I always remember that the protection of the Caro-Kann - a favorite weapon of Anatoly Karpov. He would have found a solution to my problems. The solution is, but I'm badly looking for it.
Pros and cons of the Caro-kann
Sort:
I've used CK as my only answer to 1.e4 for a long time with excellent results... This is my take on the matter:
White doesn't really get an attack in most of the lines, especially in the closed ones (2.d4 d5 3.e5), where it's a rather positional struggle of subtle maneouvering.. a lot of times even Black gets a quick counterattack against unprepared White players.
It is true that White is the first to choose the type of variation, but the Black has a say in it, since nothing is forced. After (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5) you could go both with 3...c5 and 3...Bf5 and even 3...Na6 occasionally, as a surprise weapon. After (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 (3.Nc3) dxe4 4.Nxe4) you can again choose between 4...Nf6, 4...Nd7 and 4...Bf5, leading to different types of games. Especially after 4...Nf6, it is usually black that has more active play and is attacking, which compensates for the compromised pawn structure. Also, you could play 4...g6, though it's better on the third move if White goes with 3.Nc3 instead of 3.Nd2.. this again changes the type of the game drastically...If White chooses the Panov lines after the exchange on d5, then black again has a choice of either defending by a quick activation of knights on f6 and c6 or by the fiancheto defense or by a typical e6-Nf6-Be7 (or Be4) QGD setup.
In other words, there are many main lines (and sidelines) that can be chosen at each move, so both players get the chance to steer the oponent into their own preparation... No one but GMs is prepared for everything there is, since there is a LOT of theory out there.
Dec 24, 2011
0
#4
I used to be a Sicilian player, but I got tired of studying the Najdorf 20 moves deep and almost never getting to play it because White so often avoids it with 2 c3, or 3 Bb5, etc. So, I decided to push the c-pawn only one square instead of two. My results have been pretty good, and even my losses are due more to the strength of my opponents than not getting decent C-K positions.
WIshbringer wrote:
I used to be a Sicilian player, but I got tired of studying the Najdorf 20 moves deep and almost never getting to play it because White so often avoids it with 2 c3, or 3 Bb5, etc. So, I decided to push the c-pawn only one square instead of two. My results have been pretty good, and even my losses are due more to the strength of my opponents than not getting decent C-K positions.
Same happened with me! Except I gave up on the sicilian just because of 10 move deep lines xD
The Caro-kann, 1. e4 c6, is a simple but mind-bending defense that many, many chess players use. I have never read a book or properly learned anything of it but I still enjoy playing it as a prime tool against 1. e4. From my experiences, this is what I have to say. To experienced Caro-kann players out there, feel free to criticize.
Cons:
White controls what style the game is.
White controls how black should respond.
Black is usually cramped.
White is ahead in development.
White has better attacking chances.
White can choose any line that white wants that is comfortable for the first player. Black will have to be well prepared for anything.
Black has low chances of winning.
Pros:
Black is very solid and usually has a good position.
Black usually has a good endgame.
If white isn't careful black can lash out with successful counterpunches.
Black usually has simple and solid positions to work with.
Black's pieces are well placed and are ready for anything that might quickly happen.