1.d4 exd5 2.c4 Nc3 3.Nf3 cxd5 4.Bc4 bxc3 5.Qc7

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. exd5

   Exchange Variation.

3. c4

   The Panov Attack begins.

4. Nc3

   Let’s play the pawn to g6, with the idea of putting our bishop on g7 next move to target that d-pawn.

5. Nf3

   Bishop to g7.

6. cxd5

   The knight recaptures on d5.

7. Bc4

   The knight takes on c3.

8. bxc3

   The bishop on c4 is undefended, and so is the pawn on c3. We can attack both with queen to c7. White will lose one of them.

9. Qc7

   We put strong pressure on White with our queen. The engine considers our position better.

1.d4 exd5 2.Bd3 c3 3.h3 dxe5 4.Nxe5

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. exd5

   Exchange Variation.

3. Bd3

   Knight to c6.

4. c3

   Knight to f6. This will also allow us to develop our bishop to g4 later.

5. h3

   White has lost some time trying to bother our bishop. Let’s be aggressive with pawn to e5.

6. dxe5

   And now we take with the knight. Knight to e5.

7. Nxe5

   Well played! We have a good position and are ready to continue the game.

1.d4 exd5 2.c4 cxd5 3.Nc3 Nf3 4.Bc4 e6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. exd5

   Exchange Variation.

3. c4

   The Panov Attack begins.

4. cxd5

   White wants to trade, so we trade.

5. Nc3

   Let’s put some pressure on the center with knight to c6.

6. Nf3

   Bishop to f5.

7. Bc4

   There are two attackers against our knight. Let’s defend with pawn to e6.

8. e6

   We have a solid position here.

1.d4 exd5 2.Bd3 c3 3.Bf4 Qb3 4.Nd2 Ngf3 5.Bxd6 O-O 6.O-O

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. exd5

   Exchange Variation.

3. Bd3

   Knight to c6.

4. c3

   Knight to f6. This will also allow us to develop our bishop to g4 later.

5. Bf4

   Remember, we developed the knight so we could put the bishop on g4. So let’s do it! Bishop to g4.

6. Qb3

   White has escaped and now threatens our b7-pawn. Let’s defend it with queen to d7.

7. Nd2

   The last piece we still need to develop is the bishop. Let’s play pawn to e6 to open it.

8. Ngf3

   White’s dark-squared bishop is better than ours. Let’s seek the trade with bishop to d6.

9. Bxd6

   Queen recaptures on d6.

10. O-O

    Let’s castle kingside too.

11. O-O

    Main line of the Caro-Kann.

1.d4 exd5 2.Nf3 Bd3 3.O-O c3 4.h3 Bg5 5.Nbd2 Bh4 6.Qc7

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. exd5

   Exchange Variation.

3. Nf3

   Let’s copy White with knight to f6.

4. Bd3

   The bishop pins the knight on g4.

5. O-O

   The d4-pawn is now undefended. Knight to c6.

6. c3

   We want to bring our other bishop into the game. Let’s open it with pawn to e6.

7. h3

   Let’s keep the pin and bring our bishop back to h5.

8. Bg5

   The best move here is bishop to d6.

9. Nbd2

   Let’s force White’s bishop back with pawn to h6.

10. Bh4

    Queen to c7, forming a battery.

11. Qc7

    The engine likes our position.

1.d4 exd5 2.Nf3 Bd3 3.O-O c3 4.Bg5 Nbd2 5.Qc2 Bh4 6.Rc8

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. exd5

   Exchange Variation.

3. Nf3

   Let’s copy White with knight to f6.

4. Bd3

   The bishop pins the knight on g4.

5. O-O

   The d4-pawn is now undefended. Knight to c6.

6. c3

   We want to bring our other bishop into the game. Let’s open it with pawn to e6.

7. Bg5

   Let’s break the pin with bishop to e7.

8. Nbd2

   Kingside castling.

9. Qc2

   White has formed a battery against our h7-pawn. Let’s push it to h6 so it cannot be taken.

10. Bh4

    Rook to c8.

11. Rc8

    The position is equal and we are ready to play!

1.d4 exd5 2.c3 Nf3 3.Be2 O-O 4.Re1 Bg5 5.h3 Nbd2 6.Nf1 f6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. exd5

   Exchange Variation.

3. c3

   A move we often see.

4. Nf3

   White develops the knight; let’s use the moment to bring out the bishop.

5. Be2

   White brings out the bishop.

6. O-O

   Kingside castling.

7. Re1

   Rook to e1.

8. Bg5

   Bishop development.

9. h3

   Defends the attack on the pawn.

10. Nbd2

    Knight development.

