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Caro-kann vs French Defense

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Promontory
Promontory
Oct 6, 2011
0
#21
NimzoRoy wrote:

Other players really can't decide what openings do and don't work for you. First off you should determine if you're better at attack or defense and open, semi-open or closed games. Or at least determine what you like playing regardless of the results, and then go from there.

Start playing one opening at a time whenever possible, ie FD vs 1.e4 and QGA vs 1.d4. After every game (if possible) look up the opening in a book and/or the opening explorer here and see where you went wrong (or right) and try learning the lines a few moves at a time. If nothing else you'll start to get a feel for what variations you're most and least likely to face in your openings of choice. 

This is the best advice.

Ivancool
Ivancool
Oct 6, 2011
0
#22
Promontory wrote:
NimzoRoy wrote:

Other players really can't decide what openings do and don't work for you. First off you should determine if you're better at attack or defense and open, semi-open or closed games. Or at least determine what you like playing regardless of the results, and then go from there.

Start playing one opening at a time whenever possible, ie FD vs 1.e4 and QGA vs 1.d4. After every game (if possible) look up the opening in a book and/or the opening explorer here and see where you went wrong (or right) and try learning the lines a few moves at a time. If nothing else you'll start to get a feel for what variations you're most and least likely to face in your openings of choice. 

This is the best advice.

I agree, but you should also study endgame theory before openings. In my opinion Caro Kahn defense variation tree is shorter than French defense but "shorter" doesn't mean "easier"

GlennLadrido
GlennLadrido
Oct 6, 2011
0
#23

i preferably play french against e4 because of 2 reasons:

1. it is easier to understand the principle involved..

2. i just dont want the sound of caro-kann(it's not appetizingTongue out) french sounds alot better..Laughing

DrSpudnik
DrSpudnik
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Oct 11, 2011
0
#24

You say potato...I say Panov Cool

Sabachka
Sabachka
Oct 11, 2011
0
#25
ajedrecito wrote:

I play the Caro-Kann because when I was just starting out with chess, I was in front of a vending machine and had to decide between C6 (Famous Amos cookies) and E6 (some strange junk food involving pork rinds) and C6 was clearly the better choice. I would never choose E6 for this reason.

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ozzie_c_cobblepot
NM ozzie_c_cobblepot
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Oct 11, 2011
0
#26
Sabachka wrote:
ajedrecito wrote:

I play the Caro-Kann because when I was just starting out with chess, I was in front of a vending machine and had to decide between C6 (Famous Amos cookies) and E6 (some strange junk food involving pork rinds) and C6 was clearly the better choice. I would never choose E6 for this reason.

I'd like to subscribe to your newsletter.

Chicharones!

blake78613
blake78613
Mar 26, 2012
0
#27

The Caro-Kann is harder to beat, but the problem with the Caro-Kann is that the only way to win is if White drastically overplays the position.  With the French you can get a more active position.  It is a matter of taste.

CerebralAssassin
CerebralAssassin
Closed: Inactive
Mar 26, 2012
0
#28
pellik wrote:

Caro-kann lovers always tell us about how its so great to develop that light squared bishop so they can lose further tempi when white attacks it. Don't fall for it! The 'bad' 'french' bishop can be perfectly useful on squares like b7, d7, c6, or even c8 applying pressure through the pawns and holding up whites central advance. Then as the game progresses after the f pawn break and maybe a g pawn advance its already situated to sacrifice itself on h3.

By contrast the caro-kann players develop the bishop to the a1-h8 diagnol where it can help fight in the center, but they use 3 tempi on the bishop (Bf5, Bg6, h6 or h5), plus they lose a tempi moving the c pawn twice. 

If you like the caro-slav structure there are other ways to get there. Maybe look at the scandinavian where you get the same solidity and stablity but have a wide variety of options on how to play.

