the queen side & d line. With Be2, black plays either Bf5 (to take away the relevant b1-h7 diag and maybe force an exchange of LSBs) or Bh5; if h3 again to force some weakness there as black hasn't castled yet and also exchange LSBs in case Ne5. True, ... c5 is played in many positions to initiate queenside play but it depends on timing and circumstances. 9. ... Bd6 is just a preparatory move btw: to either develop and fight for e5 or simply castle Kside. Black can, and will probably play ... c5 at some point later anyways. You shouldn't be taking every move from opening explorer or an engine as strictly the "correct" or obligatory move and then trying to find the strategy behind them. Play out the whole game and work backwards. In analysis, take the Nf3 after Be2 and see what happens, does it work better for you on defense? Play out a game (with or without an engine) and work it out in a practical sense. I hope this helps. For me, I rather do self analysis of the lines I use in a practical game because well, I'm going to be the one playing em and I rather at least be familiarized with the resulting positions. Best wishes & Happy Holidays ✌🏽