11. Nf1

    Strengthens the king.

12. f6

    Our plan is to expand and take all the space.

1.d4 exd5 2.c3 Bf4 3.Nf3 Be2 4.Bxd6 O-O 5.Re1 Nbd2 6.f6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. exd5

   Exchange Variation.

3. c3

   A move we often see.

4. Bf4

   The bishop is well placed on its diagonal, so we will have to trade it. But first, let’s develop our light-squared bishop.

5. Nf3

   Natural knight development.

6. Be2

   We will be able to trade the dark-squared bishops.

7. Bxd6

   We recapture with the queen, of course.

8. O-O

   Kingside castling.

9. Re1

   Rook opposite the king.

10. Nbd2

    Knight development.

11. f6

    Our opening setup is perfect; let’s continue the game.

3...Nxe4 4.Nxf6+ Nf3 5.c3 Bd3 6.Be3 O-O 7.h3 Re1 8.a4 Qc2 9.Rad1 gxh3 10.Nd2 Kf1 11.Ke2 Nf4#

1. Nxe4

   We play knight to f6 to attack the center and threaten their knight.

2. Nxf6+

   This is the main Tartakower Variation. We capture on e because, even if it looks strange, the pawn structure is solid after kingside castling.

3. Nf3

   A very common move; here we simply develop our dark-squared bishop.

4. c3

   c3 to solidify the structure.

5. Bd3

   White develops, and we use the open file to give check and place our rook opposite the king.

6. Be3

   A logical move to develop and meet the check: we bring out our light-squared bishop.

7. O-O

   Our opponent castles kingside; we will set up our attack on the king using the e-file controlled by our rook.

8. h3

   They chase our bishop, but that is fine: it has a perfect square to return to.

9. Re1

   They improve their position by putting their rook opposite ours. Let’s continue our knight maneuver.

10. a4

    They start a queenside attack; let’s create a bishop–queen battery with a possible sacrifice in mind.

11. Qc2

    They attack h7 with their bishop–queen battery; let’s defend simply while putting our knight into the attack.

12. Rad1

    Here we have a brilliant bishop sacrifice that pulls the white king into a mating net.

13. gxh3

    They recapture the pawn, which we will then take with the queen.

14. Nd2

    If they move the attacked knight away, there is a forced mate.

15. Kf1

    Only move… unfortunately, it is over for White.

16. Ke2

    Goodbye king: knight to f4.

17. Nf4#

    A beautiful mate thanks to the rook pin.

3...Nxe4 4.Nxf6+ Nf3 5.c3 Bd3 6.Be3 O-O 7.h3 Re1 8.a4 Qc2 9.Rad1 gxh3 10.Be2 Nxh4 11.fxe3 Bh2+ 12.Bg3+ Qh2+ 13.Qf2#

1. Nxe4

   We play knight to f6 to attack the center and threaten their knight.

2. Nxf6+

   This is the main Tartakower Variation. We capture on e because, even if it looks strange, the pawn structure is solid after kingside castling.

3. Nf3

   A very common move; here we simply develop our dark-squared bishop.

4. c3

   c3 to solidify the structure.

5. Bd3

   White develops, and we use the open file to give check and place our rook opposite the king.

6. Be3

   A logical move to develop and meet the check: we bring out our light-squared bishop.

7. O-O

   Our opponent castles kingside; we will set up our attack on the king using the e-file controlled by our rook.

8. h3

   They chase our bishop, but that is fine: it has a perfect square to return to.

9. Re1

   They improve their position by putting their rook opposite ours. Let’s continue our knight maneuver.

10. a4

    They start a queenside attack; let’s create a bishop–queen battery with a possible sacrifice in mind.

11. Qc2

    They attack h7 with their bishop–queen battery; let’s defend simply while putting our knight into the attack.

12. Rad1

    Here we have a brilliant bishop sacrifice that pulls the white king into a mating net.

13. gxh3

    They recapture the pawn, which we will then take with the queen.

14. Be2

    If they try to defend it with the pawn, they will face mating problems through a second sacrifice.

15. Nxh4

    White fights with everything they have, but unfortunately the position is too crushing.

16. fxe3

    They take the rook; there is a forced mate.

17. Bh2+

    We maneuver the bishop.

18. Bg3+

    We maneuver the bishop. x2

19. Qh2+

    Queen check.

20. Qf2#

    End of the game.

3...Nxe4 4.Nxf6+ Nf3 5.c3 Bd3 6.Be3 O-O 7.h3 Re1 8.a4 Qc2 9.Rad1 gxh3 10.Qe2 Qc2 11.Qg2#

1. Nxe4

   We play knight to f6 to attack the center and threaten their knight.

