Scandinavian Defense (Center Counter Defense) (B01) - Opening Theory

 

Scandianavian Defence (Center Counter Defense) Resources

Wikipedia Page 

The Scandinavian Defense, also known as the Center Counter Defense, is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 d5. It is a hyper-modern defense, meaning that it aims to control the center with pieces rather than pawns. This defense is characterized by the move d5, which aims to support the pawn on e5, and it is a good choice for players who like to play aggressively and counterattack.

The main idea of the Scandinavian defense is for Black to gain space in the center and try to attack the white pawns on e4 and d4. Black's pawn on d5 also aims to exert pressure on e4, which could become a weakness if not properly supported.

The most common continuations for Black after 1.e4 d5 are 2.exd5 Qxd5 and 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4. The first move allows Black to develop their queen early and apply pressure on e4, while the second move allows Black to develop their knight and gain control of d5.

The Scandinavian Defense can be a solid choice for Black, but it also requires a good understanding of the middle game and the ability to counterattack, as it can lead to complex and tactical positions.

BOOKS & Courses (Free)

Internet Archive

Center Counter Defense: The Portuguese Variation - 98 Page PDF

Chessable Courses (Free)

IM John Bartholomew's Scandinavian (FREE version) - (Teaches 56 Lines and you can use the Movetrainer to practice them.)

Short & Sweet: Scandinavian - 13 Lines w/37 Min Video - IM Robert Ris 

Short & Sweet: Scandinavian for White - 10 Lines w/ 53 Min Video - IM Miodrag Perunovic

Scandinavian Defense Chess Articles

Scandinavian Defense - Simplify Chess - Nice Article with the what, why and moves explained.
Beating The Scandinavian Defense – Beginner Chess Openings - Thorough Article with Several Embeded Videos. (Good read if you face this opening a lot)

Centre-Counter Tutorial - Chesscorner.com
The Anti -Portuguese System -by Michael Goeller
Annotated Recent Game Article - from Chess Publishing

CHESS PIECE: SCANDINAVIAN SECRETS - Blog post Refuting the Qa5 line of the Scandinavian by Bobby Ang
Scandinavian Defense – Kadas Gambit  - Remote Chess Academy Article w/embedded Videos
How To Play The Scandinavian Defense: 3…Qa5 - Hercules Chess Guide

Scandinavian Defense – How to Play As White and Black - Chessable Blog Opening Guide (Nice Guide)

Scandinavian Defense LiChess Studies 

Comprhensive Study Scandinavian - 15 Chapter Study  (400 hearts)
Scandinavian Defense (Traps for White) - 12 Chapter Study
Scandinavian opening traps  - 29 Chapter Study  (150 Hearts)
The scandinavian defence - 11 Chapter Study  (Just Showing all the Variations)
Scandinavian Defense (White)  - 13 Chapter Study 

LiStudy Scandinavian Page -  6 Studies (At Bottom of Page) Set up to use the Movetrainer here to Learn or Practice opening. Can also Play opening Against Computer.

GAMES DATABASES

Miniatures in the Scandinavian - 16 Games
Annotated Recent Game Article - from Chess Publishing

365Chess.com

B01: Scandinavian (centre counter) defence 1. e4 d5 - 62,000 Games ( Broken down to 13 Sub Variants) 

Chessgames.com

Scandinavian (B01)  - 36 Annotated Games

chesstempo.com

Scandinavian Defence, General, B01  - 19,500 Games

Scaninavian Defense Video Lessons

Lessons

Scandinavian Defense Opening Theory -6 Video playlist - Hanging Pawns  (About 3 hrs)

How to Play the Scandinavian Defence | Grandmaster Repertoire - 32 min GM Moulthun
How To CRUSH Opponents with the Scandinavian Defense! - 33 Min IM Rozman

