Caro-Kann Defense

In algebraic notation, square names combine a column letter and a row number; c6, for example, means column c and row 6. The Caro-Kann begins when White advances the pawn in front of the king two squares and Black answers by moving the c-pawn to c6. That move prepares the d-pawn to advance to d5 and attack White's pawn on e4.

Its defining feature is that Black's e-pawn has not blocked the bishop that starts on c8. Black can often bring that bishop to f5 or g4 before playing e6. Moving a piece from its starting square to a useful square is called development. The cost of c6 is that it does not develop a piece, so Black usually controls less territory early and must bring out the remaining pieces carefully.

...c6 prepares ...d5 without shutting in the c8-bishop

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Startc6d4d5

1...c6 chooses the Caro-Kann and prepares ...d5 with support from the side pawn.

Three defenses challenge e4 in different ways

The first pawn choice determines how Black will attack the center and develop the c8-bishop.

1. 1...c6 chooses the Caro-Kann and prepares ...d5 with support from the side pawn.
2. 1...e6 would choose the French, also prepare ...d5, and temporarily close the c8-bishop's diagonal.
3. 1...d5 would choose the Scandinavian and attack e4 immediately without preparing the advance with another pawn.

How the pawn arrangement changes

• In the Exchange Variation, White trades the central pawns that were attacking each other and chooses straightforward play.
• In the Panov Attack, White adds c4 and accepts a more open, dynamic pawn arrangement.
• In the Two Knights Variation, White brings out both knights before fixing the central pawns.

White's third move decides the structure

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3.e5 gains space and closes the center in the Advance Variation.

Advance, support, exchange, or develop

The four visible decisions lead to different families and are not interchangeable versions of one plan.

1. 3.e5 gains space and closes the center in the Advance Variation.
2. 3.Nc3 supports e4 and allows the central capture that commonly leads to the Classical Variation.
3. 3.exd5 begins the Exchange Variation and allows ...cxd5.
4. 3.Nf3 develops without fixing the center yet and can form a Two Knights setup after Nc3.

Other major choices include advancing the e-pawn to e5 or supporting the center with a knight before Black captures on e4. In many branches, Black aims to finish bringing out the pieces and play c5, a pawn advance that attacks the base of White's center.