2. Nxf6+

   This is the main Tartakower Variation. We capture on e because, even if it looks strange, the pawn structure is solid after kingside castling.

3. Nf3

   A very common move; here we simply develop our dark-squared bishop.

4. c3

   c3 to solidify the structure.

5. Bd3

   White develops, and we use the open file to give check and place our rook opposite the king.

6. Be3

   A logical move to develop and meet the check: we bring out our light-squared bishop.

7. O-O

   Our opponent castles kingside; we will set up our attack on the king using the e-file controlled by our rook.

8. h3

   They chase our bishop, but that is fine: it has a perfect square to return to.

9. Re1

   They improve their position by putting their rook opposite ours. Let’s continue our knight maneuver.

10. a4

    They start a queenside attack; let’s create a bishop–queen battery with a possible sacrifice in mind.

11. Qc2

    They attack h7 with their bishop–queen battery; let’s defend simply while putting our knight into the attack.

12. Rad1

    Here we have a brilliant bishop sacrifice that pulls the white king into a mating net.

13. gxh3

    They recapture the pawn, which we will then take with the queen.

14. Qe2

    They defend the attacked knight with the queen, but it does not work. Let’s attack the queen by using the pin.

15. Qc2

    If they naively move the queen away, it is mate.

16. Qg2#

    Easy ;)

3...Nxe4 4.Nxf6+ Nf3 5.c3 Bd3 6.Be3 O-O 7.h3 Re1 8.a4 Qc2 9.Rad1 gxh3 10.Qe2 Bxf4 11.Bxe2 Bxf4

1. Nxe4

   We play knight to f6 to attack the center and threaten their knight.

2. Nxf6+

   This is the main Tartakower Variation. We capture on e because, even if it looks strange, the pawn structure is solid after kingside castling.

3. Nf3

   A very common move; here we simply develop our dark-squared bishop.

4. c3

   c3 to solidify the structure.

5. Bd3

   White develops, and we use the open file to give check and place our rook opposite the king.

6. Be3

   A logical move to develop and meet the check: we bring out our light-squared bishop.

7. O-O

   Our opponent castles kingside; we will set up our attack on the king using the e-file controlled by our rook.

8. h3

   They chase our bishop, but that is fine: it has a perfect square to return to.

9. Re1

   They improve their position by putting their rook opposite ours. Let’s continue our knight maneuver.

10. a4

    They start a queenside attack; let’s create a bishop–queen battery with a possible sacrifice in mind.

11. Qc2

    They attack h7 with their bishop–queen battery; let’s defend simply while putting our knight into the attack.

12. Rad1

    Here we have a brilliant bishop sacrifice that pulls the white king into a mating net.

13. gxh3

    They recapture the pawn, which we will then take with the queen.

14. Qe2

    They defend the attacked knight with the queen, but it does not work. Let’s attack the queen by using the pin.

15. Bxf4

    If they take the knight, we take the queen.

16. Bxe2

    They take the rook to avoid losing theirs, so we take the bishop and the attack continues.

17. Bxf4

    Our position is crushing.

3...Nxe4 4.Nxf6+ Nf3 5.c3 Bd3 6.Be3 O-O 7.h3 Re1 8.a4 Qc2 9.Rad1 gxh3 10.Bf1 Bg2 11.Qh5

1. Nxe4

   We play knight to f6 to attack the center and threaten their knight.

2. Nxf6+

   This is the main Tartakower Variation. We capture on e because, even if it looks strange, the pawn structure is solid after kingside castling.

3. Nf3

   A very common move; here we simply develop our dark-squared bishop.

4. c3

   c3 to solidify the structure.

5. Bd3

   White develops, and we use the open file to give check and place our rook opposite the king.

6. Be3

   A logical move to develop and meet the check: we bring out our light-squared bishop.

7. O-O

   Our opponent castles kingside; we will set up our attack on the king using the e-file controlled by our rook.

8. h3

   They chase our bishop, but that is fine: it has a perfect square to return to.

9. Re1

   They improve their position by putting their rook opposite ours. Let’s continue our knight maneuver.

10. a4

    They start a queenside attack; let’s create a bishop–queen battery with a possible sacrifice in mind.

11. Qc2

    They attack h7 with their bishop–queen battery; let’s defend simply while putting our knight into the attack.

12. Rad1

    Here we have a brilliant bishop sacrifice that pulls the white king into a mating net.

13. gxh3

    They recapture the pawn, which we will then take with the queen.

14. Bf1

    White sees the mate threats and simply decides not to defend the attacked knight.

