Caro-Kann Defence (B10-B19) - Chess Opening Theory

Master the Caro-Kann Defense
 Complete Chess Guide to Black's Solid Choice
 (1.e4 c6)

The Caro-Kann Defense (1.e4 c6) is a cornerstone opening for Black players, offering a solid pawn structure and a wealth of strategic possibilities.

 Whether you're a beginner seeking a reliable opening repertoire or an advanced player looking to refine your Caro-Kann knowledge, this guide is your one-stop resource. We'll delve into key variations like the Advance, Panov-Botvinnik Attack, and Exchange, equipping you with articles, video lessons, puzzles, and annotated games to master this dynamic opening.

 Let's unlock the secrets of the Caro-Kann Defense and take your Black game to the next level!

Caro-Kann Wikipedia page 

Bishops Bounty Advance Variation Page

Bishops Bounty Alien Gambit Page

Bishops Bounty Apocalypse Attack Page

Bishops Bounty Fantasy Variation Page

Bishops Bounty Exchange Variation Page

---

Books & Courses Free

Whether you're a beginner seeking a basic understanding or an intermediate player looking to refine your repertoire, this section offers valuable materials to get you started.

Internet Archive - Free PDF Downloads

• Caro-Kann Defence: Advance Variation and Gambit System by Anatoly Karpov; Mikhail Podgaet - 145 Page PDF -  Learn about the Advance Variation and Gambit System directly from a Chess Legend! This PDF provides insights from a master's perspective.
  
  
• A Line for White - Number 1: The Caro Kann Advance Variation by Byron Jacobs - 13 Page PDF - This shorter PDF focuses on the Advance Variation from White's viewpoint, offering a glimpse into the strategic ideas White might employ.
  
  
• lakdawala_cyrus_la_defensa_caro_kann - 237 Page PDF (Spanish)
  
  
• Strategic Goals of the Caro-Kann .pdf -21 page PDF  Excerpt from Schiller's book "Complete Defence to King Pawn Openings," this PDF explores the strategic goals Black aims to achieve in the Caro-Kann. (Archived)

Chessable Courses FREE

• Short & Sweet: Caro-Kann -  9 Variations w/ 77 Min Video  by IM Sielecki -This bite-sized course by IM Sielecki uses his "Keep It Simple" philosophy to introduce you to core Caro-Kann concepts in a concise format.
  
  
• The Caro-Kann Starter Kit -   24 Variations by TheoryHack - Designed for beginners and intermediate players, TheoryHack's Caro-Kann Starter Kit equips you with the foundational variations you need to know.
  
  
• Short & Sweet: The Caro-Kann -  25 Variations  w/78 Min Video - GM L'Ami unveils the key variations and ideas in this course, accompanied by video lectures to solidify your understanding.
  
  
• The Caro-Kann for Club Players - (87 Variations, 34 puzzles with a Dedicated Middle-game Chapter) by George L Smyth is a comprehensive, free course designed to elevate your Caro-Kann to club-level mastery. This course stands out for its laser focus on practical play. Analyzing the most frequently encountered Caro-Kann variations at intermediate ratings on Lichess, Smyth ensures you're well-prepared for real-world competition.

Bonus Tip:
Utilize spaced repetition training with a platform like Chessable to retain the knowledge you gain from these free resources!

---

Caro-Kann Articles

Articles: Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Halasz Gambit.

• Caro–Kann Defence  - Simplify Chess Opening Guide  - Detailed Move by Move guide on Main Line - Advance, Exchange and Tartakower
  
  
• The Caro-Kann: How to Play It as White and Black  - Chessable Blog Opening Guide  (Another Very Nice Guide)
  
  
• Caro-Kann Defense Made Easy: Step By Step Guide [2023] - Nice Simple How to Guide
  
  
• Crushing the Caro-Kann - by Bobby Ang
  
  
•  From the Book The Panov Attack: Fianchetto Variation - by Eric Schiller 
  
  
• The Caveman Caro-Kann : Advanced Variation with h4 - by Michael Goeller
  
  
• Caveman Blitz - by Michael Goeller
  
  
• Caro-Kann Defense - Opening Guide - IM Alberto Chueca
  
  
• The Caro-Kann Defense - Opening Guide -(365Chess.com Blog) w/ links to Games
  
  
• The Homo Erectus Variation of the Caro-Kann Defence Part 1 - Dana Mackenzie
• The Homo Erectus Variation of the Caro-Kann Defence Part 2 - Dana Mackenzie
• The Homo Erectus Variation of the Caro-Kann Defence Part 3 - Dana Mackenzie

