First, I think we should talk about the main line. Any objections? Here, I will defer to players who actually play the main line, and see if they can explain it.
Caro-Kann Study Group (1.e4 c6)
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Count me in! :) Can't wait
Ok, so a brief overview of what I consider the Main Lines:
I kind of blew through that last diagram and there may be some inaccuracies. But that's why we are all here and I was just trying to give a brief overview. There are many, many more moves available especially for white and hopefully we can cover most of them the next few weeks. BTW, I'm going camping tomorrow until Tuesday so I apologize in advance if I'm not on as much the next couple days. Thanks! !~John
I'm happy to see that we are making progress in the Caro-Kann project by opening this therad where Caro-Kann enthusiasts can exchange their experiences and knowledge about this beatiful, positional opening and beginners or undecisive players can be convinced of playing the Caro-Kann.
In spite of the fact that this therad is a good start we should really open a group about the Caro-Kann where we can discuss the different variants of the defense because whe can open a new therad for each system (classical variation, Panov attack, Fantasy variation, advance variation and so on). Nevertheless this is a good beginning and I really like your indrotuction to the Caro-Kann beacause it encourages unexpirienced players to discover this interesting opening.
So everyone who is interested is welcome to join the discussion about the Caro-Kann. I think we should begin with the main line, what means the position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3. But first of all we should explain the main ideas and fundamental principles of the Caro-Kann defense, so that everyone, even a person who doesn't have many expiriences with the opening, is able to join and follow the discussion. I think I will do that in my next post.
Oh sorry, I was so busy with writing that I didn't see your posts ;)
I admit, I'm not that familiar with the Caro-Kann.
May I suggest we explore the intention behind the Caro-Kann before getting started?
E.g. if 1...c6 with "i want to push that pawn to c5 later", why not directly go for the sicilian?
Yes, that's a good objection. Before starting to analyse concrete variants we should explain the fundamental ideas behind the opening so that everyone is able to understand the following material, also player who haven't made expiriences wit the Caro-Kann, yet.
In the Sicilian the move d5 doesn't happen for a while if at all so one way to compare the two is to say in the Caro-Kann you get an early d5 but have to work for c5 where as the Sicilian is just the opposite.... c5 right away and work towards d5.
I agree we should start with the themes and ideas first. I just wanted to give a basic visual for reference. Also about a group, that sounds great but we need a Premium member to start it... Someone willing to manage it too. I say first to volunteer and invite me wins! :)
You are right if you say that the ...c5 idea isn't the main idea behind this opening because then 1. ...c6 is the most unlogical move you can make, because you need two moves for getting the pawn to c5. If the c5-pawn push is the most important achieve for you, you should better play the french, because in the french you need only one move get c5 in. So you may ask, why people playing the Caro-Kann instead of the french.
The main difference between this openings, and a fundamental idea behind the Caro-Kann is that you can place your "bad" light squared bishop actively on the square f5, where it has big influence on the diagopnal h7- b1, in opposite to the French where this bishop is behind his own pawns on e7 or c8 and doesn't do much.
The c5 pawn push is nevertheless a quite important idea behind the Caro-Kann but this move is rarely played before the 7th or 8th move and so it isn't the main idea behind ...c6.
The sense of the move 1. ...c6 itself should be clear: you prepare the pawn break d5 and attack white's centre. One of the positive aspects of the Caro-Kann is that you often have only active pieces and a solid pawn structure. Furthermore you can often hope for the centre majority and the better endgame (because of the pawn push c5).
I think the best introduction to the Caro-Kann isn't the main line but the advance variation becuase almost every fundamental idea is shown there so whe should maybe start with the advanced variation.
Oh, didn't know that a premium member is necessary for opening a group.
Interesting thought about starting with the Advance Variation Sheldor. I kind of agree.
Here's a nice game to follow up Ormiston's game.
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1751555
One reason I switched to using the carokann in many games is that I can use this structure against other opening moves, and it has worked well.
i guess i can show you my game against the caro-kann
Here it is ;)
I'll join too if possible. I am a positional player, an expert in the Sicilian Scheveningen, but I'd like to brighten my horizon and give myself more options.
I will start a group if you want.
That would be great.
Hello all! There is a group of about 10 of us that want to study and research this solid defensive setup together. We originally discussed starting a Group which we might still do but for now we will be working together here. Anyone is welcome to join us. Our main objective is to simply improve our skills on both sides of the board with and against this opening.
Why the Caro-Kann? First off it is a completely sound opening against 1.e4 used by many Grand Masters throughout chess history. Also, even though it's not as popular as the French Defense (which I hope we change) in the Caro-Kann black easily develops the light squared bishop which often gets blocked in in the French. The Caro-Kann is a counter punching, endgame oriented defense where queen-side attacks are common similarly to the French or Sicilian. But you don't find a lot of quick winning tactics as the plan is usually a long term one. If you like asymmetrical and sturdy positions and want to improve your endgame skills, the Caro-Kann might be a good opening for you. Or if you want to learn to bust through this solid setup, please join us in this discussion. Thank you,
BTW: The Group is formed! http://www.chess.com/groups/home/caro-kann-study-group
John