15. Bg2

    They threaten the queen, which we bring back into the attack.

16. Qh5

    Crushing position and a large material advantage.

3...Nxe4 4.Nxf6+ c3 5.Bd3 Qc2 6.Be3 O-O-O 7.Kb1 h3 8.c4 f4 9.g4 Bxc4 10.Qxc4 Qd3 11.Nd5

1. Nxe4

   We play knight to f6 to attack the center and threaten their knight.

2. Nxf6+

   This is the main Tartakower Variation. We capture on e because, even if it looks strange, the pawn structure is solid after kingside castling.

3. c3

   The most played move at high Elo. We develop our dark-squared bishop.

4. Bd3

   After this move, we castle kingside, intending to play on the open file opposite the white king.

5. Qc2

   Here White creates a threat on h7 with their queen–bishop battery.

6. Be3

   To counter the battery on h7, h6 is possible, but h5 is preferred: more modern and stronger, it gains space and neutralizes the kingside attack.

7. O-O-O

   After queenside castling, we get opposite-side castling, so we will develop our plan to attack their king.

8. Kb1

   We bring our knight to d7, a very interesting move because it continues development and can serve both as a defender for our king and as an attacking piece.

9. h3

   We develop our queen to launch the attack.

10. c4

    White tries to gain space.

11. f4

    We can see that g4 to attack our king is difficult because the h5-pawn both defends the bishop–queen battery and creates a barrier against a pawn storm on our king. Now we launch our assault with b5.

12. g4

    We ignore it and launch our attack.

13. Bxc4

    They recapture, and we trade the bishops.

14. Qxc4

    We use the queen’s position to bring a knight back into the attack.

15. Qd3

    White repositions the queen, but we are going to open our file for the rooks, and our position is crushing and very pleasant to play.

16. Nd5

    Well played, the position is crushing: the white king will not last long.

1.d4 e5 2.dxc5 Nf3 3.Bb5 Nc3 4.e6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. dxc5

   Let’s immediately attack their weak pawns with knight to c6.

4. Nf3

   Bishop to g4.

5. Bb5

   Let’s give check with queen to a5.

6. Nc3

   Pawn to e6 stabilizes our center, opens our bishop to attack the c5-pawn, and gives our knight a path to develop.

7. e6

   A game of chess ;)

1.d4 e5 2.dxc5 Bb5 3.Bxc6+ b4 4.c3 cxb4 5.Bd2 Qe2 6.Qf3 Qg6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. dxc5

   Let’s immediately attack their weak pawns with knight to c6.

4. Bb5

   Pawn to e6 opens our bishop to attack the c5-pawn and gives our knight a development path.

5. Bxc6+

   Let’s recapture, of course. Pawn takes c6.

6. b4

   A very common move in this type of position: pawn to a5.

7. c3

   Let’s take with the pawn on b4.

8. cxb4

   The very amusing move queen to h4. The idea is that we attack the b4-pawn, while also keeping some checks in reserve.

9. Bd2

   Queen to e4, forking the king, the g2-pawn, and the e5-pawn.

10. Qe2

    Do not trade queens here. Queen to g2.

11. Qf3

    And now our queen retreats to g6.

12. Qg6

    The white king is weak and exposed. It has nowhere to hide.

1.d4 e5 2.dxc5 Bb5 3.b4 c3 4.cxb4 Bxc6 5.Bxc6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. dxc5

   Let’s immediately attack their weak pawns with knight to c6.

4. Bb5

   Pawn to e6 opens our bishop to attack the c5-pawn and gives our knight a development path.

5. b4

   White tries to stabilize their pawn, so let’s destabilize it. Pawn to a5.

6. c3

   Pawn takes on b4, opening our rook.

7. cxb4

   Let’s get out of the pin with bishop to d7.

8. Bxc6

   Bishop takes on c6.

9. Bxc6

   We will continue our usual development.

1.d4 e5 2.dxc5 Bb5 3.Be3 c3 4.Bd4 Bd7

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. dxc5

   Let’s immediately attack their weak pawns with knight to c6.

4. Bb5

   Pawn to e6 opens our bishop to attack the c5-pawn and gives our knight a development path.

5. Be3

   Knight to e7.

6. c3

   The knight reaches its ideal square on f5, attacking the bishop.

7. Bd4

   White plays this move 90% of the time. If we take, we improve their pawn structure, so we will not. Instead, let’s free our king from the pin with bishop to d7.

8. Bd7

   We avwes une positiwe solid.

1.d4 e5 2.dxc5 f4 3.Nf3 Be2 4.Be3 Nf5

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. dxc5

   Let’s immediately attack their weak pawns with knight to c6.