Chess Cafe Articles

• B 12: Caro-Kann Defence, The Advance Variation.pdf - 10 page Informant at Chess Cafe
• Canning the Caro: The Milner-Barry Gambit Part 1 - Gambit Cartel by Tim McGrew
• Canning the Caro: The Milner-Barry Gambit Part 2 - Gambit Cartel by Tim McGrew
• Kasparov vs Deep Blue . pdf - Inside Chess by Yasser Seirwan (Steinitz Variation)

Silmans Opening Archive

• The Caro-Kann -Q&A article about the Caro-Kann by Jeremy Silman
• 2.f4 vs the Caro-Kann? -Q&A article about the Caro-Kann by Jeremy Silman
• Opening Analysis -Loosing the Same Game Twice - By Karel van der Weide
• THE REFUTATION OF THE 4…Nd7 CARO-KANN? - by Andrew Martin
• 
  
• An Unusual Weapon Against the Caro-Kann Pt 1 - Andrew Martin
• An Unusual Weapon Against the Caro-Kann Pt 2 - Andrew Martin
• An Unusual Weapon Against the Caro-Kann Pt 3 - Andrew Martin
• An Interesting Move Order Trick in the Caro-Kann - FM Dennis Monokroussos

Annotated Games

Leko, P. (2745) - Karpov, An (2679) [B10] - Breyer Variation
Markov, Y. - Fominyh, A. [B10] - Breyer variation
Morozevich, A. - Bologan, V. [B12] - Tartakower variation
Anand, V. (2774) - Bologan, V. (2650) [B17] - Steinitz Variation
Anand, V. (2774) - Bologan, V. (2650) [B17]
Gluzman, M. (2400) - Bareev, E. (2719) [B18] - Classical Variation
Landa, K. (2571) - Shaposhnikov, E. (2550) [B19] - Classical Variation

---

Caro-Kann LiChess Studies

LiChess Studies: Explore interactive training tools to solidify your understanding of the opening's concepts.

• Caro-Kann Defense  -  43 Chapter Study  (993 Hearts) Detailed Look at 43 Different Variations
  
  
• Caro-Kann (Solid - Advance Guide) - 71 Chapter Study  (Lots of Stuff here) - Lessons on Classical to Advance , Games and Studys as well.
  
  
• Study the Caro-Kann  - 30 Chapter Interactive Study  (2000 + Hearts) - Detailed Descriptions of Many variations and Specific Attacks, w/ Interactive Puzzles.
  
  
• Caro-Kann Defense  - 8 Chapter Interactive Study  (30,000 Hearts) - Interactive Walk Through of all the Main variations.
  
  
• Caro-Kann Study -- Part 1  - 63 Chapter Study  ( Each lesson is Followed By a handful of Model games for that Variation.)( Advance and Panov Botvinnik Attack)
  
• Caro-Kann Study -- Part 2  - 34 Chapter (Lessons and Games)(Exchange and Caro Main Line)

Listudy Page  (Practice and Learn Many of the Studys with LiChess Movetrainer Here)

• Caro-Kann Defense  -  6 Studys To Pick From here  (Amazing Free Site)

New to LiChess Studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move. You can test your understanding, solidify your learning, and deepen your knowledge of the Caro-Kann.

---

Game Databases

Game Databases: Analyze real-life games featuring the Halasz Gambit and see how it's played in practice.

Chessgames.com

Caro-Kann (B10-B19)  - 75 Annotated Games

365Chess.com

Caro-Kann (B10-B19)  -  Page with a Link to each ECO code Variation. 

---

Caro-Kann Chess Video Lessons

Learn from chess masters in video tutorials that explain the Caro-Kann key ideas and strategies.

Caro-Kann Playlists

• Caro-Kann Defense  - 16 Video Playlist (Over 2.5 Hrs ) - GM Sune Berg Hansen (Really Nice Lessons)
  
• Caro-Kann Defense  - 9 Video Playlist  (over 2 Hrs) - IM Astaneh (Really Great Lessons Here as well)
   Lessons For Black and White on Variations.
  