Destroy Everyone With the Scandinavian Defense (3...Qd6!) - 18 Min

Attacking with the Scandinavian Defense 16 Min IM Eric Rosen

Play Scandinavian Defense - 33 Min  - IM Marcin Sieciechowicz

Playing Against

Crush the Scandinavian Defense - 10 Min IM Rosen
Finally! An Answer to the Scandinavian Defense by GM Bryan Smith - 36 Min
Hacking the Scandinavian - GingerGM's Spicy Openings and Gambits - 18 Min
PUNISH THE SCANDINAVIAN DEFENSE | IM Miodrag 'The Butcher' Perunovic - 106 min
This ONE Move CRUSHES The Scandi | Dojo Lessons feat. DeanG - 14 min
How to beat the Scandinavian Defense-Part-1  -  10 Min GM Arun

Three POWERFUL Attacking Ideas to CRUSH the Scandinavian Defense - 16 Min - GM Jose Gonzales -The strategies presented in this video are well-known to strong players. Adopt these powerful lines to effectively counter this solid defense. (New 5/29/24)

St Louis Chess Club

The Scandinavian Defense: Solid, Sharp, or Suspect? - Chess Openings Explained - 48 Min
Fallout from Scandinavian Defense Tournament - Beginner Breakdown - 38 Min

Scandinavian Opening Traps

7 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Scandinavian Defense - 28 Min 
op 5 Chess Opening Traps in the Scandinavian Defense [White & Black] - 16 Min
Traps against the Scandinavian defence aka "Center-Counter" opening -12 Min

Scandinavian Game Videos (W/analysis)

Scandinavian defense - 17 Video Playlist - Agadmantor
Scandinavian Defense - 33 Video Playlist - Chess School
PLAY ALL Scandinavian Defence (Center Counter) - Chess Opening - 74 Video Playlist - kingscrusher

Magnus Carlsen Plays His Old Favourite Blitz Opening; Scandinavian Defense 
Scandinavian Defense - 33 Video Playlist - Chess School
PLAY ALL Scandinavian Defence (Center Counter) - Chess Opening - 74 Video Playlist - kingscrusher

Magnus Carlsen Plays His Old Favourite Blitz Opening; Scandinavian Defense - 7 Min
Dmitry Andreikin vs Fabiano Caruana 2014 - 30 Min
Vishy Anand vs Loek Van Wely - Tata Steel (2013) - Scandinavian Defense (B01) - 33 Min

GM Naroditsky

How To CRUSH The Scandinavian Defense | The Sensei Speedrun |- 16 Min
Attacking The Scandi Kingside | The Sensei Speedrun  - 16 Min
Natural Developing Moves | Scandinavian Defense: Modern | - 30 Min
The Risks of Queenside Castle | Scandinavian Defence | The Sensei Speedrun - 37 Min
Master Class | Scandinavian Defense | Chess Speedrun - 38 Min
Master Class | Scandinavian Defense | Chess Speedrun  - 40 Min

IM John Bartholomew (Well Annotated Games)

Recent Theory Practice in the 3...Qd8 Scandinavian - 47 Min
 GM Z-Integrator vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 21 Min
IM Bartholomew vs. TOuchlighter (Scandinavian Defense) - 28 Min
Aruminos vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 18 Min
hek vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 36 Min
Belalugosi vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 36 Min
GM Humpy Koneru vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 44 Min
SnapCracklePop vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 48 Min
IM MWeston vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 18 Min
alakhine101 vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 45 Min
Twin Ports Open [Round 1]: Pratik Nehete vs. IM Bartholomew  - 28 Min
NM Andrew Titus vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 78 Min
GM Stefan Kristjansson vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 19 Min
GM Eric Lobron vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 16 Min
GM narkissos vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 15 Min
IM Luca Shytaj vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 20 Min
stalyansky vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 37 Min

PGN Game Downloads

scand-pg.zip -(1.e4 d5) - 4905 Games (U.of Pitt Archive)

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

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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!

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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

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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.

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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. 

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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

King - Pawn Endings - (Endgame Theory)

 

 

 King and Pawn Endgames:
 The Key to Chess Victory

King and Pawn Endgames are the final act of a chess game, where the forces on the board have dwindled, and the focus intensifies. Here, a single pawn, the underdog of the chess world, takes center stage. Its successful promotion to a powerful queen can spell victory, while its capture can lead to a frustrating draw. Understanding these critical positions is essential for any chess player who wants to:

• Convert Winning Advantages: Many winning positions boil down to a King and Pawn Endgame. Knowing how to maneuver your king and escort your pawn to promotion ensures you capitalize on your hard-earned edge.
  