4. f4

   Knight to h6.

5. Nf3

   When the knight comes out, we want to pin it. Bishop to g4.

6. Be2

   Pawn to e6, opening an attack on the undefended c5-pawn.

7. Be3

   Knight to f5, attacking the bishop.

8. Nf5

   Black wins most games in this position.

1.d4 e5 2.dxc5 f4 3.Nf3 Be3 4.Bf2 fxg5 5.e6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. dxc5

   Let’s immediately attack their weak pawns with knight to c6.

4. f4

   Knight to h6.

5. Nf3

   When the knight comes out, we want to pin it. Bishop to g4.

6. Be3

   The idea of our knight on h6: we can play f5 to attack the bishop.

7. Bf2

   White’s pawns look too stable. Pawn to g5.

8. fxg5

   With a single pawn move, we attack two undefended pawns. Pawn to e6.

9. e6

   Now our queen targets the g5-pawn and our bishop targets the c5-pawn.

1.d4 e5 2.dxc5 f4 3.c3 b4 4.Bb5 Bxc6 5.Bxc6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. dxc5

   Let’s immediately attack their weak pawns with knight to c6.

4. f4

   Knight to h6.

5. c3

   Let’s play the classic pawn to e6.

6. b4

   Pawn to a5.

7. Bb5

   Let’s unpin with bishop to d7.

8. Bxc6

   Bishop to c6.

9. Bxc6

   White’s king is weak; the engine gives us an advantage in this position.

1.d4 e5 2.dxc5 a3 3.b4 b5 4.Bb2 Bxe5 5.Qh5+ Qxe5 6.Nf6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. dxc5

   Let’s immediately attack their weak pawns with knight to c6.

4. a3

   Recapturing the e5-pawn is actually a bit poisoned. Instead, let’s continue our usual plan with pawn to e6, opening our bishop and giving our knight a development route.

5. b4

   We still should not take the pawn. Instead, pawn to a5.

6. b5

   We can take the pawn. Knight to e5.

7. Bb2

   White’s bishop is very powerful right now. The best way to fight back is pawn to f6.

8. Bxe5

   Pawn takes e5.

9. Qh5+

   White plays badly here and we have a huge advantage. Let’s play pawn to g6.

10. Qxe5

    Knight to f6.

11. Nf6

    Even though we are a pawn down, we will certainly win one back very soon, and our solid center makes the engine give us a two-point advantage.

1.d4 e5 2.dxc5 a3 3.b4 Bb2 4.axb4 Bxa1 5.Nxb4

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. dxc5

   Let’s immediately attack their weak pawns with knight to c6.

4. a3

   Recapturing the e5-pawn is actually a bit poisoned. Instead, let’s continue our usual plan with pawn to e6, opening our bishop and giving our knight a development route.

5. b4

   We still should not take the pawn. Instead, pawn to a5.

6. Bb2

   If they do not take us, we will take them. Pawn takes on b4.

7. axb4

   Rook takes the rook on a1.

8. Bxa1

   Now we win back our pawn. Knight takes the pawn on b4.

9. Nxb4

   The white bishop is trapped.

1.d4 e5 2.c3 Nf3 3.cxd4 h3 4.gxf3 Qb6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. c3

   Knight to c6 adds more pressure on the d4-pawn.

4. Nf3

   We will reach this position very often.

5. cxd4

   The d4-pawn is now White’s biggest weakness.

6. h3

   Bishop takes the knight on f3.

7. gxf3

   Queen to b6, adding another attacker to the d4-pawn.

8. Qb6

   White really struggles to defend.

1.d4 e5 2.c3 Nf3 3.cxd4 h3 4.Qxf3 Qd3 5.Nc6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. c3

   Knight to c6 adds more pressure on the d4-pawn.

4. Nf3

   We will reach this position very often.

5. cxd4

   The d4-pawn is now White’s biggest weakness.

6. h3

   Bishop takes the knight on f3.

7. Qxf3

   We have knight takes d4, attacking the queen.

8. Qd3

   Let’s bring our knight back to c6.

9. Nc6

   A pawn up.

1.d4 e5 2.c3 Nf3 3.cxd4 Be2 4.O-O Nc3 5.Be3 a3 6.O-O

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. c3

   Knight to c6 adds more pressure on the d4-pawn.

4. Nf3

   We will reach this position very often.

5. cxd4

   The d4-pawn is now White’s biggest weakness.

6. Be2

   Pawn to e6 frees our bishop and also opens e7 for our knight.

7. O-O

   Let’s route our knight to its new square. First, knight to e7.

