Caro-Kann Defense, Advance Variation, Short Variation

The Caro-Kann begins with ...c6, preparing ...d5 to challenge White's e4-pawn. In the Advance Variation, White avoids the exchange and pushes that pawn to e5; Black then develops the bishop to f5 before closing its route with ...e6. The Short Variation begins with 4.Nf3, moving White's g1-knight to f3. The move protects e5, helps control the center, and prepares castling without moving the f-, g-, or h-pawns that stand near the king.

White commonly continues with Be2, O-O, and c3. Be2 brings out the bishop, O-O is kingside castling and places the king in greater safety, and c3 supports the d4-pawn. That pawn is the base of White's center because it supports the advanced e5-pawn. Black normally plays ...e6 to support d5 and seeks ...c5 to attack d4. If Black achieves that advance under favorable conditions, the e5-pawn may lose much of its strength.

The plan is more restrained than the Tal Variation, which begins with 4.h4 and gains kingside space. Both belong to the Advance Variation, but the Short prioritizes development and flexibility. Short is the surname of the player associated with the system, not a description of a brief game.