  
• Salvage Stalemates: Sometimes, complex middlegame positions can simplify into King and Pawn Endgames. If you grasp these endgames, you might be able to salvage a draw from a seemingly lost position.
  
  
• Avoid Blunders: King and Pawn Endgames can be deceptively tricky. A seemingly simple misstep can cost you the game. Mastering these endgames equips you with the knowledge to navigate them confidently and avoid throwing away precious points.

This guide curates the best free resources to equip you with the knowledge and skills to conquer King and Pawn Endgames. With the help of ebooks, interactive studies, puzzles, and video lessons from top chess instructors, you'll be well on your way to mastering this crucial endgame skillset.

Bishops Bounty Corresponding Squares Page

Bishop's Bounty Triangulation Page

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Books & Courses (Free)

Chess Endings - UK School 89 Page PDF  (Nice Study Guide with worksheets)
Pawn Endings (Part 1) - 4 page PDF (Handout)

Internet Archive

• A Guide To Chess Endings by Max Euwe, David Hooper - 252 Page PDF
• Begin Chess by Manuel Aaron - 262 Page PDF

Chessable

• Basic Endgames - FREE Chessable Course - 191 Endgames (First 45 are K+P)   Practice all of them with the Movetrainer

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King & Pawn Chess Articles

Theoretical Pawn Endgames - All You Need to Know U2000 Level - ChessMood - What are the most important King and pawn endgame positions that you must know? GM Gabuzyan shares them in this article. (Really Nice Page)

How to Win a King and Pawn vs King Endgame - Very nice article and in depth
- Understanding the Square
- How to Promote a Pawn vs a Lone King
- Rook Pawns are Usually Drawn
- How to Draw with a Lone King vs a Pawn and King
- Positions to Test Yourself

Ultimate Guide to Pawn Endgames -  Pretty Amazing Page With Lessons on Many of the Basic Pawn Endgame Need to Know Topics.

Pawn Endgame: How To Win Pawn Endgames -  The Chess Journal -Covers Most of the Basics w/ puzzles at end

The Floating Square | Split Pawns vs Connected Pawns in the Endgame - Nice Well Done Lesson

The Chess World

• 3 Must-Know Ideas in Pawn Endgames - WGM Raluca Sgircea, IM Renier Castellanos
  
  
• 5 King and Pawn Endgame Tricks Every Chess Player Must Know - Yury Markushin

Chess.com Articles

• Pawn Endgames: A Practical Guide - Gm Daniel Naroditsky  - a brief (but hopefully rewarding) introduction to pawn endgames. Opposition, Pawn races & Pawn Breakthroughs
• Pawn Endgames - Easy to Hard (with puzzles and analysis) - seven different pawn endgames from my own games. They start easier, but get harder as they go.
• Pawn endgames - WGM Tijana Mandura -Direct, Distant and Diagonal Opposition Article
• Pawn Endgames - Easy, Yet Difficult - GM Alexander Ipotov - annotated two of my games, including the one against Tarjan, and found few more games played by world-class players who misplayed their respective pawn endgames!
• Pawn Endgames: Beauty and the Beast - WIM Irena Zenyuk - The article emphasizes the importance of creating passed pawns and the intricate plans required for both offense and defense in pawn endgames.

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King & Pawn LiChess Studies

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

King and Pawn Endgames 1 - 60 Chapter Study (One at the top of the Page)

King and Pawn Endgames 2 -  5 Chapter interactive Study

Beginner Opposition -  6 Chapter Study

Interactive Studies

• Pawn Endgames - 8 Chapter Interactive Study - All lessons
• Pawn Endgames 🧩 - 12 Chapter Interactive Study - A bunch of Learning Puzzles
• King and Pawn ENDGAMES - 10 Chapter Interactive Study - Active King and Passed Pawns

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Games Database - K & P Endings

Chessgames.com (Collections)

• K&P Endgames  - 26 Games
  
  
• King and Pawn Endgames - 32 Games

By studying both collections, you'll gain valuable insights into the nuances of King and Pawn Endgames and how they arise from various middlegame situations.

