Caro-Kann Defense, Classical Variation

In algebraic notation, c3 means column c and row 3. The Classical Variation begins when White moves a knight to c3 to support e4. Black captures that pawn with the d5-pawn, White's knight recaptures on e4, and Black's c8-bishop moves to f5 to attack the centralized knight.

Bringing the bishop to f5 is the key idea. Black moves the c8-bishop out before placing the e-pawn on e6, where that pawn will support the position but close the bishop's original diagonal. Black therefore gets a sound pawn arrangement without leaving an important piece trapped.

White commonly retreats the knight to g3 and may advance h4 and h5 to gain territory and force the bishop to choose a route. Black aims to bring out the remaining pieces with e6, the b8-knight to d7, and the g8-knight to f6, use castling to shelter the king when safe, and play c5 against d4. Some lines develop through gradual plans; others produce immediate threats when the kings shelter on opposite sides.

The Classical exchanges e4, activates the bishop, and then contests its space

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Startdxe4Nxe4Bf5Ng3Bg6h4

...dxe4 defines the Classical structure by removing White's e4-pawn.

Black chooses to exchange before developing the bishop

The capture on e4 clears the center and prepares an active route for the c8-bishop.

1. ...dxe4 defines the Classical structure by removing White's e4-pawn.
2. ...Bf5 will be the characteristic development after White recaptures.
3. ...c5 will remain the necessary break against White's d4-pawn.