Should I learn the Caro-Kann?

#41, I agree. the Caro kann can be used at all levels. it is our understanding of theory that grows. I'm not a fan of the 3...,c5 lines although it is perfectly playable. The Tartakower variation has one drawback if white knows it. The bronstein-larsen with gxf6 shares the same general pawn structure as the older Qa5 line of the Scandinavian.

Just asking, what is the main drawback of the tartakower if white knows it? Im sorry, but this is because im not too knowledgeable on the tartakower or the bronstein-larsen (especially not the bronstein! DISGUISTING PAWN STRUCTURE! 🤮) as I play the classical. (4. ... Bf5) and my only experience in the tartakower is when I looked it up to recommend to my freind, as I feel like its aggressive nature fit them more.

the Tartakower variation hinges on white playing Nxf6. Black responds exf6 to open diagonals for his bishops against whites kingside castle. this in combination with Ng6 and f5 are the tactical motifs. if white doesn't take on f6, then there is no exf6. those tactics don't exist because the pawn doesn't move. White can play Ng3 instead and Nf3 and now we are in a Fohr variation of the classical Caro Kann mainline but black can't play Bf5.

I play the French now but too many white players are cowards and go for the Exchange lines which put me to sleep, not to mention going for weird stuff that leaves me in a passive position, and my bishop is effectively in prison for most of the game. White is always trying to attack my kingside and prevents all of my efforts to launch any counters. The Caro Kann, while often getting similar pawn structures, seems like a good option to cause me less headaches.

Brianchesscake, I played the French exclusively for 10 years. I know exactly what you are talking about. I always described it as playing down a piece for 30 moves.

The Tartakower is great for Black, but then again the “Mainline” of 3. Nc3 is great for Black. The Two Knights is better, the Panov is better, the Breyer is better, the Advance is better, the Fantasy is better, and even the normal Exchange is probably better.

The French is fine. As far as “bad bishop” goes, you have options to unlock it essentially no matter what White does. Advance? Wade. Exchange? It isn’t even blocked in anymore. 3. Nc3? 4… b6 Winawer or Fort Knox Rubinstein. And that’s a whole repertoire right there.