Caro-Kann questions

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A_Modest_Proposal

Nov 25, 2009

I have a few quick quick questions about two Caro-Kann variations.

Firstly in this variation:

What is the point of this last move? From what I see, white has just given himself a knight with no useful squares to defend OR potentially attack. He also blocks up some of his own pieces. Can someone explain the purpose of this popular move?

Secondly:

I've seen many sites talk up this opening to no end, but when it comes down to a basic explaination of its principles, I can't find much information. It looks risky, yes, but what are the long term goals? positions? Anything would help, thanks.

erikido23

Nov 25, 2009

In the first diagram n-c3 prevents a n-e4 or at least discourages it and possibly prepares the same g4.

Check out this web site for the second....

http://www.danamackenzie.com/blog/?p=290

NM ozzie_c_cobblepot

Nov 25, 2009

The two lines are related. To understand the first, one must understand the second.

For the second, I believe the line often goes (after g4) Be4 f3 Bg6 e6, where white sacs a pawn for a bit of disruption of black's pieces. I don't know much about the theory behind that move, because I personally usually play Bd7 after g4.

For the first, white's Nc3 is both a useful waiting move coupled with protection of e4. So when black plays ...e6, white continues with g4 Bg6 Nge2 generally. Note in this line black basically is forced to play Bg6, and can't play either of the moves that are in the first variation.

This is my early $.02 on the matter.

Conquistador

Nov 25, 2009

Yeah the 1st diagram is one of my five different weapons I use against the Caro-Kann.

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.Nc3 e6 5.g4 and now the bishop does not want to go to e4 which is a problem with the second diagram with 4.g4.