Caro-Kann

Here is an instructive game that I played, opening with the Caro-Kann. This is the classical /spassky variation. The key moments of learning for me were 15… O-O? 16… Nxg4? and 24… Be5??

I understood that castling was likely bad as it invites white to attack on the kingside. There are some lines in the Caro-Kann where it is best to stay in the middle with the king or castle queenside.

I also knew that Nxg4 was likely bad as it opened up the file, giving it to white for an attack, but I wanted to see how it would pan out. With correct play white was in a winning position.

The last instructive move 24… Be5?? was a move I didn’t see as bad at all and it was a total blunder. I remember playing a game where I made the same mistake my opponent did, trading off pieces, rather than pinning with the rook and winning material.

I haven’t yet studied the advance line as black in the Caro-Kann. I know that you can get French Defense type structures and ideas. I know you want to get rid of your light squared bishop, so that it is not stuck behind pawns. I also remembered this interesting idea of Nh6, then Nf5.

A few poor moves (as would be expected in blitz), but overall a fairly good example of the types of position that can arise in the Caro-Kann. I feel fairly confident playing against the Caro-Kann and yet I made an early blunder forgetting to play Kf3. Luckily my opponent missed the opportunity to take the advantage. The game was a good lesson in move order!