Is it common to feel cramped in the Caro Kann?
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PROUDLY-INDIAN
Oct 11, 2023
0
#1
Been exclusively playing and learning the Caro-Kann for a long time, but still feel cramped often (around 1980 rated in rapid). Especially in variations like the Bayonet attack and the Tal variation. Is this usual?
nope. one of the philosophies of the Caro kann is that black is relying on a better pawn structure versus White's space advantage. if black survives the storm, and removes White's pawn center, White's space advantage goes away.
Oct 11, 2023
0
#3
True, that’s what I myself experienced in my games too, and that is exactly how I win almost all the games that I win! However, most of the times, I have to “survive the storm” and that is exactly what I mean by feeling cramped. And also in recent times the Caro Kann is also losing popularity in the top most level as an opening, I wonder why. I guess I learned from one of GM Shankland’s lessons that there are some branches in the advanced Caro where black’s advantage is yet not clear after some depth.
I would say that you should try the botvinik Carl's if you are feeling cramped.
I played the CK for many years and grew weary of 3 e5. Consider the Scandinavian Defense, which is what I switched to, even though its not considered to be as as good as the CK. Many opponents are well booked up on what they are going to play against CK (and almost everyone and their uncles are playing 3 e5) but against the Scandinavian they are typically not booked up so much. If you do, imo the best book is The Scandinavian for Club Players. It will provide you with a repertoire for Black based on 3...Qa5 and also when White varies earlier, plus it gives instructions throughout the book on how to properly play the Scandinavian.
used to feel cramped as white until i STUMBLED onto the mieses by accident and got rid of that pesky Bc4 blocking pawn chain crap