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King & Pawn Endgame Video Lessons

1) King and Pawn Endgames

 
a) Foundational King and Pawn Endgame Positions

• EASY CHESS ENDGAMES: King & Pawns  -21 min - IM Rozman
  
  
• King & Pawn Endgames Crash Course 20 Min NM Nelson Lopez
  
  
• Key Squares in King and Pawn Endgames-part1 15 min IM Astraneh
  
• Key Squares in King and Pawn Endgames | Part 2 13 Min IM Astraneh
• Key Squares in King and Pawn Endgames | Part 3 22 Min IM Astraneh
  
  
• Pawn Endgames you Must Know | Kids' Class - GM Cristian Chirila - 33 Min
  
  
• Introduction to Pawn Endgames | GM Naroditsky - 30 Min
  
  
• Opposition and Outflanking | Beginner Breakdown - 60 Min - ST.Louis CC - a beginner chess class on opposition and outflanking your opponent.
  

 b) Intermediate Pawn Endgame Ideas

• The 3 most important Endgame Principles in King and Pawn Endgames 14 Min IM Astraneh - Outside Passed Pawn, Pawn breakthrough, Rule of the Square
  
  
• Chess Endgames: Converting the Extra Pawn - 7 Min - FM Kostya Kavutskiy discusses the general strategy on how to win a king and pawn endgame with a single pawn extra
  
  
• Chess Endgames: The Reti Idea 7 Min IM Cruze
  
  
• King and Pawn Endgames - 47Min GM Ben Finegold - the importance of understanding opposition, triangulation, and zugzwang in endgame play, as well as the role of pawn structure in achieving victory.
  
  
• Pawn Majority - winning practical endgames - 17 Min - IM Asaf Givon achieved a kingside pawn majority very early in the opening and, after that, his practical endgame knowledge simply assured him the win.
  
  
• These are very hard pawns to queen!! How to Use Sixth rank rule! - 10 Min - Robert Plunkets Chess Lab - Connected passed pawns and getting a Queen (New 5/29/24)

 c) More Complicated Pawn Endings

• Difficult King & Pawn Endings | Endgame Exclam!! - 45 Min GM Ben Finegold - shows king and pawn positions from and inspired by real grandmaster games. Opposition and other themes are explored, and these positions are difficult to calculate.
  
  
• INSANELY Instructive Pawn Endgame | Distant Opposition - 8 Min - use concepts like Distant or Diagonal Opposition to realize a very original winning plan.
  
  
• Unbelievable and illogical pawn endgame! - 20 Min -GM Mykhaylo Oleksiyenko - Simple looking Endgame that is Incredibly difficult to figure out even for a GM.
  
  
• Advanced Pawn Endgame Concepts | GM Naroditsky - 68 Min - We examine the 9 most important king use techniques, and then put them into practice by carefully analyzing a wealth of real-life examples.

 

d) Pawn Breakthroughs

• Pawn Breakthroughs | Chess Middlegames - 21 Min - First Half has pawn and King endgane Breakthroughs
  
  
• How to Endgame #2 | Pawn Breakthroughs - 17 Min - IM Andreas Toth - in-depth tutorial on pawn breakthroughs in chess endgames, emphasizing the importance of calculation and visualization skills.
  
  
• 6 INSTRUCTIVE & TRICKY PAWN BREAKTHROUGHS - 13 Min - Chess Geek - goes over 6 tricky and instructive pawn breakthroughs that will solidity your understanding of pawn breakthroughs and show you how to use the idea of pawn breakthroughs to win seemingly unwinnable positions
  
  
• Pawn Breakthroughs | Principles of Chess Endgames | GM Naroditsky - 47 Min - We examine the 10 most common type of breakthroughs in abstraction, and then put them into practice by analyzing several real-life examples.