• Caro-Kann Masterclass - 9 Video playlist - ChessGeek - By viewing these videos, you will completely learn the Caro Kann, and be able to play the caro kann defense at a very high level.
• Caro Kann Caleb Denby - 6 Video Playlist (6 Hrs) - NM Caleb Denby - St. louis CC
  
  
• Caro-Kann Opening Theory - 13 Video playlist - Hanging pawns - Lessons For Black and White on Variations.
• Caro-Kann  - 48 Video Playlist   - Hanging Pawns - Games
  
  
• Caro Kann Defence  -8 Video Playlist  - Im Alex Banzea (Mostly all Short Lesson Videos)
• Caro-Kann Saga  - 30 Video Playlist - Im Alex Banzea  (Lots Analysed games)

General Lessons

Caro-Kann Defense (introduction, main variations & ideas) - 26 Min

Caro Kann Repertoire Overview - 15 min  Palm Beach Chess  (A+ for Explaining Things)

Fantasy Variation - Introduction by GM Vassily Ivanchuk - 28 Min

How to CRUSH with the Caro-Kann! - 34 Min Gotham Chess

Prep the Caro-Kann like Dubov! | Prepare Like A Pro - GM Josh Friedel - 65 Min
Complete Guide Through Caro Kann for Black! Step by Step!! - 65 min IM Perunovic

A complete overview of the Caro Kann Defense - GM Swapnil Dhopade - 2 hr -Chessbase India - GM Swapnil Dhopade, a world-renowned Caro Kann expert, shares his top Black responses to White's main opening lines.

Cram the Caro-Kann Defence, Part 1 | Chess Openings Explained - 57 Min NM Prolieko
Cram the Caro-Kann Defence, Part 2 | Chess Openings Explained - 50 Min NM Prolieko

Playing Against the Caro-Kann

• GM Eugene Perelshteyn shows you how to play against Caro-Kann Defense! - 10 Min
  
• NEW IDEA AGAINST THE CARO-KANN | GM Arturs Neiksans - 21 Min
• How To Crush The Caro-Kann As White [Every Move Is A TRAP] - 14 Min - Gm Igor Smirnov
  
  
• How to WIN against the Caro-Kann - 22 Min - IM Alex Astrenah - Strategies to counter the Caro-Kann defense in chess, focusing on exploiting common mistakes and setting traps for black. Alex shares personal experiences and detailed analysis of various lines to help players gain an advantage.
  
  
• How to Play Against the Classical Caro-Kann - 22 min - Robert Plunketts Chess Lab -  How to play against the Classical Caro-Kann defense in chess, focusing on the main line after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5
  
  
• Three POWERFUL TRICKS to CRUSH the CARO-KANN Defense - 11 Min - GM Jose Gonzalez - Mose just Opening Trap Lines.
  
  
• How To Attack Against The Caro - Kann - 12 Min - NM James Canty - Fantasy Variation Lesson
  
  
• Crush the Caro-Kann - Chess Openings Explained - 55 Min - ST.Louis CC - Discusses various lines and moves, emphasizing the classical lines starting with Knight to c3. The video also covers different responses from Black, including Bishop f5, Knight to d7, and Knight f6, and how to handle them.
  
  
• Crush The Caro-Kann - FULL Repertoire by Grandmaster - 3hr 16Min - GM Jesper Thybo -  (New 8/29/2024) - Detailed Opening Rep. 
  
  

Main Line (Classical) Variation Videos

• Grandmaster Reveals: The New Mainline in the Caro-Kann Defense - 18 min GMtalks
• How to Play Against the Classical Caro-Kann - 20 Min
• Caro-Kann Ideas: Classical 4...Nf6  - 9 Min  Palm Beach Chess

Advance Variation Videos

• Caro-Kann Defense: Advance Variation FULL GUIDE for Black - 39 min - Im Banzea
• Caro-Kann: Advance Variation - 48 Min - GM Ben Finegold
• Caro-Kann Ideas: Advanced Variation with Na6 - 8 Min - Palm Beach Chess
• The Shirov Attack in the Advance Caro-Kann | Chess Openings Explained - 56 Min
  
  
• Caro-Kann Repertoire: Chapter 1, Advanced Variation 4.c3 - 61 Min-ChessGoals
• Caro-Kann Repertoire: Advanced - 4. dxc5 Bonus Material - 67 min - ChessGoals

White Side Advance

• Caro-Kann Advance Variation for White | 3…c5 Botvinnik-Carls variation - 2 hr
• Caro-Kann Advance Variation for White | 3…Bf5 Part 1/2 - 2 hr
• Caro-Kann Advance Variation for White | 3…Bf5 Part 2/2 - 56 Min

Exchange Variation Videos

• Caro-Kann, Exchange Variation | Chess Openings Explained - NM Caleb Denby - 51 Min
• GM Neiksans Boot Camp #10 - Exchange Caro-Kann - 2+ Hrs
• GM Eugene Perelshteyn: Exchange Caro-Kann Structures | U.S. Chess School - 54 Min