8. Nc3

   Knight to f5. This puts even more pressure on the weak d4-pawn.

9. Be3

   White really wants to defend this pawn. Let’s continue development by placing our bishop on its natural square, e7.

10. a3

    Castling.

11. O-O

    We have a good position here.

1.d4 e5 2.c3 Nf3 3.cxd4 Be2 4.O-O Nc3 5.Be3 h3 6.Bxf3 Rc1 7.exf6 Bxf6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. c3

   Knight to c6 adds more pressure on the d4-pawn.

4. Nf3

   We will reach this position very often.

5. cxd4

   The d4-pawn is now White’s biggest weakness.

6. Be2

   Pawn to e6 frees our bishop and also opens e7 for our knight.

7. O-O

   Let’s route our knight to its new square. First, knight to e7.

8. Nc3

   Knight to f5. This puts even more pressure on the weak d4-pawn.

9. Be3

   White really wants to defend this pawn. Let’s continue development by placing our bishop on its natural square, e7.

10. h3

    Let’s take the knight! It is one of the last defenders of that weak d4-pawn, so we are very happy to trade it.

11. Bxf3

    Let’s castle.

12. Rc1

    Pawn to f6.

13. exf6

    We can play bishop to f6, adding an attacker to the weak d4-pawn.

14. Bxf6

    All our pieces are lined up against White’s biggest weakness.

1.d4 e5 2.c3 Nf3 3.cxd4 Be2 4.h3 Bxf3 5.Be3 Nd2 6.Bb4

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. c3

   Knight to c6 adds more pressure on the d4-pawn.

4. Nf3

   We will reach this position very often.

5. cxd4

   The d4-pawn is now White’s biggest weakness.

6. Be2

   Pawn to e6 frees our bishop and also opens e7 for our knight.

7. h3

   This is a bad move by White. When they play h3, we take the knight on f3, removing a defender of the d4-pawn.

8. Bxf3

   The queen on b6 puts extra pressure on the d4-pawn. An interesting point is that this move is only possible thanks to the early c-pawn advance. Without that earlier move, the queen would have remained blocked.

9. Be3

   Queen takes on b2. Wins a pawn.

10. Nd2

    Let’s develop our bishop to b4, pinning the knight.

11. Bb4

    We are a pawn up and have a very playable position.

1.d4 e5 2.c3 Bb5 3.Bxc6+ Bd2 4.Qb6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. c3

   Knight to c6 adds more pressure on the d4-pawn.

4. Bb5

   White pins our knight? Let’s pin White’s pawn. Queen to a5. Now White must decide what to do with the bishop.

5. Bxc6+

   Of course, we recapture. Pawn takes on c6.

6. Bd2

   White threatens a discovered attack against our queen. We must retreat while still defending our c5-pawn. Let’s do it with queen to b6.

7. Qb6

   Well played! We are better in this position, and we have ideas of bishop to a6 for later.

1.d4 e5 2.c3 f4 3.cxd4 Nf3 4.Be2 O-O 5.Qb6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. c3

   Knight to c6 adds more pressure on the d4-pawn.

4. f4

   Pawn takes on d4.

5. cxd4

   Pawn to h5. The idea is fairly complex, related to strengthening our light squares.

6. Nf3

   All right, let’s pin the knight. Bishop to g4.

7. Be2

   Now that our bishop is developed, we can play pawn to e6.

8. O-O

   The last step is to develop our queen to b6.

9. Qb6

   Even though material is equal, the engine thinks we are better in this position.

1.d4 e5 2.c3 Be3 3.Bxh6 Nf3 4.Qb6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. c3

   Knight to c6 adds more pressure on the d4-pawn.

4. Be3

   Knight to h6, with the idea of going to f5 next.

5. Bxh6

   Pawn takes the bishop on h6.

6. Nf3

   Queen to b6.

7. Qb6

   We have a multitude of threats against White; life is beautiful.

1.d4 e5 2.dxc5 a3 3.b4 Bb2 4.b5 Nf3 5.Bd3 O-O 6.Nf7

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. dxc5

   Let’s immediately attack their weak pawns with knight to c6.

4. a3

   A fairly tricky move that allows White to counterattack our bishop directly.

5. b4

   Our bishop is attacked, so we bring it back to e7.

6. Bb2

   White develops the bishop.

7. b5

   Pawn to b5 to gain space.

8. Nf3

   White develops the knight.

9. Bd3

   White develops the bishop.

10. O-O

    Kingside castling.

11. Nf7

    Our position is solid; let’s play chess.

1.d4 e5 2.Nf3 dxc5 3.c3 Be3 4.Nbd2 Bb5 5.fxe3 Bxc5

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. e5

   Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann.

