Caro-Kann Defense: Panov Attack
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6
In the Panov Attack against the Caro-Kann, White follows up the exchange 3.exd5 with 4.c4, attacking Black's central pawn. The resulting positions often involve an isolated queen pawn, where White is looking for an attack but has a long-term weakness.
Pros:
- Aggressive
- Positionally complex
- Sound
Cons:
- Isolated queen pawn
- Many different options for Black
- Black has free play
Famous Practitioners: Mikhail Botvinnik