Panov-Botvinnik Videos

• Caro-Kann Defense: Panov-Botvinnik Variation - 6 Min - GM Ben Finegold
• Play the Panov-Botvinnik Attack | Chess Openings Explained - 57 Min -NM Denby
• Caro-Kann Ideas: Panov-Botvinnik Attack (Arkell Variation) - Palm Beach Chess
• A Tricky System to Beat the Panov Attack - 49 Min  ChessGoals
  
  
• Caro-Kann Defence: Panov-Botvinnik Attack - Chess Opening -22 Video playlist - kingscrusher  (Games)

Fantasy Variation Videos

• Caro-Kann Defense: Fantasy Variation - 5 Min - GM Ben Finegold
• Caro-Kann: Fantasy Variation | Chess Openings Explained - NM Caleb Denby - 55 Min
• Fantasy Variation vs Caro Kann - Kill Black!! - 33 Min IM Perunovic

Two Knights Variation

• Caro-Kann, Two Knights Variation | Chess Openings Explained - NM Caleb Denby - 57 Min
• Caro-Kann Defense: Two Knights Variation - 6 Min - Ben Finegold
• Caro-Kann Defense: Two Knights Variation | Opening Repertoire - 22 Min 
• Chess Tips: Caro Kann - Easy Advantage in Modern Two Knights!! - 55 Min IM Perunovic
• Chess Opening Traps in the Caro-Kann Defense | Two Knights Variation 2.Nf3 - 16 Min

Caro-Kann Chess Game Videos w/Analysis

Playlists

• Caro-Kann Defence - Chess Opening - 245 Video Playlist  - kingscrusher
  
  
• Caro-Kann Defense Chessgames - 44 Video playlist - Jozarov's Chess Channel
  
  
• Caro-Kann Defense - 87 Video playlist - agadmantor
  
  
• Caro Kann  -  62 Video Playlist   - Chessbase India
  
  
• Caro-Kann Speedrun - 12 Video Playlist - GM Eric Hansen - Introduces a flexible approach by playing the Caro-Kann against all of White's main opening moves. 400 - 2600 Elo (New 6/23/2024)
  
  
• Naroditsky - Caro Kann (Masterclass and Speed Run Games - 21 Videos Playlist - GM Daniel Naroditsky - Great Instructional Videos

Carlsen + Caro Kann vs Nakamura | Saint Louis Rapid 2020 - 9 Min -Chessbase India
Spasky vs Larsen 1978 - 8 min  (Caro-Kann disaster for Larsen)
Tal vs Botvinnik - 10 min 
Hikaru Kann - 35 Min GM Nakamura
Nunn vs. Seirawan, 1983 | Caro-Kann - 56 Min GM Yasser Seirawan
Aggressive Caro-Kann 😲 GM Caruana vs GM L'ami - 25 Min  - ichess
Timman - Karpov 1994 FIDE World Championship Caro Kann - 12 Min Palm Beach Chess

GM Naroditsky  (Really Nice Videos of Game Play with a Ton of Analysis and Lessons)

Master Class | Caro-Kann: Exchange | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 44 Min
Master Class | Caro–Kann | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 32 Min
Master Class | Caro-Kann | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 41 Min
Master Class | Caro-Kann Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 30 Min
Master Class | Caro–Kann x2!! | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 35 Min
Master Class | Caro-Kann, Tartakower | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 23 Min
Power of Qb6 In Caro Kann!! | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 20 Min
Fantasy Master Class! | Caro-Kann | GM Naroditsky’s Top Theory Speedrun - 57 Min
Handling the IQP | Caro-Kann-Exchange | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 78 Min
Master Class | Panov Attack (Caro–Kann) | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 23 Min
Fantasy Variation Crash Course! | Caro-Kann | GM Naroditsky’s Top Theory Speedrun - 59 min
Master Vs Master!! CM Joins the Analysis! | Caro Kann-Fantasy | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 63 Min
When to Sac for Mate | Caro; Fantasy Variation | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 11 Min

Caro-Kann Defense PGN Downloads
(Games From PGNMentor.com)
Caro-Kann, 2.c4 - 6241 games
Caro-Kann, Two Knights - 4152 games
Caro-Kann, Exchange - 4680 games
Caro-Kann Panov-Botvinnik Attack - 10847 games
Caro-Kann, Advance - 13108 games
Caro-Kann, 4...f6 - 4993 games
Caro-Kann, 4...d7 - 7536 games
Caro-Kann, Classical - 11208 games