3. Nf3

   White develops the knight and defends d4.

4. dxc5

   The pawn takes.

5. c3

   To block the knight.

6. Be3

   White develops the knight.

7. Nbd2

   White develops the knight.

8. Bb5

   The bishop pins the knight.

9. fxe3

   The f-pawn takes.

10. Bxc5

    We have the development advantage and an extra pawn. This is clearly better ;)

1.d4 Nc3 2.Nxe4 Ng3 3.h4 Be2 4.Nf3 Bd6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. Nc3

   If White does not move the pawn, fine, we will take it instead. Pawn takes on e4.

3. Nxe4

   Let’s develop the knight to f6.

4. Ng3

   White refused to take our knight. Let’s send a pawn forward to ask why. Pawn to h5.

5. h4

   With White’s h-pawn pushed aside, we can target the white queen with bishop to g4.

6. Be2

   Our classic pawn to e6.

7. Nf3

   Let’s develop our bishop to d6, attacking White’s unstable kingside.

8. Bd6

   We threaten to take the white knight and double their pawns.

1.d4 Nc3 2.Nxe4 Ng3 3.Nf3 Ne2 4.Bg4

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. Nc3

   If White does not move the pawn, fine, we will take it instead. Pawn takes on e4.

3. Nxe4

   Let’s develop the knight to f6.

4. Ng3

   White refused to take our knight. Let’s send a pawn forward to ask why. Pawn to h5.

5. Nf3

   Pawn to h4.

6. Ne2

   Bishop to g4.

7. Bg4

   Black wins most games in this position.

1.d4 Nc3 2.Nxe4 Bd3 3.Nf3 Nxf6+ 4.exf6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. Nc3

   If White does not move the pawn, fine, we will take it instead. Pawn takes on e4.

3. Nxe4

   Let’s develop the knight to f6.

4. Bd3

   This is a blunder: it simply gives up a pawn for no reason. Let’s go a bit further.

5. Nf3

   They push our queen back.

6. Nxf6+

   They take our knight; we recapture with the e-pawn in the same spirit as the Tartakower: a solid structure, hard to attack, and a very strong open file.

7. exf6

   A pawn up, and our position is pleasant.

1.d4 Nc3 2.Nxe4 Qe2 3.Qxd4

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. Nc3

   If White does not move the pawn, fine, we will take it instead. Pawn takes on e4.

3. Nxe4

   Let’s develop the knight to f6.

4. Qe2

   White tries to trap us: if we develop our knight to d7, there is mate in one with knight d6. Let’s be careful and simply take the d-pawn with the queen.

5. Qxd4

   We avoid the trap, take a pawn, and attack the knight twice. Queen e2 was bad: life is beautiful!

1.d4 Nc3 2.Nxe4 Ng5 3.N5f3 Bf5 4.e6

1. d4

   Caro-Kann!

2. Nc3

   If White does not move the pawn, fine, we will take it instead. Pawn takes on e4.

3. Nxe4

   Let’s develop the knight to f6.

4. Ng5

   We simply push h6.

5. N5f3

   Here our opponent will have trouble developing their pieces; let’s play around that.

6. Bf5

   We develop the bishop.

7. e6

   Let’s play chess ;)

3...fxe4 4.dxe5 g3 5.Ne2 Qxh1

1. fxe4

   White’s plan was to control the center with their two central pawns, but we immediately reply with the e5 counterattack.

2. dxe5

   This is a blunder: the pawn is not really edible. We could already enter an endgame with queen takes queen, but there is even better.

3. g3

   White blocks the check with the pawn, a big blunder that loses a rook.

4. Ne2

   They block the check, but taking the rook is inevitable.

5. Qxh1

   Well played, a full extra rook: it is winning. Life is beautiful.

3...fxe4 4.dxe5 Ke2 5.Be3 Nf3 6.Qd3 Qxe5

1. fxe4

   White’s plan was to control the center with their two central pawns, but we immediately reply with the e5 counterattack.

2. dxe5

   This is a blunder: the pawn is not really edible. We could already enter an endgame with queen takes queen, but there is even better.

3. Ke2

   Bad square for the king.

4. Be3

   They parry the check with the bishop, but we immediately target the queen with our bishop while giving check.

5. Nf3

   They cover with the knight; we continue the pressure.

6. Qd3

   The queen defends, which allows us to take the pawn.

7. Qxe5

   Result: an extra pawn, the enemy king is very badly placed, and our pieces converge toward it.

3...fxe4 4.dxe5 Kd2 5.Qxe4

1. fxe4

   White’s plan was to control the center with their two central pawns, but we immediately reply with the e5 counterattack.

