Caro-Kann Defense, Gurgenidze System

The Caro-Kann begins with ...c6 and ...d5. After White occupies the center with pawns on e4 and d4 and develops the b1-knight to c3, the Gurgenidze System is identified by 3...g6. Black advances the pawn from g7 to g6 and prepares a fianchetto, which means developing the bishop from f8 to g7 behind that pawn. From g7, the bishop looks along a long diagonal toward the center and can pressure White's d4-pawn.

Black delays more usual Caro-Kann choices such as capturing on e4 or developing the bishop through f5. That freedom of choice works only if Black later challenges the center with ...c5, ...dxe4, or ...f6. Simply placing the bishop on g7 and waiting can allow White to keep a large space advantage, meaning more comfortable squares for the pieces, and develop without difficulty.

White commonly plays h3 to stop Black's c8-bishop from moving comfortably to g4 and tying a future f3-knight to the queen on d1. White may also choose Nf3 and Bd3 to bring pieces out, or e5 to gain space, but should avoid advancing too many pawns without developing. The Karpov Variation uses a more direct setup with ...Nd7, while the Fantasy Variation changes the structure from White's side with an early f3.