+1.

couldn't have said it better myself....there's really no need to immediately develop this bishop outside the pawn chain.it's not such a problem that people make out to be.like u said....it can be useful on d7 (protecting the e6 pawn...which becomes such a tender spot in other openings),c6 (eyeing down the kingside for future attack) or u can even manouver this bishop to g6 via d7,e8.so many choices.

and I've played both Caro and the French so I'm not speaking out of my arseLaughing

the biggest drawback of the French isn't the 'bad' bishop by far...but the dreaded exchange variation...which is boring as f*** to play.I sometimes play 3...Nf6 against it to promise at least an interesting game

Michael-G
Michael-G
Mar 26, 2012
0
#29

If you want easy to understand  and good defenses then French against 1.e4 and Lasker's against  1.d4.

  They are not only solid positional defenses, they will also help you understand chess much better than any other opening.There are much to be learned   in these 2 very important openings.

  Of course , most probably no one is going to play you even the basics moves so that you play Lasker's defense.In that case employ a solid formation with q-side fianketo.The link on post #2 is good to take a hint on what you must do.The same set-up is effective against most of the flank openings so you are covered.

     Don't spend much time for openings.Just a decent position is more than enough.As you get better your opening will get better too.Now,the more you study openings the more confused you are going to be.Focus on middlegame and endgame.

NachtWulf
NachtWulf
Mar 26, 2012
0
#30

Any thoughts on using the Pirc Defense as a main response to e4? What preparation would it require, and what level of player would it be most appropriate? I've faced it a grand total of two (?) times, was completely baffled by the fact that it was a legitamate response to 1. e4. The only reason I won both was because they transposed into something somewhat like KID, which I play as black and find familiar.

blake78613
blake78613
Mar 27, 2012
0
#31

The Pirc is nothing like the KID.  The KID is very aggressive with Black attacking on the kingside.  The Pirc is a slippery fish with Black seeking counterplay on the queenside.

NachtWulf
NachtWulf
Mar 27, 2012
0
#32

The power of move order is quite interesting! I'll be sure to give it a shot, to learn how to better play against it, if not to add it to my repetoire.

ozzie_c_cobblepot
NM ozzie_c_cobblepot
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Mar 31, 2012
0
#33

The Sveshnikov Sicilian is both theory-intensive and popular, which is a bad combo. My teacher says its very drawish right now. So I would recommend starting your search on the last year or two of TWIC.

sunset999
sunset999
Dec 3, 2012
0
#34

what is mr.blunderful talking about? the Caro-Kann is one of the best defenses in the world it gives you fantastic pawn structure and good endgame play a mark of Grandmasters... the french locks in your bishop and is very passive dude know your stuff before you talk about openings. Even Tal said he prefers the Caro-kann when he wants to win as black

John_Rose
John_Rose
Dec 3, 2012
0
#35

I believe in GM Shankland's video series on "Playing for a Win" there is an example of Black using the Caro-Kann when needing to play for a win.  I also believe there is less theory for the CK than French.  You can get one book which covers every major and minor line.  French devotees might question the validity of the plan to get the Bishop out early then play e6, but it is unquestionably a simple enough strategic plan for a beginner to grok.

sunset999
sunset999
Dec 3, 2012
0
#36

I know some of it I never claimed I mastered the french I just said it locks in your bishop and is passive if you don't play it correctly! I prefer the siclian dragon much more fun and daring

Jeevason
Jeevason
Dec 3, 2012
0
#37
[COMMENT DELETED]
Jeevason
Jeevason
Dec 3, 2012
0
#38
sunset999 wrote:

I know some of it I never claimed I mastered the french I just said it locks in your bishop and is passive if you don't play it correctly! I prefer the siclian dragon much more fun and daring

Wouldn't the Najdorf more fun and daring then the Dragon?

Jeevason
Jeevason
Dec 3, 2012
0
#39

They both are brothers, and they both are great openings. I prefer the Carro-Kann, but that's just because I didn't feel like learning the French back then. I wish I had time to learn it...

Uns0undSacrifice
Uns0undSacrifice
Dec 3, 2012
0
#40

So... which is better, the French Defense or the Caro-Kann...?  Sveshnikov Sicilian obviously...