2. dxe5

   This is a blunder: the pawn is not really edible. We could already enter an endgame with queen takes queen, but there is even better.

3. Kd2

   The king moves to the best square.

4. Qxe4

   What can we say… the king is very badly placed, and our pieces will naturally converge toward it. Castling is impossible: crushing position.

3...fxe4 4.c3 Kd2 5.Qxe4

1. fxe4

   White’s plan was to control the center with their two central pawns, but we immediately reply with the e5 counterattack.

2. c3

   As bad as pawn takes e5, again because of queen h4.

3. Kd2

   The king moves.

4. Qxe4

   Extra pawn and centralized king.

3...fxe4 4.Nf3 h3 5.Qxf3

1. fxe4

   White’s plan was to control the center with their two central pawns, but we immediately reply with the e5 counterattack.

2. Nf3

   White’s best move.

3. h3

   This move simply loses a pawn for no reason.

4. Qxf3

   Whether White recaptures with the pawn or the queen, it changes nothing: we win a pawn.

3...fxe4 4.Nf3 Bc4 5.c3 Qb3 6.O-O Ng5 7.Nxf7 Bxf7 8.Be3 Nd2 9.Bxd2 Be3 10.Bxd4 Bd6

1. fxe4

   White’s plan was to control the center with their two central pawns, but we immediately reply with the e5 counterattack.

2. Nf3

   White’s best move.

3. Bc4

   If we do not play the right move here, we could lose our bishop. So, no mistake!

4. c3

   They prepare queen b3 to create a battery targeting f7 while putting b7 under pressure. So we defend our weakness with the bishop.

5. Qb3

   Queen b3 as expected.

6. O-O

   Kingside castling.

7. Ng5

   White launches the attack, but we had everything planned: we give up the pawn and castle queenside. There will be no fork thanks to our bishop.

8. Nxf7

   So we sacrifice our pawn, but we will get revenge on e4 and prepare our counterattack.

9. Bxf7

   Bishop takes bishop, obviously.

10. Be3

    They develop the bishop and protect our future capture of the d4-pawn.

11. Nd2

    They develop the knight and attack our knight; we trade.

12. Bxd2

    White recaptures.

13. Be3

    White repositions the bishop.

14. Bxd4

    White recaptures and leaves room for our plan.

15. Bd6

    Our plan is simple: push the h-pawn and play on our bishop–queen battery. We should have no problem finishing this game.

3...fxe4 4.Nf3 Bc4 5.O-O dxe5 6.Kh1 Be2 7.Bxf3 Nc3 8.Bf4 O-O-O

1. fxe4

   White’s plan was to control the center with their two central pawns, but we immediately reply with the e5 counterattack.

2. Nf3

   White’s best move.

3. Bc4

   If we do not play the right move here, we could lose our bishop. So, no mistake!

4. O-O

   Kingside castling, but the pressure on f7, with possible bishop sacrifices, forces us to block it with our knight.

5. dxe5

   Pawn takes is very natural because the queens face each other. Here we must develop the queen with check.

6. Kh1

   The king moves. We take back the pawn.

7. Be2

   The threatened bishop comes to defend the attack on the knight, a very logical move.

8. Bxf3

   We do not take the bishop; we return to e6.

9. Nc3

   We would like to castle queenside, but the queen prevents it. So we block its line with the knight.

10. Bf4

    White develops the bishop.

11. O-O-O

    Our position has no major weaknesses; let’s play chess ;)

3...Nxe4 4.Nxf6+ d4

1. Nxe4

   Our idea here is to transpose into the Tartakower with knight to f6.

2. Nxf6+

   White enters the Tartakower.

3. d4

   Well played, we have transposed into the Tartakower Variation. We know it; let’s crush our opponent.

3...Nxe4 4.Ng3 h5

1. Nxe4

   Our idea here is to transpose into the Tartakower with knight to f6.

2. Ng3

   Here we transpose into the main line of the Caro-Kann. See the dedicated chapter: we gain space with the h-pawn.

3. h5

   We know this; let’s crush our opponent.

3...Nxe4 4.Qe2 Qxe4 5.Bc4 Ne5 6.e6

1. Nxe4

   Our idea here is to transpose into the Tartakower with knight to f6.

2. Qe2

   The move Qe2 is tricky here because of the mate threat with knight d6. Let’s simplify this.

3. Qxe4

   We will develop our knight and try to gain a tempo on the queen.

4. Bc4

   We gain a tempo on the queen.

5. Ne5

   Beware of mate on f7: the queen is not edible.

6. e6

   Let’s play chess ;)